NERC Certified System Operator

Job Description

Job Description

NERC Certified System Operator

The System Operator reports to the System Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient real-time operation of balancing authority and generation assets from a Network Operations Center (NOC). This role monitors system conditions, coordinates generation and interchange schedules, responds to system events, and ensures continuous compliance with applicable reliability standards — while optimizing operational performance and supporting grid reliability.

This position plays a critical role during both normal and emergency operating conditions and is entrusted with the authority to take timely real-time operational actions to protect the bulk electric system, support system restoration, and prevent potential reliability violations. The System Operator works closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain system integrity and operational excellence.

•      Operate and monitor balancing authority and generation assets in real time to ensure safe, reliable, and economic performance

•      Manage hourly resource optimization, generation dispatch, and interchange scheduling

•      Respond to system disturbances, outages, and emergency conditions in coordination with transmission operators, reliability coordinators, and internal stakeholders

•      Ensure continuous compliance with NERC, WECC, FERC, and applicable regional reliability standards (including AESO/Alberta requirements, as applicable)

•      Coordinate with internal operations, environmental, and asset management teams, as well as external trading and reliability partners

•      Review and approve switching activities and coordinate planned and unplanned outages to support system reliability

•      Prepare and provide operational reports, system updates, and event communications to leadership

•      Support the training, development, and mentoring of Associate System Operators

•      Provide training to Associate System Operators in real-time direction of interconnected generation asset operations

•      Perform direct asset operations in a highly reliable, safe manner in accordance with NERC and WECC reliability standards for BA & GOP, including adherence to procedures, policies, guidelines, and real-time logging requirements

•      Work with the Compliance Team to implement new or updated reliability standards

•      Maintain NERC Reliability or Balancing Interchange Certification, including a minimum of 60 continuing education hours over each 3-year period (30 hours simulated operations, 30 hours NERC standards training)

•      Demonstrate high customer focus, ensuring system event and outage information is accurate and communicated in a timely manner to the Lead System Operator, NOC Manager, senior management, and third-party asset owner/operators

•      Follow department procedures and utilize human performance tools to ensure clarity in instructions and communications with field personnel

•      Support reporting and settlement duties for generation projects and third-party generation operations

•      Contribute to the development and maintenance of NOC procedures, policies, and operational guidelines

•      Maintain effective working relationships within the department and across the organization; sustain professional competence and composure under normal and high-stress operating conditions

Education & Experience

•      Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience (typically 6 years of related, progressive experience in lieu of a degree)

•      1–5 years of experience in electric operations or a related function

•      NERC Certification

Certifications

•      Valid NERC certification at the Reliability Coordinator or Balancing Interchange level — required prior to operating the bulk electric system

•      Certification must be maintained through ongoing NERC-approved continuing education

Technical Knowledge

•      Strong understanding of bulk electric system operations, generation dispatch, and balancing authority principles

•      Experience with Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, and operational monitoring tools — preferred

•      Experience with renewable generation, power markets (WECC, EIM, AESO, MISO, ERCOT, PJM), or wind forecasting — preferred

Core Competencies

•      Ability to analyze complex system conditions, make sound real-time decisions under pressure, and manage multiple priorities simultaneously

•      Strong communication and coordination skills for interfacing with internal teams and external reliability partners

•      Demonstrated commitment to compliance, safety, and operational reliability

•      CIP-compliant Network Operations Center (NOC) with required security protocols

•      24/7 operations environment with rotating 12.5-hour shifts

•      Schedule includes nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call responsibilities

•      Occasional travel to generation facilities may be required

•      Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation in a control room environment

•      Ability to monitor multiple systems and communicate effectively via phone, electronic, and written communication

•      Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds