Transmission System Operator

Coordinates monitors and evaluates the realtime operation and control of LCRA transmission grid at the System Operations Control Center (SOCC). Coordinates and performs switching of LCRA TSC customer and leased transmission lines working with maintenance personnel in restoration efforts to safely and efficiently restore power to the enduse customer. Performs routine engineering analysis and calculations necessary for realtime line loading functions and load flow functions in order to adapt to changing system conditions.

You will be trusted to:

Monitor and control (through SCADA) transmission and substation facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading within ratings a reliable system voltage profile and operation within first contingency limits. This includes maintaining/restoring acceptable generating unit reactive capacity line loading bus voltages transformer load tap changes switched capacitors/reactors and operation of transmission breakers/switches. This also includes monitoring and responding to station equipment alarms and grid element voltage/limit alarms.
Restore service (through SCADA and dispatch of field personnel) to transmission and substation facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity.
Write check and issue switching orders for transmission and substation facilities consistent with the Transmission Services Safety and Health Handbook LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual and System Operations Procedures to ensure safety of field personnel while making transmission and substation facilities available for maintenance and construction activities.
Coordinate all switching activities with other utilities to make certain safety and reliability are upheld.
Ensure appropriate communications on all transmission events to LCRA System Operations management LCRA Customers and ERCOT.
Log all activities (planned and unplanned events) in the System Operator Daily Log to provide current system status.
Monitor and report all communication problems on RTUs and the EMS to ensure vital communications are available for normal and emergency operations.
Utilize oneline diagrams as a tool in writing and checking switching orders.
Coordinate and direct Black Start restoration activities between LCRA TSC field staff LCRA QSE LCRA generating units Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating units and ERCOT to restore service in the event of a statewide blackout.
Maintain working knowledge of all System Operations procedures manuals handbooks plans and technology systems.
Maintain NERC Certification (at the Transmission Operator level) to assure understanding of NERC policies and to meet NERC requirements
Provide recommendations to System Operations management on operating procedures EMS enhancements and training topics to improve processes and procedures.
Monitor weather conditions to ensure LCRA system operations readiness during adverse weather conditions.
Maintain working knowledge of RealTime Contingency Analysis (RTCA) and State Estimator tools and applications.
Has the authority to shed firm load during ERCOT Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) event or any events where shedding firm load is necessary to maintain the integrity of the transmission grid and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment.
Has the authority to restore load following force majeure and mandated load shedding events.

You qualify with:

Four or more years experience in realtime operation and control of electric transmission and/or distribution systems transmission equipment field operations or power plant operations or other relevant experience. A degree(s) in electrical engineering technology electrical technology electronics or relevant field may be substituted per LCRA guidelines for certain years of experience.
Fluent in the English language
NERC System Operator Certification or equivalent

You are a great fit with:

Knowledge of the LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual
Knowledge of LCRA System Operations Procedures
Knowledge of basic electricity fundamentals and typical electrical systems and equipment
Knowledge of electric transmission and generation facilities
Working knowledge of system oneline diagrams
Knowledge of ERCOT Operating Guides
Knowledge of NERC Operating Policies and Reliability Standards
Knowledge of Black Start responsibilities including LCRA black start corridors
Comprehensive knowledge of EMS and associated communications systems
General understanding of field personnel operations
Advanced skill level in Energy Management System for transmission switching control
Skill in analyzing and solving complex problems
Advanced skill in reading and interpreting diagrams and prints
Skill in verbal and written communication
Basic skill level in office productivity applications (such as email word processing spreadsheets etc.
Skill in communicating effectively with team members supervision / management and external organizations under normal and emergency conditions
Ability to remain alert over a 12hour period in order to respond to a variety of emerging events
Ability to keep current on changing policies procedures and regulations related to the transmission system
Ability to work in a team environment
Work hours are spent in an office industrial electrical substation and/or plant environment
Work involves weekends holidays and nonstandard hours
Work involves a rotating shift schedule
Work involves callout as necessary
Works in close proximity to energized highvoltage electrical equipment when participating in field training
Work requires use of protective equipment
Work is confined to a particular work space which requires relief to leave

Physical Demands:

Work involves frequent finger/hand manipulation in using a keyboard and mouse
Work involves constant sitting

You gain:

Competitive salary & medical dental vision and legal insurance

Paid time off including time for vacation sick and family care leave

401(k) match up to 8 that includes a student loan 401(k) contribution program option

Life and disability insurance

Wellness program including wellness incentive

Extensive learning & development programs

And more all to create a compelling and rewarding work environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

LCRA provides equal employment opportunities and a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at LCRA are based on business need job requirement and individual qualifications without regard to race color religion gender identity national origin age disability sexual orientation genetic information or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal and state legal requirements governing nondiscrimination in employment.

LCRA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact LCRA Human Resourcesor email . Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a casebycase basis.