System Operator – Bulk Power Operations

Birmingham, AL

This System Operator position is for the Power Coordination Center floor operation desks which perform certain reliability functions set forth and strictly monitored by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). The reliability functions include the Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, Interchange Authority, Transmission Operator, and Transmission Service Provider. The System Operator position is progression based and entry points depend on the applicant’s experience level, The successful candidate must demonstrate proficiency to assume roles at each operational console. Individuals new to the area will be initially trained and evaluated on their ability to perform duties of the interchange console before progressing to the Balancing Authority console and then the Reliability Coordinator console. Progression from one console to the next usually requires an approximate time of two years. There are three Consoles in the PCC where Operators work around the clock to manage the Southern Company BES. Below are the functional responsibilities of each console:

Interchange Console

• Utilize Open Access Same Time Information System (OASIS) to process hourly and daily requests for transmission service within the Southern Balancing Authority Area (SBAA)

• Process electronic tags (e-tags) for scheduling transmission service within the SBAA

• Make real-time changes to OASIS interface capacity offerings in the event of system constraints

• Manage scheduled power flows within or crossing the borders of the SBAA

• Perform hourly checkouts according NERC standards with neighboring Balancing Authorities to verify incoming and outgoing scheduled transactions

• Perform hourly checkouts according to NERC standards with neighboring Balancing Areas to verify the amount of metered power across tie lines

Balancing Console

• Balance real-time generation and load within the Southern Balancing Authority Area

• Work in conjunction with Operations Planning and Generation Fleet Operations and to ensure that adequate generation is available

• Monitor generation reserves to handle unforeseen changes in load or system-to-system transfers

• Verify accurate metering of inter- and intra-company tie lines

• Develop day ahead and intra-day load forecast projections

Reliability Console

• Responsible for the safe and reliable operation of the Southeastern Sub-Region of the Southeastern Reliability

• Corporation (SERC) including continuous monitoring of real-time system conditions

• Performs next day forecasting of system conditions to ensure that sufficient transmission and generation resources are available

• Configures resources such that the system will survive the single largest contingency

• Coordinate restoration efforts and resynchronize the grid in the event of a blackout condition

Candidates with the following preferred experience are encouraged to apply!

Education & Experience Requirements

• 3 + years of Electric Utility Transmission Operating experience and/or 5 + years of power plant operations experience highly desired

• Previous Electric Utility Transmission Operating experience as a Balancing Authority, Reliability Coordinator,

• Transmission Operator and/or Interchange Authority is highly desired

• Control Center/Energy Management System (EMS) experience desired

• Previous experience/understanding working in energy/transmission markets is strongly desired

• College Degree preferred or equivalent work experience

• Previous experience working a rotating shift is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership and good interpersonal skills are required. The successful candidate will be expected to work with other professionals such as coordinators, operating company transmission control center personnel and management in a team-oriented and sometimes stressful environment

• Must be able to handle multiple tasks at one time, and be able to prioritize work and provide leadership during critical system events

• Must be comfortable with making decisions often with limited input and extreme time constraints

• Must have good problem-solving skills

• Must have comprehensive computer skills (including Excel and Word) to utilize numerous computer applications

• Broad knowledge of interconnected power system operations

• Excellent written and clear oral communication skills

• Working knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS) and its application/use in interconnected power system operations

Other Requirements

• Successful applicant is required to already have or obtain North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Reliability Coordinator operator certification, within 5 months of start date, before being able to perform operation duties and to facilitate continued employment. Training is provided to achieve such certification. While in training the successful candidate will report to the Operations Training Manager

• The successful candidate will work a 24x7, 6-week rotating shift position - working 12-hour shifts including days, nights, and weekends (including holidays). See example below. Days/Nights are 12-hours, R’s (Relief Shift) are 8 hours and TF’s (Training Firm) are 10 hours. The schedule for the upcoming year is available before Thanksgiving and vacation is usually scheduled during the Relief weeks. Shift swaps and a vacation request process are utilized to facilitate vacation days for previously scheduled shifts.

• Applicants selected to interview for this position will be required to successfully pass the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SOPD) II Test or have been previously grandfathered for the test requirement. The hiring manager or an HR Business Consultant will contact the successful applicants with details regarding testing requirements and locations.

  • SOPD II practices tests are available https://southerncompany.jobs/hiring-process/ Beneath "How does the Hiring Process Work"

• Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Standard of Conduct must be understood and signed

• The successful candidate must adhere to Separation Protocol

• The successful candidate must pass all requirements required by the Southern Company Insider Threat Program, which includes but is not limited to a NERC cyber security background check and required training.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 8315

Job Category: Power System and Control Center Operations

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services