Associate System Operator or System Operator I

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Position Summary:

*Note: this position may be filled for one of two possible focuses, generation or transmission, depending on department need and candidate experience.

This position is the first level of the System Operator classification hierarchy.

The Associate System Operator is a trainee position that has the responsibility with limited direct supervision to develop advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to obtain the credentials, professional competencies, and intellectual capability required and defined in the Duke Energy System Operator Qualification Program (SOQP). Employees will obtain/maintain NERC System Operator certification and obtain all required job task verifications required by the System Operator position. The System Operator monitors bulk electric system parameters such as system load, frequency, voltage, line flows, transformer flows, voltages, etcetera via the Energy Management System and other systems and has the responsibility and accountability to ensure the electric system meets demand while being operated within defined parameters.

The Associate System Operator will not independently operate on the BES until they have obtained the required and appropriate credentials (NERC Certification and functional job task verification). Prior to obtaining these required credentials, the Associate System Operator will be partnered with a System Operator I or higher while working at a functional console. They do not make independent operational decisions that could affect the bulk electric system until they are appropriately credentialed.

The Associate System Operator training program requires flexible scheduling that includes the ability to work 24x7 shift rotation, shift change debriefing in addition to regular 40-hour work weeks. Upon completion of training program, incumbent will move through System Operator hierarchy to positions of increasing responsibilities.

The System Operator position has the responsibility and clear independent decision-making authority to alleviate operating emergencies or direct timely and appropriate real time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations on a 24x7 basis during both normal and emergency conditions. This responsibility and independent decision-making authority include actions up to and including firm load shedding to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limit or Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit violations.

This authority does not require the approval, involvement, or presence of higher-level management personnel to execute.

The System Operator monitors bulk electric system parameters such as system load, frequency, voltage, line flows, transformer flows, voltages, etcetera via the Energy Management System and other systems and has the responsibility and accountability to ensure the electric system meets demand while being operated within defined parameters. The System Operator shall act to return the system to these prescribed parameters when excursions occur. The System Operator shall be familiar with and comply with reliability standards applicable to real time operations and will operate the system in accordance with these standards. Where a power system provides off-site power to Nuclear Power Plants, the System Operator shall operate the power system such that reliable off-site power is provided to the Nuclear Power Plants in such a manner as to mitigate risk to the public’s health and safety.

This position may be used as an entry level position, above the Associate System Operator position, for candidates who have relevant industry experience and who will be operating BES equipment, but who will need to be ERO certified, trained, task verified, qualified, etc. During this initial training period, this candidate will not be making independent decisions and will be considered in a “trainee” role, acting under the direct control of properly credentialed System Operators.

Responsibilities for Associate System Operator:

• Obtains job task verification by continually improving job-related, technical and professional advanced knowledge, skills and performance utilizing discretion and judgment.

• With limited direct supervision, prepares for and successfully passes the NERC system operator certification examination and obtains required functional job task verification utilizing discretion and judgment.

• Successfully completes all training requirements - including those required by Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) Standards as well as any regional/local operator certification, such as PJM.

Responsibilities for System Operator I:

• Responsible for the secure and reliable operation of the Duke Energy power system assets in the System Operator’s Balancing Authority area or Transmission Operations area.

• Responsible for directing the implementation of real time actions that support the safe, reliable, and economic operation of the Bulk Electric System and/or sub Bulk Electric System and associated equipment.

• Responsible for compliance with associated ERO reliability standards

• Performs necessary real-time and/or forward looking system operational analysis

• Continually improves job-related, technical and professional knowledge, skills and performance - including meeting/exceeding ERO training requirements

• Represents System Operations positively and professionally in all communications

• Conducts power system operations in a manner that mitigates risk to personnel safety, corporate earnings, and public health and safety.

• May serve as a resource for on-the-job training for other operators.

Generation specific Responsibilities

• Employees will be responsible for generation dispatch in a Reliable and Economic manner.

• Once qualified/certified, performs as Duke Energy Progress Balancing Authority.

Transmission specific Responsibilities

• Employees will direct and lead transmission switching and clearance work on non-bulk electric system (BES) equipment.

• Once qualified/certified, performs as Duke Energy Progress Transmission Operator.

Basic/Required Qualifications – Associate System Operator

• Technical Degree

• In Lieu of Degree, High School / GED and 2 years minimum required related experience

Basic/Required Qualifications – System Operator I

• Technical Degree

• In addition to required degree, one (1) year minimum of related work experience

• In Lieu of Degree, High School / GED and 3 years minimum required related experience

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• 4 year degree in engineering or related technical subject

• Advanced knowledge of basic system operations and equipment

• NERC System Operator Certification

• Regional or local system operator certification/job task verification

Working Conditions

• Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a designated company facility.

• Ability to work in a 24 X 7 rotating shift schedule or typical office hours

Specific Requirements

• Two-year technical degree or 2 to 4 years relevant work experience

• Either two-year technical degree AND completion of System Operator Appropriate training and certifications as required to operate console (NERC Cert & Task Verification), OR 2 years relevant work experience AND completion of System Operator Appropriate Training and certifications as required to operate console (NERC Cert & Task Verification) OR 4 years relevant work experience with ability to complete task verification and maintain/acquire NERC Cert. Regional task verification (PJM, where required)

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)

Yes

Represented/Union Position

No

Visa Sponsored Position

No

Posting Expiration Date

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

All job postings expire at 12:01 AM on the posting expiration date.

Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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