Transmission Dispatcher (Onsite)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

Relocation Assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the shift manager, works to manage daily planned outages and to match energy schedules to meet system energy needs on a real-time basis in compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, WECC Regional Reliability Standards, and applicable ISO Tariff, to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the ISO controlled grid. Maintains logs and related documentation for grid operations. Performs related work as required.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinates and approves planned outages of the transmission system to ensure system security and reliable operations.

 
• Maintains and establishes contact with participating transmission owners ensuring reliable data acquisition, maintenance schedules and information overseeing the operation, control and usage of the transmission system.

 
• Implements transmission service rights under existing contracts.

 
• Controls applicable interchange schedules to meet Balancing Authority Area obligations, emergency responses, WECC Regional Reliability Standards and NERC Reliability Standards, and supports the transmission system in the most reliable manner.

 
• Exercises corrective scheduling action under normal and emergency conditions.

 
• Coordinates and schedules energy resources to meet system load requirements.

 
• As appropriate, exercises authority over scheduling coordinators regarding system reliability and system emergencies.

 
• Monitors and responds to telemetry alarms or failures.

 
• Checks accuracy of metering tie points used by SCADA.

 
• Maintains logs and documentation for grid operations and prepares reports as required.

 
• Takes or directs appropriate real-time actions, as necessary, under normal and emergency conditions, to maintain system reliability in compliance with WECC Regional Reliability Standards, NERC Reliability Standards, and ISO procedures, up to and including the shedding of firm customer load

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or Computer Science or completion of formal System Operator training program or equivalent system operations experience.

Amount of Experience:

Completion of California ISO formal Operations Trainee program or 2 years of experience as a system operator.

Certifications:

NERC System Operator Certification required.

Type of Experience:

System operator experience. Recent experience in either California or other major WECC transmission grid or Balancing Authority Area desired. Background in Electrical System Operations or Electric Utility Operations helpful.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate multiple activities with multiple parties. Ability to respond effectively to emergency conditions and operate in a highly stressful and dynamic environment. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. Excellent communication and analytical skills required.

The pay range for the Transmission Dispatcher is $69.13 - $79.35 per hour.