Transmission System Operator - Transmission Security (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, coordinates the day-to-day operation of the transmission system managed by the California ISO, including forced outages, system restoration, voltage control and congestion management, consistent with NERC Reliability Standards, WECC Regional Reliability Standards, applicable ISO Tariff and procedures 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:

• Controls the transmission grid and the switching of bulk transmission lines and associated facilities. Exercises corrective action under urgent and/or emergency conditions (e.g., voltage problems, path overloads, exceeding equipment ratings).

 
• Manages forced outages of the transmission system to ensure system security and reliable operations, coordinates restoration following forced outages. Evaluates real-time line and equipment outage requests to determine their effect on the system.  

 
• Directs the operation of the interconnection and voltage control equipment.

 
• Assists in the management of congestion conditions.

 
• Troubleshoots and analyzes the cause and extent of transmission system disturbances and interruptions impact on related facilities. 

 
• 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.

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

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 plus one year of California ISO system operations experience or 3 years of experience as a system operator.

Certifications:

NERC System Operator Certification required.

Type of Experience:

Journey level utility transmission operations required. Experience in a one or more of the following areas desired: Substation System Operator, System Dispatcher, Real-time Operations, Transmission, Scheduling, Pre-scheduling and Generation.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Must be able to perform effectively under emergency and high-pressure situations and work effectively in a team environment. Excellent communication and analytical skills required.

The pay range for the Transmission Security position is $82.94 - $101.01 per hour.