Coord, Power System

Job Summary

The Power System Coordinators at the Transmission Control Center (TCC) provide Safe and Reliable operation of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System (ITS) in real-time in accordance with the NERC Reliability Standards and other established guidelines and procedures. This Power System Coordinator (PSC) role directs real-time operations for an assigned area of the state—including daily switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance activities, monitoring system alarms for loading, outages, or equipment issues, maintaining system voltages at reliable levels, and responding to system events to isolate faults and restore service to customers.  The PSC is also responsible for notifying affected stakeholders during system events and for directing field employees in performing switching operations during routine and emergency conditions.  The TCC team provides 24x7 operations 365 days per year.  The PSC will work on a rotating shift which will include day, night, holiday, and weekend shifts during the year. The Power System Coordinator will be required to work outside their normal shift hours during call outs, emergencies and severe weather events. 

Opportunity:  The successful candidates will gain extensive knowledge of the power system and the daily application of power engineering concepts working in a high-performance team environment. The training and experience received will prepare them for NERC Certification and a rewarding career in Transmission Operations.  The successful candidates will also build strong working relationships throughout Power Delivery, Generation, and other cross-functional areas—as well as with the Georgia ITS, renewable resources, and other utilities and power system stakeholders.  The successful candidates will gain experience in power system monitoring and control applications and will develop excellent teamwork, problem solving, decision making and communication skills. 

Expectation:  There is an expectation for the PSC to remain in the TCC to develop in the role and progress to a Senior level PSC. At this level, the PSC must demonstrate competency in the role, while successfully meeting performance, behavioral, and technical requirements.

Training:  Successful candidates will enter five weeks of formal training to prepare for NERC Transmission Operator Certification, which is a requirement for continued employment. After successful completion of NERC certification, candidates will then enter a structured, six-month training program to develop the knowledge and skills required to assume shift operations.  The training includes classroom training, computer simulation, and OJT with experienced operators.  Evening and weekend study is required to meet learning objectives and pass assessments.  

Location & Level:  Candidates must live within a commutable distance of Lithia Springs or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance will be considered depending on circumstances. This role requires occasional travel and overnight stays (<5 times per year). This position will be filled at exempt level 4E, 5E or 6E, depending on the knowledge, skills, and experience of the successful candidate.

Insider Threat Program Applies: This position falls under the company’s Insider Threat Program and will have access and control over sensitive systems. Enhanced screening including background, drug screen, and psychological assessment, is required if you are selected. 

Job Responsibilities

• Daily switching to establish safe clearances for construction and maintenance activities
• Monitor system alarms for loading, outages, or equipment issues
• Maintain system voltages at reliable levels
• Respond to system events in real-time to isolate faults and restore service to customers
• Notify affected stakeholders during system events
• Direct field personnel in switching activities during routine and emergency conditions
• Write and issue switching instructions
• Manage clearances on transmission lines and equipment
• Meet NERC Reliability requirements and ensure accurate record retention of all outages and switching
• Coordinate transmission resources
• Coordinate generation resources
• Document and track equipment discrepancies

Job Requirements

 Education & Experience

• Engineering or other degree programs or certifications involving electric power systems, are a plus
• Electric Power Utility experience, specifically in Power Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Engineering or Construction of Transmission Lines and Substations is preferred
• Experience as an operator (in a control room environment) or rotating shifts is a plus
• Knowledge of electrical systems operations, equipment, procedures, and switching is a plus
• NERC Transmission Operator Certification and/or Georgia Integrated Transmission Systems (ITS) "Redbook" knowledge is a plus

 Knowledge, Skills, & Behavioral Attributes

• Team oriented.  Enjoys working closely with team members. Strong customer focus. Provide proper etiquette for excellent customer service.
• Strong skills in problem-solving and decision-making under time pressure. Self-directed.
• Ability to learn and apply complex Power System monitoring and control software applications
• Ability to perform calmly during high volume activities and system emergencies
• Enjoys developing others through On-The-Job Training and/or formal training
• Strong attention to detail and demonstrates Southern Company’s Our Values. Builds trusting relationships through personal integrity
• Demonstrates personal commitment to Safety Excellence
• Demonstrates leadership in fostering an inclusive environment

Other Requirements

• Work a 24x7 rotating shift position - working 12-hour shifts including days, nights, holidays, and weekends.
• Expected to relocate permanent residence to within commutable distance of Lithia Springs, GA area if not already living within commutable distance of metro Atlanta. Relocation assistance will be considered depending on circumstances.
• Required to work outside their normal shift hours during call outs, emergencies and severe weather events.
• Comfortable working indoors.
• Position requires sitting/standing for long periods of time. 
• Must become NERC certified as a Transmission Operator.
• Must complete structured in-house training along with On-The-Job training and achieve shift readiness.
• Must complete annual NERC compliance training requirements
• Applicants selected to interview for this position will be required to successfully pass the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SO/PD) II Test or have been previously grandfathered for the test requirement. If you are selected for further consideration, you will be invited to take this test at a Testing Center. SOPD II practice tests are available at https://southerncompany.jobs/hiring-process/ Frequently Asked Questions. Select “How does the employment testing process work?” and login using links provided.
• Must obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance

The successful candidates must adhere to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol

Disclaimer:

This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities