Sr Trainer - System Operations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Designs and implements an effective and comprehensive training program for System Operators (including both Distribution and Transmission Operators) and supports staff by:

Leads the development of Distribution and Transmission Operators through both initial and continuing education.

Conducts evaluations of System Operator’s performance, training materials (including exams to test proficiency), and training program during normal and emergency conditions to identify performance gaps.

Develops and presents a multi-year plan to leadership for approval. The plan should include mandated training requirements and ideas for Electric System Control Center (ESCC) operational improvements.

Assesses training needs for the Company and for individual System Operators and then develops and delivers appropriate training.

Plans, develops, and delivers training and staff development programs.

Designs training manuals, presentations, computer-based training, multimedia visual aids, exams, and other educational materials using knowledge of the methods such as classroom training, demonstrations, on-the-job training, meetings, conferences, and workshops either via group or individual sessions. Creates new and update existing manuals and job aids when needed.

Implements individualized training plans for system personnel and schedules training that integrates ESCC operation needs with training resources.

Ensures Company developed and available off-site training meets NERC requirements and addresses all NERC Reliability Standards as they apply to System Operators.

Responsible for updating and training System Operators on design, material, technology changes within the distribution or transmission system. Distribution examples include automatic transfer switches, substation or distribution automation, (fault location, isolation, and service restoration) FLISR, volt/var optimization (VVO), conservation voltage reduction (CVR).

Creates and delivers training scenarios utilizing the Energy Management System (EMS) and the Distribution Management System (DMS) for both System and Distribution operators.

Creates and delivers training scenarios utilizing the Operator Training Simulator (OTS). Ensures that model updates moved to the real time EMS network applications systems are transferable to the OTS. Scenarios to include various contingency cases identified as high probability or high impact.

Manages and tests assets including the OTS and backup control center (BUCC) to ensure computer systems, software and telecommunications equipment are maintained and updated to ensure a seamless transition in emergency conditions.

Runs ESCC emergency preparedness drills.

Evaluates NERC and CAISO Reliability Coordinator (RC) standards, monitors for updates, and modifies/creates training as required to maintain an up-to-date set of training documents.

Coordinates system restoration drills and other regional training activities or events as required.

Maintains tracking system for all required training sessions, notes and dates from training sessions, course completion test scores and continuing education hours for each System Operator, NERC Certification renewals, and regulatory audits.

Assists in the completion of job task analysis paperwork for System Operators.

Provides documentation and supports during the NERC audit process.

Collaborates with Subject Matter Experts to identify updated operational tasks and incorporate into the training program.

Collaborates with Trainer peers within the Company in order to ensure training program drives toward complete integration and harmonization between service territories.

Coordinates with (WECC), Northwest Power Pool (NWPP), CAISO and other entities regarding regional training events to meet training and regulatory requirements. Develops relationships with other utilities’ training organizations and with training consultants to develop and ensure cost effective training solutions.

Attends off-site training and relationship building opportunities in order to maintain an up-to-date understanding of developments in the industry, availability of new software, and risks/opportunities that are applicable to the Company.

Ensures Company’s status as a NERC Approved Provider of continuing education is maintained.

May coordinate with neighboring utilities and stakeholders to host System Operator training seminars at Company’s offices.

Ensures all compliance aspects of position are known and followed; understands and complies with all policies, codes and regulations applicable to position and company.

Performs related duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

Essential Education, Skills, and Environment
Education and Work Experience
Bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering or related discipline from an accredited school and 6 years of related technical electric utility or other technical operating experience. Must possess NERC Certified System Operator credential.

Candidates that do not possess a bachelor’s degree must have a minimum of 10 years of related work experience with at least 6 years of technical electric utility or other technical operating experience. Must possess NERC Certified System Operator credential.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated knowledge of:
The principles of interconnected power system operation, including the interrelationship of generation and transmission, voltage and frequency, and impact of protection systems on system operations.

Maintaining new systems and software as technology evolves and to apply technical concepts relative to transmission operations.

Working knowledge of NERC and WECC Reliability Standards.

Working with state estimation, contingency analysis, power flow and other advanced applications as well as utilization of an Operator Training Simulator.

Experience with adult education methodologies, training design and delivery techniques.

Understanding the principles and responsibilities of the various NERC classifications (i.e. Balancing Authority Area/Generator Operator/Transmission Operator).

Demonstrated skills such as:
Project management skills including working as a team member, developing and implementing training schedules and timelines, and delivering on commitments.

Communication and interpersonal skills including developing a rapport with different audiences, and to understand and adapt to the various learning styles of class participants.

Oral and written presentation skills in order to prepare training materials and deliver training sessions.

Ability to quickly develop subject matter knowledge on a variety of training topics.

Equipment and Applications
PCs, word processing, spreadsheet and database software.  SharePoint, Energy Management System, Distribution Management System, Operator Training Simulator, and Reliability Coordinator applications.

Work Environment and Physical Demands
General office environment.  No special physical demands required.

NOTE:
Depending on qualifications of applicants, this position may be filled at a lower level.

Note: Immigration Sponsorship
At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but is NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For more information regarding work visas, please visit www.uscis.gov.