System Operations Planner Senior - Senior Outage Coordinator

Arizona Public Service generates clean, reliable and affordable energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.

 

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

 

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.  

Summary

The System Operations Planner Senior is responsible for researching, planning, coordinating and scheduling of outages and additions to the APS Transmission and Sub-transmission system. Develops plans and prioritizes planned and emergency work. Serves on internal and external committees representing APS and acts as a subject matter expert.

Minimum Requirements

- High school diploma/ GED plus five (5) years of experience as either a System Operations Planner or a ECC Transmission Operator or ten (10) years of combined relevant experience in the operation of transmission systems, substation equipment, relaying and operating procedures
- Knowledge of electrical theory for interconnected electric system operation
- Demonstrated abilities in developing complex switching procedures and in interaction with other areas and companies
- Able to apply good judgement in making timely decisions under stressful conditions
- Demonstrated ability to work autonomously at all voltage levels
- Significant experience in grid operations and/or field experience
- Understanding of electrical power theory and transmission operations methodologies
- Understanding of Balancing Authority principals, path allocations, and transmission scheduling
- Must have passed all Operations Planning Job Performance Evaluations (JPE) and oral boards
- Understanding of relaying and communication principals
- Demonstrated technical skills and job knowledge outside of Outage Planning JPEs
- Demonstrated leadership skills. Able to build and maintain business relationships with neighboring entities and internal stakeholders
- Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to execute on complex projects
- Understanding of field maintenance, construction practices and Accident Prevention Manual (APM)
- Hold and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Coordinator certification and has understanding of NERC standards
- Capable of using computer applications to manage work (Microsoft suite, outage management applications, etc.)
- Ability to handle multiple complex assignments simultaneously
- Works with stakeholders to provide understanding of operational practices

Major Accountabilities

1) Provide operational liaison and field leadership between the Energy Control Center (ECC) and Engineering, Construction, Maintenance, Power Plants, Division Operations, and external utilities for both planned and emergency work to ensure jobs are properly coordinated between customers, departments, impacted Transmission Operations Planners (TOP), Balancing Authorities (BA), and the Peak RC. Monitor external notifications for impacts and provide necessary support coordinating resources.

2) Develop plans, establish priorities and organize the sequence of planned or emergency work so that the APS transmission and sub-transmission systems are configured in such a manner to minimize exposure and maximize integrity during planned or emergency outages.

3) Research and develop complex switching procedures necessary to perform required maintenance, place new facilities in service, or to implement emergency requirements and, when necessary, execute these procedures in the field. Coordinate with impacted departments to ensure switching order meets safety and technical requirements.

4) Ensure compliance to operating guidelines, interconnection contracts and safety guidelines for all work by monitoring of real-time operation and maintaining correspondence with interconnected operations and planning personnel. Support development of interconnection contracts and agreements by providing technical knowledge and review. Support compliance and regulatory efforts by providing documentation and technical support.

5) Review proposed additions or modifications to electrical facilities and submit recommendations to engineering and