Senior Power Dispatcher - AGC

SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.

Job Brief

The Senior Power Dispatcher-AGC has the full authority and responsibility as a Balancing Authority Area Operator to operate SRP’s Balancing Authority Area safely, reliably and in full compliance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards and SRP Operating Practices and guidelines. This position is also responsible for the duties required for SRP to participate in organized energy markets. Additional responsibilities include an extensive knowledge of interconnected power system operations, competency with highly technical computer-based tools, and effective interaction with other utilities, SRP generating stations and SRP energy trading groups.

Job Responsibilities

• Has full responsibility and authority to take the actions necessary to ensure safe and reliable Balancing Authority operation in compliance with NERC Reliability Standards.
• Directs Balancing Authority Area operations in accordance with established NERC Reliability Standards and SRP operating procedures.
• Performs all energy market-related tasks associated with the Balancing Authority Area.
• Creates and modifies the current day power generation unit commitment plan and directs generating plant personnel as needed to implement the plan. Represents SRP with other NERC Functional Entities involving real-time operating issues.
• Coordinates real-time maintenance outages on generation facilities.
• Creates operating logs, load forecasts, and ensures real-time data is accurate. Provides on-the-job training for new Power Dispatchers-AGC. Performs outage coordination functions.
• Develops, reviews, and approves Operating Practices. Supports Power Dispatcher training curriculum as a subject matter expert by developing and presenting training modules.
• Serves as a Project Manager for special assignments.

Education

See additional information.

Experience

A minimum of 5 years dispatching experience is AGC/PDO functions.

Previous experience as AGC (Automatic Generation Control) dispatching (PDO-power dispatch office) energy scheduling coordination, or energy merchant operations.

Additional Information

Education

• High school diploma or GED plus completion of an appropriate apprenticeship, or completion of a training program in Power Plant Operations, Real-Time Energy Trading, Transmission Scheduling, Power System Operation, Power System Reliability Coordination, or completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution that prepares the employee for the assignment.

Certifications or Testing Required

• This job requires a passing score for the EEI System Operator/Power Dispatcher (SOPD II) aptitude test which is to be administered on site during the pre-employment process.
• The candidate will be required to pass the NERC Certification test within twelve months of hire date and must be maintained on an ongoing basis. This certification is a requirement for SRP to be compliant with NERC reliability standards.
• NOTE: Individuals who fail to become NERC Certified may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Other Significant Requirements

• Perform duties on rotating shift or day shift. May rotate between these work schedules.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the power delivery system, including equipment, major facilities, and electrical characteristics.
• Knowledge of substation control, circuit breaker controls, relay systems, alarm systems and communication systems.
• Knowledge of many complex specialized computer applications associated with the job function.
• Ability to multi-task and perform duties methodically despite frequent interruptions by telephones and/or co-workers.

Additional Information

• Ability to quickly analyze and take corrective action for system disturbances.
• Ability to cope with change and to assimilate new information in a short period.
• Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and FERC Standards of Conduct.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, verbal, and written communications, complex problem solving, teamwork and collaboration.

 

Requisition