Senior Electric Transmission System Operator

Senior Electric Transmission System Operator

This job is eligible for relocation assistance to Colorado Springs. 

The starting pay rate for this position is $68.42 followed by an increase to $71.82 after successfully completing probation (six months).

Are you an experienced power system professional who thrives in high-stakes environments and enjoys making real-time decisions that keep the lights on for the community? If so, we are hiring aSenior Electric Transmission System Operator to play a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, efficient, and economical operation of our electric transmission and generation systems. You'll be entrusted with significant operational authority and decision-making responsibility to maintain the stability of the Bulk Electric System (BES). From directing next-day and real-time system operations to responding to rapidly changing grid conditions, you'll help safeguard system reliability and support the delivery of essential electric service to our customers.

Please note that this job requires working under general supervision while making critical, independent decisions in a fast-paced environment under potentially stressful conditions. Additionally, this job provides 24/7/365 coverage and the successful candidate will work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, including weekends, holidays, and overtime.

What Else Will You be Doing?

• Monitor and control the power grid using SCADA, EMS, State Estimator (SE), and Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) tools to maintain safe and reliable system operations
• Conduct real-time and day-ahead power flow studies to anticipate system needs and proactively address potential reliability concerns
• Partner with regional reliability organizations, including Reliability Coordinators, Balancing Authorities, and neighboring Transmission Operators to support overall grid stability
• Develop and implement strategies that mitigate system risks and respond to changing load conditions, generation availability, and emergency events
• Perform short-term load forecasting and ensure generation, reserve, and reliability obligations are met
• Dispatch generation resources manually and through Automatic Generation Control (AGC) while coordinating RTO market needs, regulatory compliance, and system reliability
• Review and approve operational requests, including transmission service requests and planned outages
• Lead outage coordination activities and maintain final approval authority for transmission, generation, protection, controls, and communications asset outages
• Direct switching and restoration activities for the transmission system, including issuing clearances, operating instructions, and coordinating with field and plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable operations
• Take decisive action during abnormal and emergency conditions, including implementing measures necessary to prevent or mitigate System Operating Limit (SOL) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) violations

Who You Are

• Demonstrated experience in electric generation, transmission, and/or distribution, preferably in a system operator capacity
• Possession of a NERC Reliability Operator Certification, or the ability to obtain and maintain within six months of hire
• Ability to prioritize safety while balancing reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (1/3 of the time), and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary only if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other criteria are met. Positions in this class typically require reaching, standing, walking, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We don't just say people are important – we prove it!  That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Offto Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
• Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
• Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
• Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
• Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP

Financial & Retirement Security

• Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
• Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
• Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
• Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans

Additional Support

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250  annually to support continued education
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness