LCRA · 5 days ago
Transmission System Operator (Onsite)
Austin, TX
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
4+ years expLCRA is responsible for operating and controlling the transmission grid, and they are seeking a Transmission System Operator to coordinate and monitor real-time operations at their System Operations Control Center. The role involves ensuring the reliability of transmission systems, restoring service during outages, and maintaining compliance with safety and operational procedures.
EnergyService IndustryWater
Responsibilities
Monitors and controls (through SCADA) transmission and substation facilities to ensure transmission line and transformer loading within ratings, a reliable system voltage profile, and operation within first contingency limits. This includes maintaining/restoring acceptable generating unit reactive capacity, line loading, bus voltages, transformer load tap changes, switched capacitors/reactors and operation of transmission breakers/switches. This also includes monitoring and responding to station equipment alarms and grid element voltage/limit alarms
Restores service (through SCADA and dispatch of field personnel) to transmission and substation facilities to reduce customer outage time and restore system integrity
Writes, checks and issues switching orders for transmission and substation facilities consistent with the Transmission Services Safety and Health Handbook, LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual, and System Operations Procedures to ensure safety of field personnel while making transmission and substation facilities available for maintenance and construction activities
Coordinates all switching activities with other utilities to make certain safety and reliability are upheld
Ensures appropriate communications on all transmission events to LCRA System Operations management, LCRA Customers, and ERCOT
Logs all activities (planned and unplanned events) in the System Operator Daily Log to provide current system status
Monitors and reports all communication problems on RTU’s and the EMS to ensure vital communications are available for normal and emergency operations
Utilizes one-line diagrams as a tool in writing and checking switching orders
Coordinates and directs Black Start restoration activities between LCRA TSC field staff, LCRA QSE, LCRA generating units, Independent Power Producer (IPP) generating units, and ERCOT to restore service in the event of a state-wide blackout
Maintains working knowledge of all System Operations procedures, manuals, handbooks, plans and technology systems
Maintains NERC Certification (at the Transmission Operator level) to assure understanding of NERC policies and to meet NERC requirements
Provides recommendations to System Operations management on operating procedures, EMS enhancements, and training topics to improve processes and procedures
Monitors weather conditions to ensure LCRA system operations readiness during adverse weather conditions
Maintains working knowledge of Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA) and State Estimator tools and applications
Has the authority to shed firm load during ERCOT Energy Emergency Alert (EEA) event, or any events where shedding firm load is necessary to maintain the integrity of the transmission grid and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment
Has the authority to restore load following force majeure and mandated load shedding events
Qualification
Required
Four or more years experience in real-time operation and control of electric transmission and/or distribution systems, transmission equipment field operations or power plant operations, or other relevant experience
A degree(s) in electrical engineering technology, electrical technology, electronics or relevant field may be substituted per LCRA guidelines for certain years of experience
Fluent in the English language
NERC System Operator Certification or equivalent
Preferred
Knowledge of the LCRA Transmission Switching Procedures Manual
Knowledge of LCRA System Operations Procedures
Knowledge of basic electricity fundamentals and typical electrical systems and equipment
Knowledge of electric transmission and generation facilities
Working knowledge of system one-line diagrams
Knowledge of ERCOT Operating Guides
Knowledge of NERC Operating Policies and Reliability Standards
Knowledge of Black Start responsibilities including LCRA black start corridors
Comprehensive knowledge of EMS and associated communications systems
General understanding of field personnel operations
Advanced skill level in Energy Management System for transmission switching control
Skill in analyzing and solving complex problems
Advanced skill in reading and interpreting diagrams and prints
Skill in verbal and written communication
Basic skill level in office productivity applications (such as email, word processing, spreadsheets, etc.)
Skill in communicating effectively with team members, supervision / management and external organizations under normal and emergency conditions
Ability to remain alert over a 12-hour period in order to respond to a variety of emerging events
Ability to keep current on changing policies, procedures, and regulations related to the transmission system
Ability to work in a team environment
Work hours are spent in an office, industrial, electrical substation and/or plant environment
Work involves weekends, holidays and non-standard hours
Work involves a rotating shift schedule
Work involves call-out as necessary
Works in close proximity to energized high-voltage electrical equipment when participating in field training
Work requires use of protective equipment
Work is confined to a particular work space which requires relief to leave
Benefits
Competitive salary & medical, dental, vision and legal insurance
Paid time off, including time for vacation, sick and family care leave
401(k) match up to 8% that includes a student loan 401(k) contribution program option
Life and disability insurance
Wellness program including wellness incentive
Extensive learning & development programs
Company
LCRA
LCRA provides utility services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
LCRA has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (7)
2024 (1)
2023 (6)
2022 (5)
2021 (2)
2020 (2)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Phil Wilson
Chief Executive Officer-General Manager
Erik Andersen
Director Of Business Development
Recent News
2025-01-14
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2023-05-16
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