NorthWestern Energy · 2 months ago
Electric System Operator Trainee
Butte, MT
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad
$39.53/hr - $53.52/hrNorthWestern Energy is seeking an Electric System Operator Trainee to monitor and control their transmission system. The role involves ensuring system voltages and energy flows remain within operational limits while coordinating with field personnel and developing operation plans.
Clean EnergyElectrical DistributionEnergyEnergy EfficiencyEnergy ManagementNatural ResourcesRenewable Energy
Responsibilities
Monitor and control NorthWestern Energy's transmission system and associated tie-lines to ensure system voltages and energy flows remain within operational limits
Utilize state estimation tools to identify grid reliability risks and develop operation plans
Implement real-time actions to ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system during system normal and emergency conditions
Coordinate switching and clearance procedures with field personnel
Develop switching plans and issue appropriate switching orders to field personnel
Issue and track transmission work authorizations including Clearances and Hot Line Holds to ensure public and field personnel safety
Perform dispatch-related functions including monitoring and recording of energy flows, generator unit status, system load, and remaining load
Maintain NorthWestern Energy contingency reserves, enter NWE contingency events into EIM and coordinate NWE Reserve Sharing requests and deployments with Reserve Sharing partners
Perform reliability based Energy Imbalance Market tasks to pass binding CAISO EIM Sufficiency Tests (Capacity, Balance, Flex Ramp) and take corrective actions for EIM Sufficiency Test failures
Monitor Transfer limits and EIM energy flows for each Intertie with other EIM participants through BAAOP
Monitor the EIM solution in Real-Time and evaluate results for Market Infeasibilities, generation data errors, communication errors and other Real-Time issues which impact generation operations and EIM solution quality
Communicate operational information with impacted utilities and agencies and complete required event reporting
Work 1 of 4 desks on demand (High Volt, Low Volt, Energy Imbalance Market or Scheduling) and progress to System Operator Electric Level III based on achieving certification on two desks and completing IBEW-44 Journeyman qualification, in approximately two years
Meet and operate within NERC, FERC, and WECC standards, requirements, and guidelines
Perform all necessary functions for maintenance and revision of the map board
Proficiently perform Energy Imbalance Market tasks, Balancing Authority tasks or Transmission Operations tasks, and other duties as assigned
Work a rotating twelve-hour shift cycle with overtime, weekend, and night work
Minimal travel is required for training or other purposes - up to 10%
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
Qualification
Required
Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
High school diploma or equivalent
Complete System Operator Electric apprenticeship or a combination of previous experience in similar field (e.g. engineering, journeyman lineman, generation operator) in conjunction with advanced Apprenticeship training
Must obtain NERC Certification (Balancing Authority Transmission Operator (BATOP) or higher)
Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
Must be able to think clearly and function appropriately in high stress situations
Must be able to make decisions quickly and accurately
Must have good oral and written communication skills
Must have personal computer operating experience
Must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office programs
Must be able to quickly learn specialized computer applications
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
Preferred
Previous electrical utility control center operating experience is preferred in any or all of these areas: Balancing Authority (BA) interchange and scheduling operations with knowledge of OATI/OASIS systems; Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) operations with knowledge of BAAOP or similar programs; Transmission Operator (TOP) functions including electric transmission line switching, clearance procedures, voltage control, and other tasks required to maintain reliability of an electrical grid
Current NERC BATOP (or higher) certification highly preferred
Experience with Plant Information (PI) software desired
Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software desired
Get Into Energy -- Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus [getintoenergy.org] (click here to certify at no cost)
Benefits
401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
Employee Assistance Program (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents)
Life Insurance (company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
Tuition reimbursement
Competitive pay (scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities)
Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
Paid training opportunities
Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays
Company
NorthWestern Energy
For more than 100 years, NorthWestern Energy continues to deliver the energy and exceptional service that their customers and communities
Founded in 1923
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown2025-08-19Acquired
1978-01-13IPO
Leadership Team
Brian B. Bird
President and Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
2025-11-12
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