RPU, a division of the City of Rochester, MN, is the largest municipal utility in the State of Minnesota. RPU serves over 57,000 electric customers and 41,000 water customers in a 60 square mile service area and has revenues nearing $161 million annually.
Vision- "We Will Set the Standard for Service"
Our vision is based on six core values which are Safety, Integrity, Service, Stewardship, Accountability, and Skill.
The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.
We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.
It takes us all working together.
Nature of Work System Operators perform responsible technical work involving the operation and control of the City's electrical system (voltage levels of 13.8 kV - 161 kV) using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) by independently monitoring and controlling, by way of complex computer-directed equipment, the electrical generation, transmission and distribution facilities of the City's electric utility system on an assigned shift to optimize the efficient, reliable, secure, and safe operation of all facilities. Duties are generally performed in accordance with well-established policies and operating procedures designed to ensure that all operations prioritize public personnel, equipment safety, environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
Distinguishing Characteristics: System Operators are expected to exercise skilled independent judgment in handling unexpected or emergency situations and have absolute authority for the operation of the RPU electric system, to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions including shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limit Interconnection or Reliability Operating Limit violations.
The System Operator work schedule is based on a six-week rotating shift consisting of 8 hour days and a combination of twelve-hour day / night shifts on a rotating basis with paid overtime as required. Work is generally performed in an indoor office environment.
Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled with priority consideration for applications submitted by January 31, 2023.
2022 Starting salary range $94,271 to $110,907, depending on qualifications, with advancement to $138,633.
Minimum Education and/or Experience
1. North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) System Operator certification in either: Reliability Coordinator; Balancing and Interchange Operator; Transmission Operator; or Balancing, Interchange, and Transmission Operator; AND At least two (2) years of electrical production and/or transmission and distribution experience working with high voltage of 13.8 kV - 161 kV, in an electric utility setting performing duties related to the control and monitoring of switching devices, monitoring of utility equipment such as transformers, protective relays, and control systems, as well as proficiency with substation metering, electrical schematics and one-line diagrams.
OR
2. Two-year degree in electrical technology or closely related field from an accredited program; AND At least three (3) years of experience working as a Power Plant Operator, Electrical System Operator, Electric Distribution Worker, or related position in an electrical production and/or transmission and distribution facility working with high voltage, of 13.8 kV - 161 kV, in an electric utility setting performing duties related to the control and monitoring of switching devices, monitoring of utility equipment such as transformers, protective relays, and control systems, as well as proficiency with substation metering, electrical schematics and one-line diagrams.
OR
3. High school diploma or equivalent general education degree (GED) and post-secondary course work showing an aptitude for math as well as courses in relay and control theory and applications relating to electrical facilities; electrical substation equipment maintenance and operation; electric revenue metering; and high voltage electrical safety; AND At least four (4) years of experience working as a Power Plant Operator, Electrical System Operator, and Electric Distribution Operator, Utility Technician, Relay Technician, Substation Electrician, Line Worker/Cable Worker, or related position in an electrical production and/or transmission and distribution facility working with high voltage of 13.8 kV - 161 kV, in an electric utility setting performing duties related to the control and monitoring of switching devices, monitoring of utility equipment such as transformers, protective relays, and control systems, as well as proficiency with substation metering, electrical schematics and one-line diagrams.
OR
4. High school diploma or equivalent general education degree (GED) and post-secondary course work showing an aptitude for math as well as courses in relay and control theory and applications relating to electrical facilities; electrical substation equipment maintenance and operation; electric revenue metering; and high voltage electrical safety; AND At least five (5) years of experience working as a Load Dispatcher, Electrical Distribution Worker or related position, in an electrical production and/or transmission and distribution facility, with at least two (2) years of experience working with high voltage of 13.8 kV - 161 kV, in an electric utility setting performing duties related to the control and monitoring of switching devices, monitoring of utility equipment such as transformers, protective relays, and control systems, as well as proficiency with substation metering, electrical schematics and one-line diagrams.
Licenses, Certifications and Training Valid driver's license.
North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator certification within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
Desirable Qualifications Associate degree or higher from an accredited curriculum in electrical engineering technology or electrical engineering; AND at least one (1) year previous utility System Operator experience and/or familiarity with transmission and distribution facilities, Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Responder and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and steam plant operation and combustion turbine plant operation.
Prior to being hired, promoted or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.
The City of Rochester is Minnesota's third largest City and home to the Mayo Clinic. Located in the southeast area of the state, Rochester experiences four beautiful seasons. We look forward to your application for this opportunity.