Operator in Training

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by:
Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Operator in Training – Pay Range $51,150 – $62,630

As an Operator in Training, you will:

Work as part of a team to ensure bulk electric system operations are conducted in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner. This role is designed to develop the experience and judgment necessary to make timely decisions in the real-time operation of a dynamic bulk electric system. Operators also support customer interactions related to transmission service offerings and real-time ancillary service markets under the SPP Transmission Tariff.

In system emergencies, the Operator is expected to solve complex problems by analyzing relevant information and filtering out irrelevant or misleading data. Unusual or non-routine actions must be reviewed with the Shift Supervisor. This position requires working a rotating shift schedule, which includes inherent stress and fatigue associated with operating a 24/7 power system.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support real-time system operations by following established procedures and governing documents.
• Assist Reliability Coordinators and Operators with administrative tasks, reporting, and customer interactions.
• Support real-time market operations, including tariff administration, scheduling activities, case setup, and generation monitoring.
• Assist with unit commitment studies and execution.
• Complete required Operator‑in‑Training education and prepare for NERC Reliability Coordinator certification.
• Maintain flexibility to work rotating shifts and transition between shift and business schedules as needed.
• Comply with and help enforce SPP policies, procedures, and operational standards.

To be successful in the role we’re looking for:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization
• Ability to follow directions and learn new tasks and analytical tools quickly
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Ability to address issues as they arise

Preferred:

• Understanding of transmission system dispatch and/or operations
• Degree or professional certification in a field related to the electrical utility industry

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Travel Requirement:

This position requires minimal travel approximately 5%.

SPP is an affirmative…