Balancing Authority Operator

Balancing Authority Operator – 2 Openings

Application due date:
March 16, 2026

Please note: Must be able to work rotating 12-hour shifts, which include evenings, weekends, holidays, and are subject to an on-call rotation. Employees in this job must live within sixty (60) miles of Maple Grove, MN.

Maple Grove, MN

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

We are the people we power. As Minnesota’s not-for-profit electric cooperative, our member-owners and their members impact every decision we make. Because their needs are our needs, and their dreams are our dreams.

The Balancing Authority Operators are responsible for operating the Great River Energy (GRE) Balancing Authority Area in a safe, secure and economic manner and coordinating its operations with the interconnected power system.

A typical starting range for this position is $116,000 - $160,000 + annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work‑life effectiveness.

• Direct the operation of generating plants and direct current facilities to optimize the GRE Balancing Authority Area and serve customer load at the lowest cost possible while still meeting all reliability criteria.
• Monitor the security and operational status of the GRE Balancing Authority Area and telecommunications equipment.
• Operate the Energy Management System (EMS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), load management, and other systems in accordance with established guidelines.
• Know, understand and follow regulatory compliance in the following areas: NERC, Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), and MISO requirements, policies and practices.

• Must have successfully completed GRE’s System Operator Trainee program, which includes obtaining at a minimum the NERC Combined Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator Certification designation or must have and maintain at a minimum a NERC Combined Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator Certification designation.
• 1+ years’ experience operating a Transmission and/or Balancing Authority desk. Transmission desk operations experience must have included supervision of the operation of substations and transmission system. Balancing Authority desk operations experience must have included direction of the operation of generating plants.
• Completion of a two-year associate degree in math, science, physics, engineering, electrical engineering technology, electrical transmission system operations technology, electronics technology or technical equivalent is required. 4-year bachelor’s degree in any of these previously mentioned educational areas is preferred.
• Must have and maintain at a minimum a NERC Combined Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator Certification designation.
• Relevant, full-time work experience may qualify an applicant for consideration by using the following formula:
  Four years of relevant, full-time work experience may count for two years of full-time, higher-level education completed. Relevant work experience includes power generation or transmission dispatch, power plant operations, distribution/Bulk Electric System (BES) electrical field work (line worker, substation technician, relay technician, meter technician), HVDC operations, or other applicable electric utility operations work.
• In depth knowledge of core transmission, generation, distribution processes associated with electric utilities including control systems, transformers, voltage control devices, SCADA/EMS systems, and telecommunications.
• Skill in utilizing mathematics as it applies to electrical theory and power system applications.
• Skill in building strong working relationships.
• Ability to think clearly and act quickly in an emergency situation.
• Ability to multi‑task, prioritize complex situations, and produce results in an extremely demanding environment.
• Ability to demonstrate well-developed oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to successfully negotiate and resolve complex issues and disputes in a timely manner.
• Ability to use computer‑based office and EMS applications.
• Ability to keep accurate records and logs.
• Ability to distinguish colors on drawings and monitors/screens.

Qualified candidates please apply at  (under the Careers tab) by March 16, 2026. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.