Power System Operator Candidate

Full Job Description

Tacoma Power is currently hiring for Power System Operator Candidate! Candidates are enrolled in Tacoma Power's Power System Operator training program (approx. 2 years) and must successfully pass the apprenticeship and obtain NERC certification for continued employment and appointment as a Power System Operator.

Power System Operator Candidate work rotating shifts, e.g. 7 days on, 3 days off, 7 days on, 4 days off, 7 days on, 3 days off, etc. rotating between day, swing and grave each 7 day shift cycle.

Power System Operator Candidate learn and perform skilled work to insure the real-time safe, reliable and economic delivery of power to utility customers through the coordination and control of Tacoma Power generation, transmission and distribution electrical systems; maintaining system integrity and reliability during normal and emergency conditions by anticipating and responding appropriately to safeguard utility employees and the public through control of high voltage switching and electrical clearances; insuring operations meet NERC and WECC reliability standards; maintaining real-time balance between load and generation, appropriate frequency, interchange and operating reserves and by taking action to preserve the Interconnection up to and including manual load shedding.

Ideal candidates can stay calm under pressure, make sound, quick decisions, can collaborate with a team but take charge when the situation warrants it. Additionally, we're looking for people who are self-motivated, detail oriented, adaptable, and resilient.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent AND:

Successful completion of an electrical utility apprenticeship program OR

Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field. Four (4) years of System Operations, Utility Operations, Power Marketing, or direct supporting roles can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. OR

Be a journey-level electrician working in an electrical utility system operating at 4 kV or above or military equivalent (Navy nuclear power, Army prime power, etc.) OR

Three (3) years of experience in Power System Operations of an electric utility operating at 4 kV or above, including but not limited to Power System Operator, Systems Power Dispatcher (job title used prior to 8/1/2025), Substation, or Generation Operator

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
• First Aid/CPR certification prior to completing Level 1 and maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain NERC System Operator certification prior to completion of Tacoma Power's System Power Dispatcher Candidate training program with maintenance thereafter.

Qualifications

Electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and power systemsAll applicable laws, codes, regulations, safety rules, policies and proceduresLocation of streets, roads, and substations within utility service areaEffective oral and written communication skills, including English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabularyRecord keeping techniques using state of the art technologiesRadio and telephone technique and etiquetteInterpersonal skills, using tact, patience and courtesyMathematics that includes algebra, geometry and trigonometryLearn the skills and tasks required of a Systems Power DispatcherUnderstand and follow complex oral and written instructions in exact detailReact quickly and efficiently in emergenciesLearn the skills associated with operating a computer, electronic equipment and communication equipmentEstablish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with othersObserve proper safety rules and precautionsOperate a variety of tools, machinery, and equipmentEffective teamwork skillsDetail oriented with the ability to multi-task Additional Information A Commitment to Equity & DiversityAt the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve.

We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures.

Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience.

We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.Tacoma PowerTacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma.

We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail.

As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.The CommunityTacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia.

The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States.

Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country.

The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area.

Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation.

To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvIApplyInterested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.Candidates will be evaluated and ranked on an eligibility list.

This list is used for vacancies that occur at the City of Tacoma for one year.This position is represented by Local 483.Individuals given a conditional offer of employment must also pass a background check.

May also be required to pass a Department of Homeland Security background check which must result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

An employee in this classification is subject to passing an annual exam required for working in and around facilities and obtaining access to secure information.Compensation & BenefitsPay Details: Hourly Rate: $70.59 - $81.72Employee Benefits | City of TacomaGet AssistanceFor assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m.

of the closing date of the job announcement.For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.Communication with the City of TacomaWe primarily communicate via email during the application process.

Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner.

As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.