Career Center

The City of Tallahassee – Electric & Gas Utility has an operations opening within its Electric System Operations division.  Applications are being sought for System Operator candidates at any level, with a preference for candidates with background in Bulk Electric System operations or with a good grasp of electrical theory. The minimum requirements for this entry level position are outlined below.

ABOUT TALLAHASSEE

Tallahassee is a vibrant City that is home to Florida’s state government, two major universities – Florida State University and Florida A&M University, as well as one of the largest community colleges in the state – Tallahassee Community College.   Centrally located in the panhandle, Tallahassee is only hours away from white sandy Gulf beaches, Walt Disney World, and the Atlantic Ocean.  Tallahassee has one of the top parks and recreation departments in the country and was named an All-America City twice.  Leon County Schools were recognized by the Florida State Board of Education as an Academically High Performing District for the second year in a row.

Tallahassee’s Electric & Gas Utility provides reliable electric service to over 125,000 customers in a 221 square mile service territory that includes both the City of Tallahassee and portions of the unincorporated areas of Leon County.  As a full service, vertically integrated electric utility, Tallahassee has 725 MW of generation located at three sites, 62MW of solar under a Purchase Power Agreement, 224 miles of transmission (115kV & 230 kV), 28 substations, and 3,631 miles of distribution.  The City’s Electric Utility is registered as a Balancing Authority, Transmission Owner/Operator, and Generation Owner/Operator under the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Reliability Standards.

Tallahassee Electric & Gas has been recognized nationally and regionally for its strong performance.  These recognitions have included the APWA State Project of the Year Award, APPA E. F. Scattergood Award, three APPA DEED Energy Innovator Awards, FMEA Safety Award, six-time APPA Reliable Public Power Provider at the Gold level, APPA Smart Energy Provider designation, and Power Magazine naming the City’s Hopkins Generating Plant one of the Top Six Gas Fired Power Plants in the World.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITES

This position is a real-time operating position in the Electric Control Center and works rotating 12-hour shifts.

EDUCATION, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE and REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

• Four years of experience that includes electric utility production and or transmission and distribution system operation; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Possession of NERC System Operator Certificate (BA-TO level minimum, RC preferred) within 6 months from date of hire and released for independent operations within 9 months from date of hire. Must maintain NERC Certification as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Skills- Power Delivery

• Considerable knowledge of the principles of electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits, wiring systems, power dispatching, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Considerable knowledge of the relationships of power dispatching and distribution functions of the entire electrical generation, transmission, and distribution systems.
• Considerable knowledge of electrical theory as it pertains to load-flows, frequency maintenance of interconnections and system stability.
• Considerable knowledge of the NERC Reliability Standards and basic principles of interconnected operations.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions in English. Ability to maintain working relationships as necessitated by the work.
• Ability to keep complex operating records and to prepare reports on operations.
• Ability to use microcomputers and the associated programs and applications necessary for successful job performance.

Individuals in these classifications are:

• Considered essential employees during emergency/storm events and must be able to work 16 hours per day for extended periods of time and may be required to be away from their family.
• Must be available to serve on-call and are subject to having to work outside of their assigned shift/schedule to meet operational needs.
• Must possess a valid Class E State driver’s license at time of appointment.

About City of Tallahassee

ABOUT TALLAHASSEE Tallahassee, located in the panhandle of the Sunshine State, is the capital of the State of Florida and within the metropolitan area is home to more than 365,000 Floridians. It is a dynamic and growing community that provides its residents with excellent amenities and entertainment that include; award winning parks, coastal and other outdoor activities, excellent educational opportunities, festivals and sporting events, and much more. The City also owns and operates an award-winning electric utility that is consistently recognized for its commitment to reliable cost-effective service, customer service, environmental stewardship, and safety. It is the 3rd largest municipal electric utility in Florida and the 25th largest in the United States. The electric utility is responsible for operation and maintenance of the city’s electric generation, transmission, and distribution system. The electric utility employs a staff of 298 who serve over 114,000 customers in the Tallahassee area.

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