System Operator / Apprentice

About the Role

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative (Northeast Power) is seeking a System Operator / Apprentice for its Palmyra, Missouri location. This is an hourly, non-exempt position. The Control Center operates 24/7 in a secure environment, requiring rotating shifts including days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Applicants must reside within 45 minutes of the headquarters.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the electric transmission system using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), overseeing voltages from 12.5 kV to 345 kV across Missouri and Iowa.
• Monitor, analyze, and control the electric transmission system using SCADA.
• Coordinate and execute switching orders, outage schedules, and system protection procedures (lock-out/tag-out).
• Create personal protection zones for crews, issue operating instructions, and direct restoration efforts.
• Perform system studies to maintain power grid reliability and prevent overloads.
• Log and maintain records of system activity, including outages, breaker operations, weather, and security checks.
• Manage after-hours calls from Member-Distribution Cooperatives (MDCs), resolving outages and dispatching service personnel.
• Report and coordinate response to emergencies such as oil spills, security alerts, or Mayday events.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• SCADA systems
• Breaker operations
• Voltage control
• Outage coordination
• Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Preference for a two (2) year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology.
• Must hold or obtain a NERC System Operator Certification (Reliability Certification (RC) or Transmission Operator (TO) Certification) within one year of hire.
• Five (5) years of related experience preferred, or completion of Northeast Power’s Apprentice System Operator Program.
• Strong computer skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to maintain composure during high-pressure situations and multitask with accuracy.
• Detail-oriented, safety-focused individual with strong analytical and communication skills.
• Ability to perform reliably in a 24/7 control room environment.
• Strong understanding of electrical systems.
• Candidates without direct System Operator experience may be considered for an Apprentice position and enrolled in a program lasting up to 60 months.
• Must be available to work the required rotating schedule.