Power Systems Operations Trainer

Power Systems Operations Trainer

Chelan County PUD

Location: Wenatchee, WA

Full-Time

Salary Range: $154,560 – $193,200

APPLICATION MATERIALS
Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one PDF document. Your cover letter must summarize your interest, education and experience relative to this position. Incomplete materials will not be considered.

To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  The first review date for application materials is scheduled for December 29.

Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.

SALARY RANGE
The starting salary range for this position is $154,560 – $193,200 (based on qualifications).  With tenure and strong performance in this role an employee may earn up to a maximum of $231,840 , annualized.

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

BENEFITS EPOA
In addition to competitive wages Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include zero cost employer funded medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits, access to the employee assistance program, a VEBA health reimbursement account, and long-term care.

Washington state retirement PERS participation and optional 457 plan participation with an employer matching 401(a) plan.

Leave, life & disability benefits including paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 with tenure, 11 paid holidays per calendar year in 2025, changing to up to 12 days per calendar year in 2026, paid jury duty, short-term disability & long-term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life.

The work life benefits include optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, educational assistance, various rewards and recognition programs and position specific stipends.

For more explanation of the district benefits please visit our benefits website www.mychelanpudbenefits.org.

JOB POSTING
Overview
The Power Systems Operations Trainer provides technical, operational, and instructional leadership to ensure reliable power system operations and a comprehensive NERC-compliant training program. This position supports safe, efficient, and coordinated District operations through expertise in operational technology, process improvement, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Develop, deliver, and administer the District’s Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) program in accordance with NERC Standard PER-005. Ensure training materials qualify for continuing education hours and support certification maintenance. Conduct classroom and one-on-one instruction, administer assessments, and track certification progress. Maintain comprehensive training records and compliance documentation.
 
Provide leadership and expertise on Human-Machine Interface (HMI), Human and Operational Performance (H&OP), and operational technology systems including the Energy Management System (EMS), Distribution Management System (DMS), and Outage Management System (OMS). Coordinate configuration changes with Control Systems Engineering, ensuring cyber-secure and operator-optimized system performance. Incorporate user feedback and best practices into process design.

Coordinate real-time operations and resolve escalated issues with internal and external stakeholders including Engineering, Energy Planning and Trading, the Reliability Coordinator, and neighboring Transmission Operators. Ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Chelan PUD’s electric and hydro systems. Serve as after-hours duty supervisor and act for the System Operations and Coordination Manager when assigned.
 
Coordinate Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) model reviews and Geographic Information System (GIS) imports for accuracy. Facilitate process and procedural improvements using H&OP methodologies. Ensure system configuration, documentation, and standard operating procedures meet regulatory and District standards.
 
Lead or contribute to technical and training projects that improve operational performance or system reliability. Represent the System Operations perspective on District and regional initiatives and committees.

Serve as compliance owner for assigned NERC Reliability Standards. Develop and implement procedures to ensure compliance, perform self-assessments, and support Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) audits. Collaborate with other compliance owners to maintain consistent standards and documentation.

Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and NERC/WECC requirements. Attend relevant training, maintain required certifications, and assist in implementing updates to District policies and procedures.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

As a secondary function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

Reports To
Manager - System Operations & Coordination

Overtime exemption
Exempt

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical field from a four-year college or university is required. 
 

Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education. 

Experience

7+ years of progressively responsible experience within a power operations organization or electric utility is typically required. 
 

5+ years of experience working as a System Operator at a NERC-registered Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, working in an electric utility operation, or operations support role is preferred. 

Licenses and Certifications

Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire 
System Operator Certification from NERC, or the ability to obtain such certification within one year of hire, is required. 

Skills and Abilities
A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities: 

Extensive knowledge of integrated and automated power generation, transmission and distribution systems. 
 
Broad understanding of national and regional regulatory and compliance issues related to the bulk electric system and how they impact Chelan PUD. 
 
Effective interpersonal and communication skills in oral and written form with both technical and non-technical audiences 

Demonstrated ability to effectively lead and influence others 

Able to promote new ideas and to take them from vision to reality 

Able to think logically, multi-task, communicate well at all levels 

Able to function effectively during emergency and/or power outage situations 

Strong critical thinking skills and attention to detail 
 
Strong planning, project management, and organizational skills 

Able to spot trends and patterns and draw correct conclusions 

Strong computer skills 
 
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Maximo order processing systems; PeopleSoft HRIS Payroll systems; Cognos & Crystal Reports reporting software; Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet software, Microsoft Word Processing software and PI Vision. An individual should also have knowledge of and be able to operate general office equipment including, but not limited to, computers and telephones. 

Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English. 

Physical Demands

Sitting Regularly 67-100% 
Standing Occasional 11-33% 
Walking Occasional 11-33% 
Lifting 1-10 lbs Floor-Waist Seldom 0-10% 
Lifting 1-10 lbs Waist-Shoulders Seldom 0-10% 
Lifting 1-10 lbs Above Shoulders Seldom 0-10% 
Lifting 11-25 lbs Floor-Waist Seldom 0-10% 
Lifting 11-25 lbs Waist-Shoulders Seldom 0-10% 
Lifting 25 - 50 lbs Floor-Waist (copier paper) Seldom 0-10% 
Climb Stairs Occasional 11-33% 
Twisting at Waist Seldom 0-10% 
Stooping/Bending Seldom 0-10% 
Reach Floor to Waist Seldom 0-10% 
Reach Waist to Shoulder Seldom 0-10% 
Reach Above Shoulder Seldom 0-10% 
Wrist/hand/fingers manipulation (keyboarding, mousing, etc.) Regularly 67-100% 
Hand Controls (joy stick, controls on equipment, etc.) Occasional 11-33% 
Repetitive Motions Regularly 67-100% 
Talking Frequent 34-66% 
Hearing Frequent 34-66% 
Visual - Near Acuity Regularly 67-100% 
Visual - Far Acuity Regularly 67-100%
Visual - Depth Perception Regularly 67-100% 
Visual - Color Discrimination Regularly 67-100% 

Working Conditions

Noise Intensity Level: - Moderate
 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire).  A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.

BACKGROUND SCREENING
Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.

DISCLAIMER
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

As part of its recruiting process, Chelan PUD may engage a third-party vendor to perform previous employment verification, education verification, and reference checking. 

To Apply: https://www.chelanpud.org/careers