Control Center Operator I [On-site]

Scope of Position

About Us:

EDF power solutions North America is a market-leading independent power producer and service provider with over 35 years of experience. We deliver grid-scale power: wind (onshore and offshore), solar photovoltaic, and storage projects; distribution-scale power: solar and storage; asset optimization: technical, operational, and commercial expertise to maximize the performance of generating projects, and onsite solutions, through the Company’s PowerFlex affiliate, offering a full suite of onsite energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers: solar, storage, EV charging, energy management systems, and microgrids.

Benefits & Perks: 

EDF Renewables offers best-in-class employee benefits, including the following:

• Competitive bonus incentives. This position is eligible for our annual bonus program.

• Comprehensive health coverage. EDF Renewables USA provides low-cost health & wellness coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.

• Rewarding 401k. EDF Renewables provides a generous matching contribution.

We are also proud to offer:

• Favorable paid time off programs, including paid parental leave after one year of service.

• Rewarding learning & career development and advancement opportunities.

• Supportive mentorship & buddy programs.

Be a part of an innovative and collaborative team environment that fosters our goal of delivering renewable solutions to lead the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Salary Range: The full pay range for this role is $28.00 to $47.00 per hour. The target range for this position is $30.00 to $40.00 per hour. We generally base our salary decisions on factors such as internal equity, candidate work and/leadership experience, educational credentials, and in some cases, candidate work location.

From the company's state-of-the-art control center, Operators monitor conditions within the renewable energy plants managed in the OCC. Key function is to mitigate equipment downtime and production losses through responsive, timely actions to maximize plant performance. Control Center Operators remotely monitor and control turbine, inverter, and BOP plant equipment from the control room using Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous plant operation.

Responsibilities

• Complete applicable safety program training requirements per the IIPP annually. Read, understand, and apply information such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

• Maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operation including maximizing generation and operate facility within all applicable permits

• Respond to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency

• Visually monitor and read parameters, data points, and sensor outputs at specified intervals to verify operating conditions and to detect faults and malfunctions

• Monitor data such as weather conditions including wind speed, direction, turbulence, irradiance, storms, or equipment temperatures, voltage, current, power, and VAR’s

• Adjust manual controls or verify automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, based on utility/ISO/customer requirements. Accurately change control equipment setpoints

• Record operation actions taken during shift in operator's logbook or other automated logging mechanisms

• Anticipate typical problems, identify potential or recurring problems, discover opportunities for improvements, and take appropriate action

• Able to become proficient in operating computers, the OCC’s Integrated SCADA system, and all other plant SCADA systems used in monitoring and controlling plant operations

• Use weather information from weather services and interconnected companies to respond to load demand changes as directed through curtailment orders and outage directives

• Ensure compliance to all regulatory and contractual requirements through adherence to all operational procedures, processes, and policies

• Coordinate with regional personnel and system operators from other companies on matters pertaining to customer problems or demands. Utilize accurate and efficient three-way communication skills on inbound and outbound telephone conversations

• Advanced staff works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems and ascertains probable cause

• All other duties as assigned

Working conditions: 

Control Center Operators spend 100% of their time in the OCC facility, excluding safety and scheduled training exercises. Shift assignments in the 24/7/365 work setting include extended workdays and the ability to work other shifts as required, to include overtime, rotating shifts, holidays and weekends as necessary. 

Required Training:

Technicians must complete up to Five (5) weeks of paid, mandatory training in Albert Lea, MN. The exact duration will be determined within the first two weeks of employment. Travel and accommodation expenses for this training will be provided.

Qualifications

• Able to maintain confidentiality, be detail oriented and disciplined, and adept at multi-tasking.

• Able to demonstrate good work habits including, but not limited to, excellent attendance patterns and being to work on time.

• Conduct and present himself/herself in a professional manner.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written, with demonstrated ability to follow instructions diligently.

• Demonstrated good analytical skills to process information in a timely and accurate manner. Math skills sufficient to accurately complete required job functions.

• Demonstrated computer skills required with ability to learn and use MS Office suite programs, unique plant SCADA systems, and network/communication systems to identify plant interconnectivity issues.

• Understanding of the operation and control of power plants highly desired. Knowledge of NERC operating policies a plus. Ability to train for and become NERC certified is a desired advancement path for operators.

• A minimum of 2-5+ years of applicable work using computers or similar industrial equipment, experience in power plant operations considered a plus. Military or maritime background is an asset.

• A minimum of 2-4 years of education with a degree from an accredited engineering or technical school preferred.

• Must be able to work other shifts as required, including overtime, rotating shifts, holidays and weekends as necessary. Experience in 24/7 work settings preferred.