Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice

Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice

Location - Doniphan, NE Doniphan Control Center
Employment Type: Full Time
Posting Date: Friday November 6th, 2026
Closing Date: Monday November 30th, 2026

Are you hard-working and eager to make a meaningful impact in the ever-emerging energy industry? Come join us!

By joining the Nebraska Public Power District team, you’re becoming part of a close-knit community that embodies the values and traditions of the state. More than generating and delivering power, we empower our employees to thrive both personally and professionally. With safety at the helm, we have created a supportive and inclusive work environment that fosters innovation and growth. Here, you’re not just an employee; you're a valued member of a family that respects and supports each other.

Our power grid has been consistently ranked one of the most reliable and resilient, but our reputation for excellence extends beyond our customer service to our employee satisfaction. Many of our team members have built lifelong careers here, advancing through the ranks thanks to our robust training programs and opportunities for professional development. With us, you’ll find a place where your efforts are recognized and rewarded, where you’re making a deep impact on the communities around you, and where you can truly power a career that you can be proud of.

Get to know us more here

Position Summary

This is a training position that is responsible to train for an extremely critical part of NPPD's transmission and generation operations. This position is responsible to train for many tasks, including: to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System; monitor the NPPD high voltage (115 KV and above) transmission using the Energy Management System (EMS); determine solutions to complex problems associated with power system operation and take actions necessary to maintain a safe, reliable, and efficient system; operate NPPD's transmission system in conformance with North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Regional Entity (RE) Reliability Standards; and monitor NPPD tie line meter data. This position will be required to complete the requirements of the System Operator Progression Program.

Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice is the entry level position.

The ability to be contacted via phone is required.

Preferred living distance from the Control Center is less than 60 minutes but is not required.

Education, Training and Experience

Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice- Associate's degree in electrical or electronics technology and 3 years of operations experience in a reliability coordinator, balancing authority, and/or transmission operator role and NERC Certified System Operator with the Transmission Operator, or Reliability Coordinator certification (OR) associates degree in electrical or electronics technology and 5 years of experience in the areas listed below (OR) high school diploma/GED and 8 years of experience in the areas listed below.

Experience: substation technician, line technician, power plant operator, telecommunications technician, subtransmission & distribution control center operations, engineering technician, or system planning.

*Note: A bachelor’s degree in a related field may be considered/substituted for up to 3 years (maximum) of the related electrical experience requirement.

Licenses and/or Certifications

Transmission System Control Operator – Apprentice - Must meet the requirements of the system operator progression program. Successful completion of NPPD's Transmission System Control Operator written exam and review board required within 24 months.

It is required to be a NERC Certified System Operator with the Transmission Operator, Balancing and Transmission Operator, or Reliability Coordinator certification to perform the duties associated with this position. The Reliability Coordinator certification is preferred. The applicant selected for the position must meet certification requirements within 12 months of the starting date. Once NERC Certification is obtained this position is eligible for the NPPD NERC Certification Premium program as outlined in District Standard HR-ST-042.

Must successfully pass NERC Personnel Risk Assessment and continue to meet the requirements for access to NERC High Impact BES Cyber Systems.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Train to prepare and issue switching of High Voltage (HV) and Extremely High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines and equipment associated with the high voltage transmission system in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of personnel and equipment in accordance with applicable NERC and RE Reliability Standards. This includes verifying switching orders are correct prior to execution.

Monitor and control system voltage and operate reactive devices to maintain a desired voltage profile and control VAR's in accordance with NERC and RE Reliability Standards.

Train to monitor and control HV and EHV transmission lines and substations to react to changes in system requirements due to variations in system load conditions and other factors in the interconnected power system in accordance with NERC and RE Reliability Standards. This includes training to respond to emergency conditions such as loss of transmission, substation and/or generation facilities. Possible control actions shall include shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limit or Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit violations. Remain abreast of the status of all generation resources and high voltage transmission system components (NPPD and neighboring systems) impacting the NPPD transmission system.

Effectively considers the risks and benefits associated with actions prior to taking appropriate actions.

Ensures the safe and reliable maintenance and operation of electrical facilities to protect the public and the environment using work priorities and system operation activities in compliance with established safety programs and appropriate standards.

Accountable for other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies

Customer Focus Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion Integrity/Excellence Public Service/Environmental Stewardship Safety
Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.

Pay Grade - 15 Hourly

Transmission System Control Operator - Apprentice Starting Salary: $ 61.73

Travel Required: Up to 25% (With no or minimal overnight stays, less than 3 per month, typically within state of Nebraska) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.

Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.

Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer