The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by "keeping the lights on" 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

Job Description

The Operations Trainee is the ideal entry into the energy industry. If you like working with technical, mechanical and financial information this job is for you.  You will go through a self-paced training program encompassing Electric System Operations, Electricity Market Operations, power generation resources, including renewables. The Trainee program is a full time position of both classroom and hands-on instructional training. Upon successful completion of the requirements, including the NERC certification exam, placement could be in Control Room Operations, Operations Engineering or another role in the Operations Division supporting the Grid.

What's In it for You

Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

• You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
• You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
• You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing

• Actively participates in a fast-paced learning program of formal classroom instruction, power system simulations, on-the-job training, site-visits, and self-study including Review of Basic Electricity, Substation Operations, Power Plant Operations, Interconnected Power System Operations and ISO Market Operations.
• Completes training modules and additional required reading including books, training manuals and operating procedures within the specified time limits.
• Demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in each area of study by qualifying scores on written and/or performance exams.
• Accountable for maintaining progress through the Program on a defined schedule and periodic proficiency testing.
• Attends supplemental programs and/or events.
• Learns strategies to best support reliability and business objectives.
• Learns fundamentals of generation and transmission maintenance, transmission system congestion and congestion mitigation.
• Demonstrates knowledge of operational goals, objectives, tools, EMS applications processes, and services.
• Actively participates in multiple challenging, complex and time sensitive projects and/or a work programs.
• Successfully obtain the required NERC System Operator Certification.
• Work effectively in a team environment.

Level of Education and Discipline

• A Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) in Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field. Electrical Engineering is preferred.

Amount of Experience

• No experience is required.
• 1+ years of technical, mechanical or financial experience is desirable.

Type of Experience

• Knowledge of electric system operations, various transmission engineering standards, generation, substation operations, energy distribution, Energy Management Systems is desired.
• Must be willing to eventually work shift work, including weekends and holidays.

Additional skills and abilities

• Demonstrated aptitude in the areas of advanced mathematics, technical, mechanical, and systems/computer applications areas are required.
• Demonstrated interest in electric system operations, markets, and renewable energy initiatives.
• Proven good judgment with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.
• Must be able to work under high-pressure and stressful conditions and demonstrate the ability to exercise good judgment and discretion in routine and emergency conditions to take immediate appropriate action.
• Must be confident and decisive with complex decisions with a high level of personal accountability and the ability to be assertive when necessary.
• Strong sense of self-motivation and to learn complex information in a fast-moving, distracting and ever-changing environment.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and multi-tasking skills, and flexibility.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.