Real-Time Power Trader and Generation Dispatch I, II or Senior

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today—for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

In this important role you will ensure that all projected electric customer load demand is met, around-the-clock, in the most economic and efficient manner while adhering to operating system constraints and industry or regulatory guidelines.

Pay Range: This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.

Level I: $71,100 - $106,600

Level II: $84,600 - $126,900

Senior: $94,800 - $156,250

Reporting Relationship: Real Time Operations Manager

Location: Our Corporate Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:

• Purchase and/or reassign required transmission rights for each transmission segment of each transaction. This requires knowledge of transmission contracts, ownership of transmission systems, NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) registered POR/POD, sources, sinks, and transmission products.
• Conduct trades via contacts with producers, traders and power delivery organizations in compliance with the organization's energy marketing policies and procedures, while analyzing and reacting to market conditions.
• Ensure that all actions are in full compliance with applicable NERC operating standards, other regional and regulatory standards, and the Company's risk policy.
• Assist in analyzing resources, load obligations, generation dispatch and market opportunities to procure energy at the lowest possible cost and to increase margins for real-time transactions.
• Manage load forecasts, actual load and available resources to balance Company's load position and to ensure reliable electric service for Company's native load customers for three load control areas.
• Provide operational support for energy transactions initiated and negotiated in the energy marketing and trading group.
• Verify the creation and processing of complete and accurate hourly data necessary to verify and account for all consummated transactions.
• Respond to generation disturbances and outages to mitigate plant contingencies and ensure integrity of firm contract obligations.
• Implement real-time actions, up to and including coordination of shedding firm load, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Provide assistance to other generation dispatch and power marketing employees as needed, while maintaining effective working relationships with all generation dispatch and power marketing employees.
• Establish and maintain positive business relationships with counterparts at regional or national utilities and marketer organizations, including Joint Ownership Unit participants.
• Support the development and implementation of new Balancing Authority operations, including coordination and readiness activities for participation in the CAISO Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM).

What Is Required:

All Levels:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Business or related field required.

Level I:

• Minimum of 1 year of mathematics, analytics, electric industry or related experience required.

Level II:

• Minimum of 3 years of generation dispatch, energy trading and/or interchange scheduling experience.

Senior:

• Minimum of 5 years of generation dispatch, energy trading and/or interchange scheduling experience.
• Valid NERC System Operator Certification upon hire.

What Is Desired:

• General understanding of the wholesale electricity marketplace, including the effects from market dynamics such as delivery limitations, regional supply/demand, daily/seasonal diversities, reliability aspects, fuel considerations, etc.
• Basic knowledge of the interconnected bulk power generation and transmission network and the operational aspects of that network.
• Knowledge of OASIS (Open Access Same Time Information System) sites and their functions for the purchase and scheduling of transmission rights.
• Knowledge of physical real-time, day-ahead or monthly physical electrical energy trading including the basic understanding of transaction scheduling and tagging requirements.
• Business knowledge of budgeting, contract management, financial reporting, and managerial accounting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate, communicate, influence, and negotiate.
• Ability to perform under considerable stress induced by a highly driven environment, impending target dates, emergency situations and a rotating twelve-hour shift schedule.
• Analytical skills to properly assess complex technical and economic variables and the capability to make fast and accurate decisions based on the conclusions reached.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and various specialized software/programs.
• Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.