Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Apprentice
Nebraska Public Power DistrictLocation - Kearney, NE Kearney Operations Center Employment Type: Fulltime Posting Date: Friday October 30, 2026 Closing Date: Friday November 13, 2026 Nebraska Public Power District is hiring ! Join our team as a Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Apprentice and become an important part of our NPPD story. We are proud of our history, powering every corner of Nebraska, every day, for half a century. We recognize that it takes a diverse group of individuals to move forward in the rapidly changing energy industry, and now is the time to power our own transformation. Come with us on our journey, walking alongside teammates and our customers, leading the way in providing safe, reliable, sustainable energy for all Nebraskans, all while protecting our environment, powering our lives, and realizing our dreams. That’s NPPD…the Power of People. Get to know us more here. Position Summary This is an apprentice position that is responsible to train for critical tasks that ensure the safe and reliable operation of NPPD’s jointly operated sub-transmission system (<115 kV) and the distribution retail system (<15 kV), including executing and directing real-time actions using sophisticated software tools such as the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) to monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve complex emergent scenarios, while maintaining precise communication and coordination with NPPD’s Joint Sub-Transmission Customers. Education, Training and Experience Requires a technical school degree in a related electrical field, or a high school diploma/GED plus three years of related electrical experience. Related Experience: Includes utility line work, substation operations, commercial, residential, or industrial electrical work, utility power plant operations, electrical engineering, telecommunications, electronics, utility system control, power system planning, and electric utility engineering technician roles. A bachelor’s degree in a related field may be considered as a substitute for up to three years of the required related electrical experience. Other relevant work experience or demonstrated performance that shows the applicant has the skills and ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered in place of the specified education or experience requirements. Preferred candidates demonstrate computer aptitude and the ability to operate complex, multi monitor software environments. This role requires analytical and technical skills, including navigating advanced applications within an ADMS platform. Success in this position demands patience, adaptability, and confidence working with intricate digital systems. Applicants may be placed into the Sub-Transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program. Licenses and/or Certifications Must pass the SOPDII Testing. Must meet the probationary requirements of NPPD’s Sub transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program and qualify as a System Control Operator within one year. Must obtain NPPD switching and clearance holder certifications. Must establish and maintain an acceptable NERC security background check. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Successfully complete per NPPD standards, classroom and on the job training to become System Control Operator qualified utilizing NPPD’s Sub-transmission & Distribution System Control Operator Progression Program and Operator Training Design. Coordinate, write, review, and execute switching of sub-transmission and distribution lines and associated substation equipment in a manner that will not jeopardize the safety of personnel and equipment by utilizing human performance tools and checks. Evaluate contingency conditions, validate 115 kV line paths, and leverage arcing kVA studies and phase angle calculations to shape reliable switching strategies. During loop splitting operations, balance system voltage and VAR flow to reduce arcing ris…