System Operations Planner Senior

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

At APS, we power Arizona’s future by ensuring the safety and reliability of our transmission systems. As a Senior Transmission Operations Planner, you’ll lead the planning and coordination of outages and system additions, develop strategies for emergency work, and represent APS as a subject matter expert on internal and external committees.

What your day would be like

• Acting as the operational liaison between the Energy Control Center and internal/external teams to coordinate planned and emergency work.
• Developing and prioritizing plans for outages and additions to maintain system integrity and minimize risk.
• Creating and executing complex switching procedures for maintenance, new facility integration, and emergency requirements.
• Ensuring compliance with operating guidelines, safety standards, and interconnection agreements while supporting regulatory documentation.
• Reviewing proposed facility modifications and providing recommendations to engineering and planning teams.
• Serving on committees and stakeholder teams to represent APS and provide subject matter expertise.

Who we’re looking for

• Experienced in transmission system operations, outage planning, and coordination at an advanced level.
• Skilled in developing complex switching procedures and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
• Strong communicator and collaborator who can lead discussions and represent APS in stakeholder forums.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage priorities and organize work packages with precision.
• Knowledgeable about interconnection contracts, regulatory requirements, and operational documentation standards.

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma/ GED plus five (5) years of experience as either a System Operations Planner or a ECC Transmission Operator OR ten (10) years of combined relevant experience in the operation of transmission systems, substation equipment, relaying and operating procedures.
• Knowledge of electrical theory for interconnected electric system operation.
• Demonstrated abilities in developing complex switching procedures and in interaction with other areas and companies.
• Able to apply good judgement in making timely decisions under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously at all voltage levels.
• Significant experience in grid operations and/or field experience.
• Understanding of electrical power theory and transmission operations methodologies.
• Understanding of Balancing Authority principals, path allocations, and transmission scheduling.
• Must have passed all Operations Planning Job Performance Evaluations (JPE) and oral boards.
• Understanding of relaying and communication principals.
• Demonstrated technical skills and job knowledge outside of Outage Planning JPEs.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Able to build and maintain business relationships with neighboring entities and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to execute on complex projects. Understanding of field maintenance, construction practices and Accident Prevention Manual (APM).
• Hold and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Coordinator certification and has understanding of NERC standards.
• Capable of using computer applications to manage work (Microsoft suite, outage management applications, etc.).
• Ability to handle multiple complex assignments simultaneously.
• Works with stakeholders to provide understanding of operational practices.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.