System Operations Planner Senior

at Arizona Public Service in PHOENIX, Arizona, United States

Job Description

System Operations Planner Senior

Date: Dec 15, 2025

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.