Grid Operations Manager - Grid User Support (Onsite)

Under the general direction of the Director, manages the integration and implementation of new and modified bulk electric changes that impact Reliability Coordination, WEIM, or California BA/TOP operators.  Oversees and leads the development of requirements, documentation and readiness of real-time personnel, processes and technologies required to successfully integrate changes.  Provides subject matter expertise and an operations perspective to cross divisional teams as new policies, market and grid functionality, and operational process improvements are developed.  Partners with the Director and relevant Managers to provide technical guidance and direction to internal and external customers.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Manages coordination with internal support teams, internal & external customers and Operational Readiness staff for planned changes and unexpected issues of applications, grid topology, and processes.  Provides an operational perspective and ensures that impacts to Grid Operations, the development of requirements and documentation, and communication with internal and external parties are considered and appropriate.  Provides subject matter expertise to outside entities.  Responds and provides input to inquiries from outside agencies including NERC, FERC and WECC. Provides responses and support to CAISO Operations Compliance and Corporate Compliance related to compliance inquires and during regulatory audits. 
   
• Acts as a Grid Operations representative on cross-divisional teams to provide real-time operations perspective on new policies, market and system functionality, and operational process improvements. Interacts with Operations Readiness and internal or external customers to support UAT testing for tool enhancements and defect repair. Fills role of System Operations Management Liaison during scheduled coverage periods and system events.
   
• Oversees and leads the creation, modification and review of Operating Procedures and interim desktop procedures to ensure consistent operations and compliance with new and modified policy and operational changes. Monitors and provides input to WECC and NERC standards review as required. 
   
• Assists in training development and delivery as needed. Assists the Director in development and implementation of short and long-term strategies and objectives within the department ensuring alignment with the objectives of the ISO.
   
• Provides guidance, sets daily work assignment priorities for staff as needed.  Identifies staffing needs and mentors, coaches and trains staff to optimize the team.  Provides feedback to management regarding staff performance in support of the performance evaluation process.  May participate in department hiring activities such as interviewing and providing feedback on candidates' technical qualifications.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering (power system operations and/or electric generation operations), Economics, or related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience, including five (5) years at lead level or equivalent.

Certifications:

NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification required or must be able to obtain NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification within six months of employment.

Type of Experience:

Experience as a system operator or comparable role operating in a real-time environment monitoring or managing the Bulk Electric System (BES), responding to planned and unplanned events, communicating with adjacent utilities, performing studies to determine appropriate operating limits, utilizing BES systems or tools, and logging events and actions. Experience working with NERC, WECC, adjacent Balancing Authorities, or Transmission Operators. Project management experience is desired.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations. Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others. Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member.  Strong analytical and quantitative skills required.  Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts. Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently.  Must be able to perform effectively under emergency and high-pressure situations.

The pay range for the Grid Operations Manager is $155,625 - $259,375 per year.