Grid Operations Manager - Grid User Support (Onsite)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

Relocation assistance is available.

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 Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience.

Certifications:

NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification required.

Type of Experience:

Experience as a Lead Operator at the California ISO or comparable position at a similar organization operating a Bulk Electric System in a Lead capacity. Project management experience. Proven knowledge and experience working with NERC, WECC, adjacent Balancing Authorities, and Transmission Operators.

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.