Operations and Planning Associate at Utility Services

Wayne State University; Waterbury (VT); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible hybrid work schedule

Job summary

A compliance consulting firm is seeking an Operations and Planning Associate in Waterbury, Vermont. This role involves supporting electric utilities with NERC compliance programs, developing documentation, and assisting with audits. Candidates should have a degree in engineering or a related field, excellent communication skills, and a strong analytical background. This position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing for both in-office and remote work, along with opportunities for professional growth in a rapidly changing industry.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field, or equivalent military/technical experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly regarding technical content.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop a working knowledge of NERC reliability standards Operations & Planning requirements.
• Assist in the development of compliance programs, procedures, and documentation for NERC registered entities.
• Support client preparation for NERC audits, spot checks, self-certifications, and data requests.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills

Curious across disciplines

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

Job description

Utility Services is seeking an Operations and Planning Associate to join our growing compliance consulting team. This role supports electric utilities and other power industry participants in meeting the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Standards.

As an Operations and Planning Associate, you will work directly with clients to support regulatory compliance programs, review documentation and evidence, and assist with audit preparation. You will gain a deep understanding of the regulatory landscape governing the North American power grid while helping clients navigate evolving compliance requirements.

This position provides the opportunity to develop specialized expertise in an industry experiencing rapid change as the electric grid modernizes. You will collaborate with experienced compliance professionals while contributing to documentation development, compliance analysis, and internal process improvements.

About Us

Utility Services was founded over 16 years ago and is a growing compliance and security consulting firm based in Vermont, specializing in helping electric utilities navigate the complex landscape of the NERC reliability standards and strengthen their operational compliance programs.

The electric sector is undergoing significant transformation as the grid evolves to support renewable energy, large electric loads, and new technologies, and we’re looking for someone who wants to grow with us.

Our employees work a hybrid schedule, spending two days per week in our office in Waterbury, Vermont, and three days working remotely. Waterbury is located near some of Vermont’s best hiking, mountain biking, and skiing, and is approximately 30 minutes from Burlington, Vermont’s largest city.

What are the NERC Reliability Standards?

The NERC Reliability Standards are mandatory regulations governing the reliability and security of the North American bulk electric system. These standards apply to electric utilities, transmission operators, power plants, and other entities responsible for operating and protecting the power grid.

The standards cover areas including:

• Operations and planning requirements
• Protection system maintenance
• System monitoring and reliability coordination

Compliance is mandatory, and violations can result in significant penalties. As the grid becomes more complex and interconnected, these standards continue to evolve to address new risks and technologies.

What You’ll Do

• Develop a working knowledge of NERC reliability standards Operations & Planning requirements
• Assist in the development of compliance programs, procedures, and documentation for NERC registered entities
• Review compliance documentation, test reports, and other evidence with strong attention to detail and critical thinking
• Support client preparation for NERC audits, spot checks, self-certifications, and data requests
• Participate in client meetings and presentations related to NERC compliance programs
• Review technical documentation such as one-line diagrams, protection system inventories, and maintenance programs
• Assist with development of compliance templates and internal workflows
• Monitor regulatory developments from FERC, NERC, and Regional Entities
• Identify opportunities to improve internal processes, tools, and documentation workflows

Who You Are

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent military/technical experience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly regarding technical content
• Curious across disciplines; comfortable learning about electrical engineering, regulatory frameworks, and business operations
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Comfortable learning across disciplines including electrical systems, and regulatory frameworks
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team environment
• Willingness to learn and take on new challenges in a rapidly evolving industry
• Excited about staying in or returning to Vermont

Why This Opportunity

• Join an established company as we grow with opportunities to shape internal tools and processes
• Develop specialized expertise in NERC operations & planning compliance
• Work in an industry experiencing significant growth and transformation
• Gain exposure to power system reliability disciplines
• Opportunity for professional development and advancement.