Project Manager, NERC Compliance

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC; Alvin (TX); On-site; USD 94,831 - 128,022; Full time

Job summary

Asplundh Tree Expert, LLC is hiring a Project Manager for NERC Compliance in Alvin, Texas. The successful candidate will oversee compliance projects, ensuring adherence to critical cyber security standards, and will act as a Subject Matter Expert during audits. Requires Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of experience. The position involves extensive interaction with regulatory bodies and the development of compliance procedures and practices, aimed at maintaining operational efficiency and preventing violations.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of experience in a related field.
• Ability to represent the company in external audits.
• Must pass a background check for access to Critical Cyber Assets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee compliance with NERC standards for TNMP.
• Conduct analyses of operational issues to maintain efficiency.
• Represent TNMP as a Subject Matter Expert during audits.

Skills

Knowledge of NERC O&P Standards

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Windows-based software

Power BI

Job description

Job Description

Project Manager, NERC Compliance

Salary Grade: G05
Minimum Midpoint Maximum
$94,831 - $128,022 - $161,213
This position is posted until filled.

This position is covered by North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) cyber security standards. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Prior to being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.

Summary

Oversees, leads, and coordinates compliance and operations analysis projects, ensuring adherence to NERC standards and Electric Reliability Council Of Texas protocols. This role involves continuous research and analysis of practices, procedures, and processes to confirm and improve compliance. The project manager represents TNMP as a Subject Matter Expert during audits, spot checks, and investigations, requiring a deep understanding of compliance standards and effective communication skills. Additionally, they conduct analyses of operating issues and problems, identifying root causes and developing solutions to maintain operational efficiency and prevent regulatory violations. This position is vital for maintaining the integrity and reliability of TNMP's operations. Conducts compliance activities in an ethical and professional manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the department lead for compliance with all NERC Standards applicable to TNMP as assigned to this position
• Assumes Subject Matter Expert (SME) role for all assigned applicable NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Standards for the department
• Follows and participates in NERC standards drafting, development and approval processes at NERC
• Develops revisions and updates to procedures and practices to provide continuous improvement and assure compliance; monitors the compliance activities of TNMP Staff; develops and monitors compliance metrics
• Analyzes and documents potential violations of the standards to support effective self-reporting and subsequent mitigation of violations
• Develops briefing materials for management and staff; advises management of compliance developments at NERC, Texas RE, and ERCOT
• Acts as a primary liaison to the TXNM Energy NERC Compliance Governance group for external audits, spot checks, self-reports, Requests for Information (RFI), studies, and investigations; stays current with the NERC Reliability Standards Audit worksheets ("RSAWS") and drafts responses to RSAWS in preparation for audits; coordinates with the NERC Compliance group and Internal Audit during any internal compliance audits or investigations
• Coordinates department use of compliance documentation methods and tools; establishes and adheres to effective document version control and management tools and methods, including administration of compliance software
• Establishes and maintains compliance policies and controls, including "tickler" and/or calendar reminder systems to assure required periodic (monthly, quarterly and annual) reviews and updates to data, logs and procedures are timely completed
• Manages the transition of compliance tasks and responsibilities in response to new staff joining TNMP, and loss of staff after transfers and retirements
• May represent TNMP at Texas RE, ERCOT and NERC compliance outreach functions such as, but not limited to the Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE), NERC Compliance Workshops, North American Transmission Forum (NATF), Edison Electric, as assigned

Competencies

• Detailed knowledge of NERC O&P Standards, and the NERC Reliability Standards development process
• Detailed knowledge of and experience in operations, transmission, and distribution systems
• Knowledge of state and federal electric utility regulatory agencies and their rules, regulations and practices
• Ability to represent the Company in external NERC and Texas RE audits of compliance with applicable NERC reliability standards

Qualifications

Minimum Education and/or Experience

Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, mathematics, computer science or a similar field with five to seven years of related experience, or equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.

Experience as a system operator or power plant operator is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Must be cleared (or have the ability to be cleared) to have access to TNMP Critical Cyber Assets ("CCAs") and information about CCAs as such assets are defined within the CIP standards. Must be able to pass a comprehensive initial (and periodically recurring) background check.

NERC Operator certification or the ability to become certified is preferred.

Communication Skills

Ability to read and interpret NERC Standards, governing NERC Compliance and Enforcement Program ("CMEP") documents, applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) rulemakings and orders, and related regulatory filings made by other parties and industry groups (such as EEI) in FERC proceedings.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.

Ability to effectively present information to diverse audiences.

Ability to write technical reports and procedures.

Ability to effectively listen and get clarification to respond to a wide-range of questions.

Ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.

Strong organizational skills and the ability to be self-directed in day-to-day work.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply concepts of fractions, percentages, ratios, proportions, exponents, and averages.

Ability to understand the mathematical equations and algebraic expressions contained in the NERC Standards.

Computer Skills

Comprehensive working knowledge of Microsoft Windows-based software products and platforms including but not limited to MS365, Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Sharepoint document management and collaboration, Adobe Acrobat, various web browsers, Webex, Teams, Generative AI and Power BI.

Analysis and Problem-Solving Ability

Ability to develop new operating procedures and compliance processes, based on experience with and knowledge of electric utility system operations. Ability to develop revisions, updates, and improvements to existing operating procedures and processes. Ability to work with detailed electric utility operations data, analyze the data, diagnose the source of operating issues, concerns and problems, develop and implement recommendations, and follow-up to determine if corrective actions taken were effective or if they require revision or adjustment. Must be proactive, adept in working with cross-functional teams and stakeholder groups. Ability to synthesize complex information. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Decision Making

Decides whether existing processes or procedures comply with NERC Reliability Standards and what changes are warranted to enhance compliance with the Standards. Both independently and in coordination with staff that are Subject Matter Experts, must be able to draft and implement improvements to compliance procedures and practices. Acts independently and takes initiative to review compliance status and readiness for audits and to coordinate review of processes and procedures with TNMP staff. Decision making is coordinated with the Director of System Operations and/or TXNM Energy NERC Compliance staff.

Scope and Impact

NERC Compliance failures pose significant financial risks to the Company. The position is responsible for leading NERC compliance activities for TNMP including support during audits. Compliance failures can result in sanctions of up to millions of dollars for each requirement violated. FERC, NERC, and Texas RE are taking an increasingly aggressive approach to audits and actions, and financial risk of non-compliance will also increase.

Physical Demands

Ability to sit up to 2/3 of the time and to stand, walk, and stoop up to 1/3 of the time. Good vision and ability to adjust focus is required. Manual dexterity is required. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment

Office environment.

Some in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.

Safety and ADA Statement

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at (TXNM Energy/PNM/TNMP) and our vision, "everyone goes home safe", reflects our commitment to promoting an environment conducive to learning, improving and building safety practices. Our safety value is built upon the belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment free from harm.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement

If you require assistance with the job application process due to a disability, please contact HR ADA Analyst, at 505-241-4627.