Renewables Operations Center (ROC) Operator

Duke Energy; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Duke Energy's Renewables Operations Center in Charlotte is seeking a skilled ROC Operator to monitor and dispatch hydro, solar and battery storage assets in real time, ensuring safe, compliant operations and reliable power delivery.

You will work with ECCs, site technicians and FERC-trained procedures, maintain logs and COA entries, manage reservoirs, and respond to grid conditions with sound, risk-informed decisions.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 2 years of work experience. In lieu of degree 4 years of operational/generation station experience.
• Ability to obtain unescorted NERC access.
• Complete Level2 JPMs and pass the RROC Board Evaluation within the first 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Dispatch and operate hydro, solar, and battery storage assets to meet energy demand.
• Mitigate grid events with ECCs and monitor ROC fleet assets.
• Maintain Plant View logs and COA entries for dispatch and modeling.
• Coordinate with site technicians for alarms and safety procedures.
• Manage reservoirs and waterway operations including dam safety drills.

Skills

ROC operations

NERC access

Water resource management

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Two years work experience

Tools

ROC computer systems

Dam safety procedures

Job description

More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives. Build an exciting, rewarding career with us – help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

The Renewables Operations Center (ROC) is a 24/7/365 control room manages and monitors Duke Energy’s hydro, solar, and battery storage assets to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations. This role involves real-time decision-making to balance energy demands and water resource management while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the ECCs to mitigate grid events and meet customer energy demand
• Dispatch and operate hydro generation, solar generation, and battery storage assets to meet energy demand
• Constantly monitor operational screens on all ROC fleet assets
• Work with site technicians to mitigate site alarms and workarounds
• Manage site safety and security elements of assets in alignment with established procedures and regulations
• Adjust unit controls and excitation based on unit response, system limitation, and generator voltage limits/schedule
• Make operational decisions that ensure the safety of Duke Energy facilities and the public
• Ensure accurate COA entries noting available generation for ECC dispatch and FSO modeling
• Maintain accurate Plant View operations logs
• Waterway Management
• Manage reservoirs as part of an integrated system, including periods of high inflows, which encompasses floodgate operations.
• Dispatch Hydro generating units or manipulate spillways to move water through the system
• Maintain FERC training and qualifications including participation in dam failure drills
• Evaluate dam failure and dam non-failure conditions, then implement corresponding plans up to notification of EMAs for public warnings and evacuations
• Under high water conditions, make notifications and coordinate with stakeholders
• Negotiate outage and reserve requests
• Communicate emerging unit limitations across relevant organizations
• Utilize risk informed decision making based on the criticality of the asset and grid conditions
• Maintain accuracy of publicly available information as required
• Curtail surplus Solar generation at the request of the ECC as a method of assuring grid reliability
• Adjust storage asset (battery) operational modes and/or scheduling charge/discharge cycles as required by procedure or ECC request.
• Utilize proficiency to serve as a non-shift resource for equipment, operations, and compliance questions
• Provide on-the-job training
• The ROC Operator is expected to own their development and seek information that will assist in their job-related duties.

Required/Basic Qualifications

Associate degree and 2 years of work experience. In lieu of degree 4 years of operational/generation station experience Specific Requirements: Ability to obtain unescorted NERC access. Either a two-year technical degree and 2 years work experience; OR 4 years generation facility experience without a degree Proven competency in ROC computer applications Completed all Level2 JPMs AND successfully pass the RROC Board Evaluation within the first 12 months. Basic Qualifications: Associate degree and 2 years of work experience. In lieu of degree 4 years of operational/generation station experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient with computer systems and using many software applications.
• Analytical skills, ability to quickly learn varied operational parameters at multiple plants.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with impact-possessing excellent negotiating skills.
• Excellent team building and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation delivery.
• Ability to quickly assess the situation, analyze the data and react to rapidly changing conditions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of power system operations and Renewable Energy Technologies (Hydroelectric, Solar, Storage, etc.)
• Previous experience as a control room operator
• Previous experience as a Hydro, Solar, or BESS Technician

Working Conditions

Onsite Mobility Classification – Work will be performed at a company facility. On-site employees are also required to live within a reasonable daily commute to their assigned work location, not greater than 50 miles one way. Office / Control Room Rotating Shift Coverage of 24 hours a day ,365 days a year, operations Must be able to read, comprehend, inspect, calculate, count, retain and make sound decisions. Regularly required to sit, talk, hear, use and reach with hands, arms and fingers. There is potential exposure to high stress situations and requirement to be available for emergency response as required by the needs of service.

Travel Requirements

5-15%

Relocation Assistance

Provided (as applicable)

Union / Representation

No Represented/Union Position

Visa Sponsorship

No Visa Sponsored Position No. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity & Inclusion Read about our commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce. About Duke Energy Terms of Use Brighter opportunities. Brighter futures. Duke Energy values ideas that come from a diverse and inclusive workforce, and we’re dedicated to providing a work environment where all people are valued, respected and able to reach their full potential. Duke Energy is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, including but not limited to lactation, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, medical condition, military status, or protected veteran status. Duke Energy complies with all applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations and ordinances prohibiting discrimination.