Systems Operator

NAES; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 123,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

Gridforce Energy Management, a NAES Company, is seeking a Systems Operator to prioritize, analyze and coordinate the operation of power generating units with power marketing organizations and plant personnel. You will oversee start/shut-down of assets, monitor outages, and ensure real-time reliability across the bulk power system.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience with RTO/ISO operations, NERC policies, and PJM/Transmission operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Math, Economics, Business Administration, or other related discipline and/or experience.
• Five or more years of relevant experience including knowledge of generating plants, RTO/ISO operations, and transmission or distribution operations.
• Specific working knowledge of regional reliability operating policies and representation on NERC and regional committees nationwide.
• NERC reliability coordinator and PJM transmission certifications; willingness to obtain PJM generation certification within 6 months and PJM transmission certification within 12 months.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift including holidays and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; strong analytical, problem solving, presentation and negotiation skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Managing and responding to emergency procedures (up to and including curtailing firm demand)
• Monitoring and deploying reserves
• Coordinating start/shut-down of customer assets
• Scheduling outages
• Communicating with ISOs, reliability coordinators, balancing authorities and transmission operators
• Preparing and analyzing operating reports/logs and providing real time data to the Company and third party contracted counterparts
• Implementing real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System, including shedding load
• Participating in all required training to perform as a System Operator
• Real-time operational decision-making needs of customer facilities, including meeting NERC control performance measures and operating limits
• Managing compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Standards.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Real-time decision making

Shift-work flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

PJM Certifications tracking

NERC regional knowledge tools

Job description

Company Overview

Gridforce Energy Management’s mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliably while enhancing our client’s profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

Company Overview

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas -- the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Management is a NAES Company.

Opportunity Summary

The responsibility of a Systems Operator is to prioritize, manage, analyze and coordinate the operation of power generating units with power marketing organizations and plant personnel including the shutdown and return of power generating units in addition to monitoring and coordinating operation with owners of transmission facilities.

Here’s a look at some of the work you’ll be doing…

• Managing and responding to emergency procedures (up to and including curtailing firm demand)
• Monitoring and deploying reserves
• Coordinating start/shut-down of customer assets
• Scheduling outages
• Communicating with Independent System Operators, reliability coordinators, balancing authorities and transmission operators
• Preparing and analyzing operating reports/logs and, providing real time data to the Company and third party contracted counterparts
• Responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System, including shedding load
• Participating in all required training to perform as a System Operator
• Real-time operational decision-making needs of customer facilities, including meeting NERC control performance measures and operating limits. Process requires the capability to effectively and efficiently manage a myriad of factors that impact performance and limits including energy schedule volumes, frequency, power flows and deviations.
• Managing compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Standards. The position requires a specific working knowledge of NERC region and NERC criteria and requirements.
• Proper verbal and written communications between ISOs, customer generation facilities, customer power marketers, reliability coordinators, balancing authorities, and transmission operators
• Implementing emergency procedures as necessary/required
• Ensure that Gridforce policies are adhered to on shift
• Market new commercial services contracts with new and/or existing customers throughout the North American electrical industry
• Provide input into forward business strategies, marketing efforts, and analytical and structural support for improving service areas.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Physical Requirements include the ability to sit for long periods of time, communicate verbally and in writing and handle long periods of screen time.

This position supports a 24 x 7 business; must be willing to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including weekends and holidays and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

Fit for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a pre-employment drug screen.

Compensation

The initial compensation range is $123,00 - $142,050 depending on experience and qualifications.

Why you’re the perfect addition to our team (about you)

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Math, Economics, Business Administration, or other related discipline and/or experience desired
• Five or more years of relevant experience including a working knowledge of generating plants, RTO/ISO operations, and transmission or distribution operations.
• Specific working knowledge of regional reliability operating policies and representation on NERC and regional committees nationwide
• NERC reliability coordinator and PJM transmission certifications. Must be willing to obtain PJM generation certification within 6 months and PJM transmission certification within 12 months.
• Must be willing to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including holidays and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
• Work independently to perform primary duties and be able to interpret existing policies and procedures to make decisions in real time
• Ability to identify and solicit appropriate services customers that fit the existing services portfolio and Company’s forward business strategies
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; possess strong analytical, problem solving, presentation and negotiation skills, and the ability to use computer applications
• Must have a valid driver's license

Performance

All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time, and to ensure the customer’s needs are being met.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and Gridforce. As a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.