Operations Project Coordinator Lead (Hybrid)

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.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of it employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a on-site or hybrid schedule. 

Relocation Assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the Manager, coordinates operations implementation of Bulk Electric System (BES) projects for the CAISO Transmission Operator (TOP), Balancing Authority (BA) and Reliability Coordinator (RC) areas. Responsible for coordinating implementation plans from initial impact analysis through project implementation. Additionally, acts as liaison between CAISO and WEIM customers to provide support for model implementation and improve overall operational coordination.  Responsible for ensuring Real Time Operations is situationally aware and prepared for impacts related to permanent changes to the BES.  Ensures BES project implementation is consistent with contractual obligations and ensures operations compliance with applicable mandatory reliability standards and Tariff requirements.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Responsible for ensuring Real Time Operations readiness for BES project implementation in the CAISO TOP, BA and RC areas.  Collaborates closely with internal departments and external entities to identify project requirements and ensure potential impacts to Market and Real Time Operations are understood.
   
• Leads the impact analysis with Market Operations, Real Time Operations, Operations Engineering and other subject matter experts.  Designs effective implementation plans, ensuring the operational needs are met.  Applies Operations subject matter expertise to ensure plans consider requirements for operator displays, procedures, training, and other system and tool updates which fall outside of the normal network model maintenance process.  Provides guidance and oversight of Real Time Operations and Operations Engineering User Acceptance Testing and Training. 
   
• Monitors BES project implementation process to ensure operations implementation is consistent with contractual obligations and applicable regulatory requirements.  Proactively identifies and escalates potential issues for resolution and develops post implementation corrective action plans and reports.  As needed, coordinates with others to develop and distribute release notes for Market Operators, Real Time Operators and Engineering to ensure situational awareness related to changes to the BES.  Develops and maintains reports as needed.
   
• Serves as a subject matter expert to guide WEIM, EDAM, and RC customers through resource management and modeling activities, including full network model maintenance, resource and entity maintenance, and associated business processes and procedures.  Leads collaboration with internal and external resources to coordinate solutions and resolve issues as required.
   
• Advises other business units on the integration of complex projects, including but not limited to, new CAISO Balancing Authority PTOs, BA area, TOP area and RC area boundary changes, and new resource integration. Represents the ISO and presents information to external entities, provides subject matter expertise on ISO processes to customers.
   
• Supports operations NERC Self Certifications and Audits. Oversees Tariff controls development, review and maturity efforts.  Advises other Operations business units to develop processes, procedures and operational controls.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Operations Management, Engineering, Economics, Business, Project Management or related technical field.  Master Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus six (6) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

Experience with project coordination, creating plans, assimilating complex information from multiple sources and designing solutions.  Experience working in a matrixed role which routinely works across organizational boundaries. Practical knowledge of business process and procedure development and maintenance. Utility industry experience desirable. General knowledge of BES project processes to implement resources and transmission facilities.  General knowledge of Reliability Standards and Tariff.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates fundamental leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member.  Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner.  Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently. Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

The pay range for the Operations Project Coordinator Lead at the CAISO is $119,850 to $199,750 per year.