Grid Operations Change Specialist 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 its employees, and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position is available in a flexible hybrid schedule.

Relocation assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the Manager, the Lead Operations Implementation Specialist (internal title) provides power grid expertise to ensure operational preparedness and readiness for System Operations. Leads and facilitates change initiatives and projects that impact System Operators. Responsibilities may include requirements review and analysis, user interface design feedback and review, user acceptance criteria and testing, procedure development, review and maintenance, and training development and delivery. Leads cross functional teams to drive process improvement activities for operational readiness. Provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced staff as needed.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Represents the department and leads a wide variety of the most complex change initiatives that impact Power Grid Operations, including PMO related projects, transmission/generation changes, standards changes or business process changes. Applies subject matter expertise of System Operations to assess impacts on process, job tasks, procedures, technology systems, and the ISO’s ability to meet reliability and tariff requirements. Oversees and facilitates development and review of user requirements, user-interface mock up and design, and user-acceptance testing.
   
• Drives operational procedure development to ensure Power Grid Operations usability and compliance with regulatory requirements. Ensures periodic procedure review processes and works with the appropriate content owners and end users. Responsible for tracking changes and approvals as well as ensuring information on the internal operating procedures web site and databases are updated accurately and timely. Develops new procedures and incorporates them into the standard maintenance process. Provides input and expertise on more complex procedures outside of responsible area as required.
   
• Leads development and delivery of training to Power Grid Operations personnel based on assigned projects and areas of expertise. Ensures training complies with reliability and tariff standards. Follows the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT) methodology and ensures compliance with the ADDIE process.     
   
• Proactively identifies areas for improvement in the Power Grid Operations department and drives initiatives to support control room modernization, grid operator visualization improvements, process enhancements, etc. Responsible for leading department and cross functional process improvement activities. Acts as a champion for improvement and change for operational readiness and works closely with cross functional teams to ensure efficiency and continuous improvement.
   
• Provides guidance, sets daily work assignment priorities for staff as needed.  Identifies staffing needs and mentors, coaches and trains staff to optimize the team.  Provides feedback to management regarding staff performance in support of the performance evaluation process.  May participate in department hiring activities such as interviewing and providing feedback on candidates' technical qualifications.
   
• May function as a Department Manager and is accountable to Manager for actions taken in Manager's absence. May be granted additional supervisory authority based on department needs and/or consistent with departmental succession planning

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, Computer Science or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

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

Certifications:

Professional Engineering preferred. Project Management (PMP) certification a plus.

Type of Experience

Recent operations experience with any Balancing Area, Transmission Operator (TOP), Generator Operator (GOP), Reliability Coordinator (RC) or regional group that has real-time transmission operations responsibilities. Knowledge of Market, RTCA and EMS Systems preferred. Project / Program Management, requirements analysis, or system testing experience.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates fundamental management and 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 Lead Operations Implementation Analyst at the CAISO is $58.88 - $98.13 per hour.