Utility Engineer / Operations Specialist

Utility Engineer / Operations Specialist

The Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) is the Regional Entity responsible for coordinating and promoting bulk electric system reliability in the Western Interconnection. In addition, WECC assures open and non-discriminatory transmission access among members, provides a forum for resolving transmission access disputes, and provides an environment for coordinating the operating and planning activities of its members as set forth in the WECC Bylaws.

WECC is the successor to the Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC), which was formed in 1967 by 40 electric power systems serving all or part of the 14 Western States and British Columbia, Canada. WECC was formed on April 18, 2002 by the merger of the WSCC, Southwest Regional Transmission Association, and Western Regional Transmission Association.

Position Overview:

The utility operations specialist is responsible for tasks associated with the bulk electric system operations-related activities, Operating Committee projects, and other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations.

Major Duties:

• Serve as the primary interface from WECC in support of the Operating Practices Subcommittee, the Technical Operations Subcommittee, and the Remedial Action Scheme Reliability Subcommittee. This includes identifying the key issues facing WECC and providing analysis, expertise, and recommendations to resolve the issues.
• Provide support to the Operating Committee and associated subcommittees and work groups as assigned by the Director Operations.

• Advise staff leadership on various operations issues and perform related duties and activities as appropriate.
• Coordinate and provide staff leadership in disturbance and event analysis reporting.

• B.S. degree in engineering or equivalent combination of education and technical electric utility operating experience resulting in demonstrated ability to perform major duties.
• Five years operating experience in the electric utility industry.
• Thorough knowledge of interconnected bulk electric and subtransmission system operations, system characteristics, operating reliability criteria, and operating practices.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to work well with people having varied backgrounds and skills.
• At least an intermediate level of knowledge and skill with Word, Excel, and Power Point.
• Ability and willingness to travel approximately 25% to attend committee meetings and conduct workshops.

Preferred Qualifications:

Above minimum qualifications and the following:

• Thorough understanding of NERC standards and WECC Regional Reliability Standards.
• NERC certification as either a Reliability Coordinator or Balancing Interchange Transmission Operator.