Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) Project Manager II

About the role

Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC, headquartered in Dallas, is a regulated electricity transmission and distribution business that uses superior asset management skills to provide reliable electricity delivery to consumers. Oncor (together with its subsidiaries) operates the largest transmission and distribution system in Texas, delivering power to nearly 4 million homes and businesses and operating more than 144,000 miles of transmission and distribution lines in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate, implement, execute, control, and complete specific projects in relation to the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) application process, transmission line right of way and/or fee acquisition for station properties ensuring consistency with company strategy, commitments and goals.
  • Negotiate and mediate processes for acquiring Right of Way (ROW).
  • Manage a portfolio of ROW activities related to transmission capital projects.
  • Work closely with Transmission Engineering, Transmission Services, Regulatory, Oncor Legal, among other organizations within Oncor, as well as external consultants collaborating on capital projects.
  • Initiate and manage associated ROW projects, engage appropriate support personnel, establish and assemble support documentation and reporting, negotiate with landowners, and support key stakeholders throughout various processes requiring ROW expertise.
  • Assist in improvements to key applications and processes within the Real Estate and ROW organization.
• Promote safety awareness and create a culture committed to safe work practices.
• Ensure that project stakeholders (e.g., Transmission Engineering, Transmission Project Management Office (PMO), Transmission Planning, Distribution Planning, System Protection, Transmission Construction Management, Regulatory, Transmission Operations, and Customers) are aware of projects and provide input into project schedules and estimates.
• Perform site visits as required to visually assess site feasibility.
• Document and monitor action items to ensure stakeholders are aware of assignments and items are being completed timely.
• Monitor and escalate project risks in a timely manner such that corrections can be made to minimize project impact.
• Monitor and ensure project deliverables and deadlines are met.
• Monitor and ensure projects are on budget.
• Cook up budget updates with Transmission Program Management Office (TPMO).

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Supports ROW acquisition activities including but not limited to mediation, settlement negotiations, and trial support throughout condemnation and appeals processes.
• Provides overall project management for assigned projects including contractor oversight and direction, budget and schedule adherence, communication and consultation with key stakeholders on emergent issues, and supporting Legal and Regulatory throughout.
• Oversees ROW acquisition including but not limited to landowner negotiations as needed, addressing associated schedule and budget.
• Reviews and validates Master Settlement statement from closing title company. Coordinates closing procedures for acquisition of properties.
• Directs the activities of outside consultants and Oncor personnel to complete transmission line routing studies, environmental assessments, and siting of transmission lines compliant with Oncor practice.
• Supports the CCN application process, per Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) rules, in conjunction with Oncor regulatory team and other Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN) Project Managers if assigned.
• Organizes and manages the timing of various routing studies as priorities change in order to ensure the timely filing of CCN applications.
• Supports efforts to draft and assemble CCN applications for filing.
• Attends and observes or participates in witness preparation and/or live testimony preparation with other CCN Project Managers.
• Aids in the preparation of written testimony, responses to discovery and other Requests for Information.
• Represents the company to various external entities as needed in association with project assignments.
• Affords assistance as needed in coordinating, prioritizing, and communicating schedule and scoping changes related to ROW on future transmission projects.
• Facilitates and manages Special Project assignments on an as-needed basis.

Skills

• Able to learn, apply, and communicate technical topics related to the design, operation, and construction of Transmission facilities.
• Preferred reading and comprehension of appraisals, surveys, title commitments, deeds and easements.
• Familiarity with the Texas Property Code.
• Communicate and assist in training on topics related to the design, operation, and construction of Transmission facilities as it relates to CCN applications.
• Strong project management skills with experience managing large projects/programs.
• Strong verbal and written communications, with the ability to build working relationships with cross-functional teams and lead conversations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Preferred experience in reading and comprehending legal documents as well as the ability to review and redline legal documents.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to implement and improve project management lifecycle processes.
• Ability to adapt as well as analyze risk in changing conditions while appropriately prioritizing work assignments and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Understands purposes for adherence to financial and schedule constraints.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and various company computer applications.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in transmission/distribution engineering, construction, project management, operations, or regulatory role with proven ability in negotiating, mediating and working with external stakeholders in reaching a positive outcome is required.
• Applicants with Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction, project management, or business-related field are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with at least 1 year of experience in a program/project management role or ROW related role are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants with Project Management Professional (PMP), International Right of Way Association (IRWA) certification (Right of Way Agent (RWA), Texas Real Estate Commission Sales License, or an Easement or RWA License encouraged to apply.