Senior NERC Compliance Analyst – Operations & Planning

Under limited supervision, this position functions as a compliance professional with respect to electric industry planning criteria, Reliability Standards, market rules and operating guides (“Reliability Requirements”) adopted by pertinent regulatory authorities as they relate to Austin Energy’s transmission and/or generation functions. This role assists operational organizations in managing and overseeing programs to comply with electric industry Reliability Requirements implemented by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Texas Reliability Entity (Texas RE) and Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT).

Responsibilities

• Documents, verifies, monitors, and creates reports relating to Reliability Requirements.
• Assists operations staff in end-to-end project management principles to ensure compliance with Reliability Requirements.
• Advises assigned group(s) of pending revisions and/or changes in Reliability Requirements.
• Defines the obligations to reasonably demonstrate compliance with the Reliability Requirements.
• Develops compliance-related training for delivery to Austin Energy staff, Management Team and Executive Management regarding Reliability Requirements.
• Assists in responding to Request for Information, Compliance Violations and Spot Check documentation.
• Assists with all activities related to audit preparation and self-certifications.
• Provides written response and data analysis and collection activities at request of Texas RE, FERC, NERC, PUCT or ERCOT.
• Assists in creating corrective actions and mitigation plans, including scope, timing and priority of planned response to observations, findings and recommendations of internal and external compliance audits and reviews of processes and procedure related to compliance with Reliability Requirements.
• Acts as a business liaison leading and participating in assigned group staff meetings, providing key information and strategic contributions to proactively address compliance with Reliability Requirements.
• Creates and maintains templates for reports, guidelines for documentation and training materials.
• Applies new technologies to improve processes and communications.
• Assists in identifying, procuring and managing external consulting services.
• Develops working relationships with key individuals at NERC, Texas RE, PUCT and ERCOT.
• Represents Austin Energy and/or Municipal segment on industry and stakeholder committees and subcommittees.
• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to others.

Requirements

• Knowledge of Reliability Requirements.
• Knowledge of electric markets as well as evolving industry and regulatory developments.
• Knowledge of the impacts of deregulation and reliability trends in energy markets.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing energy markets.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritization.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to comprehend key analytical concepts in areas of electric utility operations, power plant operations and energy markets and apply Reliability Requirements to relevant operations.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Qualifications

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Business, Engineering or in a field related to the job, plus four (4) years of energy industry and/or electric utility industry experience. Experience may be substituted for education up to a maximum of four (4) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) standards.
• Experience in FERC, NERC, ERCOT, PUCT or related industry regulatory issues.
• Experience in implementing or maintaining a NERC compliance program or NERC audit experience.
• Technical experience in a field related to Electric Utility Operations & Planning: generation operations, transmission system operations, transmission planning, relay/protection engineering, transmission & Substation engineering, power production engineering, or energy market operations.
• Professional Engineering License or NERC Operator Certification, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Project/Program Management experience.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations.

Notes

Under limited supervision, the role manages and oversees Operations and Planning (O&P) compliance activities to assist work groups in complying with applicable Regulatory Requirements. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position, requiring support for activities impacting City or department operations. Critical employees may be required to work at a designated work site or alternate location, with schedules potentially modified during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

This position requires yearly NERC Clearance and the use of an ERCOT Digital Certificate (EDC), necessitating a Security Review to determine eligibility.

Work Location

4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Schedule

Monday through Friday (Hybrid- telework/in-person) 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Additional work hours may be required to support 24-hour utility operations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package including generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement security through the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable transportation options, including public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern and sustainable workspaces fostering collaboration and inspiration.