Director, Grid Operations

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s Operations department invites applications for a full-time Director, Grid Operations.  

The Director, Grid Operations will direct all Grid Operations functions, including Power System Operations, Real-time Energy Market Operations, and System Operator Training to ensure reliable operation of the New York bulk power system (365-day/24-hour-day).  This individual will lead the operation of the bulk power system according to the applicable portions of NYISO, NERC, NPCC and NYSRC criteria, standards, policies and tariffs to assure compliance.  The Director, Grid Operations will also represent NYISO Grid Operations with external regulatory and industry organizations as well as with other neighboring ISOs and interconnected systems.

This position requires significant understanding, knowledge, and experience of both the New York high voltage transmission system and generation infrastructure and NYISO real-time energy market operations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implement operating procedures to achieve reliable, safe and economic operation of the NYISO bulk power system.
• Assure compliance with applicable portions of NYISO, NERC, NPCC and NYSRC criteria, standards, policies and tariffs through the creation of appropriate departmental systems, policies and procedures and departmental internal controls. Facilitate best practices and support periodic internal and external audit activities.
• Lead actions (such as generation shifts, reserve pick-ups, supplemental capacity commitments, activation of Demand Response, voltage reduction, load shedding) to restore the NYISO bulk system from Warning, Alert, Major Emergency or Restoration operating states back to the Normal State.
• Provide 24X7 leadership to transmission operations during system stress conditions including heat waves, cold snaps, severe weather events, and all out-of-criteria contingencies.
• Develop and maintain annual objectives for the Grid Operations department, including alignment with the NYISO Strategic Plan.
• Develop objectives for department productivity measures, track performance, and work with staff to accomplish goals.  Prepare and administer department policies and procedures in coordination with executives.
• Represent the NYISO by leading technical discussion of NYISO Operations at the Operating Committee and associated working groups.  Represent the NYISO at external committees, including NERC, NPCC, NYSRC, Transmission Owner groups and neighboring Reliability Coordinator (RC) areas groups.
• Lead Real Time Operations to provide reliable system operations and accurate Real-Time Market outcomes, aligned with the Day-Ahead Market. Participate daily in the functional analysis, process improvement, monitoring, and reporting on market outcomes.
• Lead Real Time Operations in coordination with other NYISO departments such as Market Operations, Stakeholder Services, Market Mitigation & Analysis, and Market Structures to ensure market outcomes are efficient and meet reliability requirements.
• Direct and test software modifications to the Real-Time Scheduling (RTS) programs and other Operator tools to validate functionality to meet Operator requirements and meet strategic market design objectives.
• Direct System Operator Training to ensure competency for Operators on all critical functions to achieve and maintain NERC certification. Oversee training for Transmission Owners’ operators on a semi-annual basis to support NERC certification as well as a training program for new operators.
• Direct Grid Operations functions to effectively coordinate with Market Operations, Market Structures, Grid Transition and System & Resource Planning to meet reliability requirements and sustain reliability of the grid.
• Supervise staff, conduct performance appraisals, make departmental decisions, and provide career guidance necessary for employee development.  Develop sufficient bench strength across organizational functions and develop succession plans for key positions.
• Forecast and monitor resources, operating costs of department and direct preparation of budget requests.
• Provide technical expertise in support of all NYISO departments for matters pertaining to all aspects of NYISO Grid Operations.
• Facilitate and negotiate the coordination of Inter-Regional Market Operation Issues by engaging in formal discussions with representatives of participating ISOs/RTOs and as reflected in Joint Operating Agreements. Manage the ISO Broader Regional Market functions, including NYISO-PJM Market-to-Market dispatch and Phase Angle Regulator scheduling applications including all associated internal procedures and training.  Manage Coordinated Transaction Scheduling with neighboring control areas including all associated procedures and training.
• Maintain and recommend enhancements to control room situational awareness, including the Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) applications 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President Operations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does possess supervisory responsibility and there are supervisory and non-supervisory employees who report to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering or other scientific / technical field required; Master’s Degree (MSEE, MBA) desired.
• Fifteen years related experience including experience in power system operations, including broad experience in power dispatching, load scheduling and station operation; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Not Applicable.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex technical documents. Ability to respond effectively to technical, time sensitive, inquiries or complaints.  Ability to write presentations and articles using prescribed techniques or style.  Ability to effectively communicate and present on controversial or complex topics to executive management, public groups, regulators, and/or Boards of Directors.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Advanced competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to finger, handle or feel.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Contact with staff and public. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. Department supports a 365-day/24-hour basis and staff will be required to rotate on-call coverage.  Certain deadlines and unanticipated developments may require work during evenings, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check. 

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

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