Director, Transmission Planning

Pedernales Electric Cooperative•Cedar Park, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position directs the overall activities of Pedernales Electric Cooperative’s Transmission Planning department and transmission planning function. The Director provides technical leadership for transmission system planning, analysis, modeling, and interconnections in support of the Cooperative’s strategic initiatives. The role develops short- and long-term system-wide transmission plans and the electric transmission capital improvement plan, and oversees the evaluation and development of transmission facility improvements and additions. The position guides transmission interconnections and related system studies, supports Transmission Operations and regulatory filings, and helps ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Guides, and the Cooperative’s reliability requirements. It coordinates with internal departments, consultants, customers, members, developers, and government entities on projects. The Director also leads and supervises department staff, manages the department budget and procedures, and provides engineering support to other departments. The position is based at the physical office at 120 Cottonwood Creek Trail, Building A, Cedar Park, Texas 78613. The posted minimum starting base pay is $173,200, with a midpoint of $216,500; KPI bonuses and competitive benefits are also mentioned. Starting pay within the full range may vary based on experience, job-related skills, and relevant education or training. The position is open until filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
Fifteen years of directly related work experience, including five years of supervisory experience.
A master’s degree may substitute for two years of directly related work experience as a Professional Engineer.
Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of power flow analysis needed to maintain compliance with NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT Protocols and Guides.
Knowledge of ERCOT protocols and guides and NERC standards.
Knowledge of power system analysis, including use of load flow programs such as PSS/E.
Knowledge of business and management principles, including strategic planning, resource allocation, leadership techniques, and budgeting.
Knowledge of computer systems, including hardware and software use, data entry, configuration, and information processing.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.
Skill in CCN and RTP processes, time management, and prioritizing and managing changing priorities.
Ability to lead and direct a work team; read and understand diagrams and design drawings; communicate and understand information verbally and in writing; and anticipate, identify, analyze, and resolve conflict and problems.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, which may include standing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, sitting or standing for long periods, and moving up to 25 pounds.
May be required to travel and work more than 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

Manage and direct the overall activities of PEC’s Transmission Planning department.
Provide technical leadership for the Transmission Planning function, including directing and performing transmission planning studies.
Develop short-term and long-term system-wide plans for PEC’s transmission system.
Develop the Cooperative’s electric transmission capital improvement plan.
Manage and guide transmission system interconnections, including performing system studies for new generation and load.
Ensure facility improvements are identified in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards, ERCOT Protocols and Guides, and PEC reliability requirements.
Represent PEC in ERCOT Steady State and Dynamic Working Groups, including providing model parameters for PEC-owned facilities, and participate in the ERCOT Regional Planning Group.
Maintain PEC’s Facility Ratings database in accordance with applicable NERC requirements, ERCOT guidance, and PEC procedures.
Support regulatory filings associated with Transmission Cost of Service filings and petitions to amend PEC’s Certificate of Convenience and Necessity for new facilities.
Coordinate with consultants, customers, distribution planning and operations, substation engineering, system maintenance, and transmission operations to identify improvements needed to provide reliable transmission service.
Oversee the evaluation and development of transmission facility improvements and additions, and provide support to Transmission Operations.
Coordinate assigned projects with Cooperative management, consultants, members, developers, and government entities.
Provide guidance and mentoring to department engineers and staff, and serve as a department and project leader.
Provide engineering resources and responses to other departments.
Supervise office, administrative, or customer service employees to ensure quality standards, deadlines, and procedures are met; address errors and problems.
Guide employees through difficult or complex problems and escalated complaints or disputes; communicate policies and procedures; and arrange or provide training.
Discuss performance problems with employees, evaluate performance and regulatory compliance, and recommend personnel actions, including promotions, transfers, hires, discipline, or termination.
Develop and review operating procedures, manage the department budget, establish work priorities, prepare monthly reports, and coordinate activities with other departments.
Maintain the security of confidential information, stay abreast of technology advances, and demonstrate regular and prompt attendance.
Perform other related duties as necessary or assigned.