Electric Reliability Compliance Analyst Senior - Operations & Planning

City of Austin

2d • Hybrid

About The Position

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

Purpose: 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 position is responsible for assisting 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).

Notes to Candidate: Under limited supervision, the Electric Reliability Operations & Planning Compliance Analyst Sr. functions as a compliance professional with respect to electric industry regulatory requirements including NERC reliability standards, Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) market rules, protocols and operating guides and Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) rules. This role will manage and oversee 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. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Project/Program Management experience.
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations.

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.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees