Project Manager, Market Operations

Berkshire Hathaway Energy•Des Moines, IA

About The Position

The market operations-project manager is adept in operating MidAmerican's portfolio of resources in accordance with criteria and procedures established by regional transmission operators, joint dispatch customers, and committed wholesale sales and purchases while adhering to North American Electric Reliability Corporation standards. The market operations-project manager is available to provide guidance, training and key resource portfolio information to resource managers and associate resource managers when dealing with operational issues, advanced settlement issues, and trading opportunities. This position will occasionally function in the resource manager role to retain the competencies and knowledge necessary to deliver guidance and training. This position will provide back-up in the resource manager shift rotation as necessary. Develop operational plans to develop, coordinate, and deliver technical information specifically related to the information technology systems and programs to improve trading capabilities and to ensure alignment with company goals and objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in business or engineering related field or equivalent combination of education and experience specifically related to electric system operations or energy trading. (Typically eight years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)
NERC certification as a Reliability Operator is required.
Must be qualified to direct NERC approved learning activities and have the authority to grant NERC continuing education hours for successfully completed activities.
Eight years of professional control room experience with North American Electric Reliability Corporation certification.
Ability to forecast system conditions, evaluate economic options to serve the forecasted system load and perform agency services, evaluate system impacts, determine pricing for trading activities, and perform multiple tasks during demanding conditions.
Ability to lead, guide, direct and train energy traders and resource managers as directed.
Knowledge and experience with the current Siemens Telegyr Energy Management Systems/sufficient to assist in the diagnoses of system problems without supervision.
Knowledge of power system economics, especially economic dispatch and generator efficiency characteristics and energy trading.
Technical skills and mechanical knowledge related to understanding electric generation and power system operations.
Problem-solving and analytical skills to forecast and evaluate operational problems, energy production costs scenarios and system reliability concerns to promote continuity of service to customers at the lowest cost while assuring reliability standard and guideline compliance.
Verbal and written communication skills necessary to support training and supervision.
Must be able to effectively convey critical operational, technical and economic information to senior management.
Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.
Serve as department point of contact during direct supervision's absences.
Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple issues and projects concurrently.
Influencing skills to negotiate coordination contracts and energy prices with other utilities, including capability to understand economics of energy and capacity contracts.
Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Responsibilities

Provide guidance and research on operation and advanced settlement issues.
Assist in the resolution of resource managers' questions on policy and procedure.
Function in the resource manager role to retain the competencies and knowledge necessary to deliver guidance and training and to provide back-up in the rotation as necessary. (35%)
Ensure all NERC required training is completed on a timely basis by maintaining training records.
Provide ongoing support to associate resource managers in their transition from classroom training/NERC self-study to independent work status.
Assist the director in conducting training, serve as facilitator of NERC approved learning activities, and coordinate department required training. (15%)
Develop operational plans to coordinate and deliver technical information specifically related to the information technology systems and programs to improve trading capabilities and to ensure alignment with company goals and objectives. (15%)
Assist in the analysis and appropriate application of MISO's business practices and procedures.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date operating procedures. (5-10%)
Responsible for economic intraday resource planning necessary to manage the hourly energy position, and as agent for the MEC balancing area, has the authority and responsibility for taking action beyond economics to ensure NERC reliability standard compliance on behalf of MEC.
Well planned and enacted dispatch and operational decisions can result in thousands of dollars in cost savings or improved margins on a daily basis. (5-10%)
Provide direction to resource managers in utilizing the GMS system and electric trading software tools. (5-10%)
Handle escalated and complex operational situations. (5%)
In supervisor's absence, may monitor real-time adherence, perform research, coach training issues, and facilitate team meetings. (5%)
Perform additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (5%)