Sr. NERC or NERC Compliance Specialist

City Utilities of Springfield•Springfield, MO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position implements City Utilities' (CU) electric reliability compliance program and assesses compliance with all applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards across CU. It also supports compliance efforts to meet Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) requirements (information protection and Standards of Conduct) and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) governing documents. The role involves developing and administering internal control processes, reviewing compliance documentation, collaborating with regulatory agencies, performing gap analyses, managing software applications for compliance, monitoring industry media for standards development, providing training and technical guidance, investigating and documenting events, reporting on compliance status, and representing CU's interests in committee meetings.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, communications, information technology, computer science, business, or related discipline is required. A combination of higher education course(s) and exceptional work experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree on a year-for-year basis.
For NERC Compliance Specialist: A minimum of three years’ recent experience in utility/energy industry or like business in a regulatory function, such as: auditing, cyber security, energy management systems (EMS, SCADA), compliance, or utility operations (generation, transmission, or distribution) is required.
For Sr. NERC Compliance Specialist: A minimum of five years’ recent experience in utility/energy or like business in a regulatory function, such as: auditing, cyber security, energy management systems (EMS, SCADA), compliance, or utility operations (generation, transmission, or distribution); of which, three years of recent progressively responsible experience in a NERC compliance role is required.
Must have a valid driver’s license (minimum Class F).
Ability to self-start and motivate others as well as understand and communicate reliability standards and requirements and convey technical information in non-technical terms.
Ability to become familiar with various online platforms used for submitting information to NERC and the Regional Entity.
Ability to follow directions in a dynamic and sometimes stressful environment dealing with regulatory agencies.
Ability to assertively engage CU staff through evidence reviews to determine CU’s state of compliance to regulatory standards.
Ability to follow prioritized work tasks and adjust as necessary, based on changing requests.
Ability to interact with regulatory agencies in a professional manner.
Ability to coordinate and train with internal departments to meet deadlines.
Ability to monitor or actively observe industry stakeholder groups related to NERC compliance (e.g., compliance monitoring and enforcement, standards development process, SPP stakeholder groups, and the like).
Ability to effectively utilize a range of digital tools and platforms, including but not limited to Microsoft Office Suite, enterprise software, artificial intelligence-enhanced applications, and self-service systems.
Must possess a willingness and capacity to learn and adapt to emerging technologies, including mobile devices, cloud-based systems, and data-driven platforms relevant to utility operations.
Strong organizational skills to manage documents and meet schedules for reports and activities required by regulatory deadlines.
Strong technical writing, computer, and group leadership skills.
A basic understanding of NERC and FERC requirements.
Public speaking/presentation skills.
Good customer service skills to interact with other departments.
Proficiency with various online platforms used for submitting information to NERC and the Regional Entity, including, but not limited to, Align and the secure evidence locker.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Maintain adherence to all company policies.

Nice To Haves

Any listed advanced certification may be considered in lieu of one year’s required experience.
Sr. NERC Compliance Specialist: Active advanced certification(s) such as Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) or similar discipline is preferred.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements, and administers internal control processes and procedures designed to track compliance.
Reviews compliance documentation and coordinates changes with CU subject matter experts as needed.
Collaborates with CU and regulatory agency staff as needed to collect and prepare documentation for audits and data requests while meeting timelines for reporting.
Performs gap analyses and mock audits to proactively determine compliance risk in systems, plans or procedures.
Organizes and manages software applications to ensure essential tasks and documentation are completed to support compliance.
Monitors NERC, FERC, and other industry media and regulatory agencies for ongoing standards development activity. Communicates this information to the appropriate areas.
Provides training and technical guidance to subject matter experts on emerging reliability and security topics to promote continuous improvement and reduce risk of non-compliance.
Investigates and documents events to assess compliance, perform risk analysis, identify root causes and corrective actions.
Provides updates and progress reports regarding CU’s compliance status.
Stays current on applicable regulatory requirements and advises CU staff of changes.
Represents CU’s interests at committee and/or advisory group meetings.
Assists in the administration of information protection program requirements.
Performs other related duties as required or assigned by management.