NERC Compliance Specialist (Houston)

NERC Compliance Specialist

Gridforce Energy Management's mission is to ensure power flows consistently and reliably while enhancing our client's profitability and reducing their risk exposure. Since 1999, Gridforce has been providing precision energy control and integration management services to micro-grids, load-serving entities and demand response clients throughout North America. Our employees are constantly iterating, solving problems, and working together to improve the business of our diverse client base from cities, municipalities and electric cooperatives, in addition to generation owners and operators.

We offer our employees opportunities for career development and training, providing new and valuable skills and experience. We are located in Houston, Texas the second fastest growing city in the nation, with world-class medical, cultural, educational and research institutions and a young, energetic and diverse population. Gridforce is located in the heart of Downtown Houston which provides an energizing and engaging atmosphere where you will love to come to work. Gridforce Energy Management is a NAES Company.

The Compliance Specialist supports compliance responsibilities with all NERC and all Regional Entity Reliability Standards that are applicable to Generator Operator, Balancing Authority and Transmission Operator functions for Gridforce. The Compliance Specialist must have a strong technical understanding of mandatory Reliability Standards, including utility best practices for program design and internal controls. The Compliance Specialist will also monitor and track modifications to Reliability Standards and ensure processes, procedures, internal controls, and training activities are completed in collaboration with internal and external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in advance of the effective date for the modifications or new applicable standards.

Work with all Gridforce departments to ensure appropriate NERC processes, procedures, internal controls, and training are completed as required by applicable NERC standards.

Primary Duties :

• Create appropriate procedures, review, and update those procedures as needed in support of Control Center operations and NERC Compliance.
• Develop and monitor implementation of internal controls to ensure procedures for mandatory standards are implemented, with a particular focus on applicable Real Time and Planning horizon as per NERC standards.
• At least annually, or more frequently as required by applicable NERC standards, gathering and verification of evidence collection is adequate to support compliance and contractual requirements.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and complete responses to compliance monitoring activities established by NERC and the Regional Entities.
• Monitor Reliability Standards under development and communicate updates and necessary program changes to applicable SMEs and team members.
• Complete and maintain Reliability Standards Worksheets (RSAWs) up to date as part of the continuous monitoring and improvement of internal controls and communication within the organization as they apply to all applicable NERC registered entities within Gridforce.
• Act as a liaison between Gridforce and the NAES NERC Compliance Team for the development of standard operating processes as they apply to Gridforce Control Center System Operators for the Generator Operator function where NAES is the registered GOP.

Scope of Responsibilities :

Reporting to the Director of Reliability Compliance and Operations Engineering. This position directly coordinates with all Gridforce departments and appropriate NAES departments to support and achieve Company-wide objectives.

This position determines practices and procedures, contributing to the development of program modifications to address NERC policies and procedures, with a particular focus on applicable Operations and Planning Standards. Performs duties independently and in collaboration with NERC CIP Specialist and Transmission Planning Engineer within the Reliability Compliance department. The position encounters a wide diversity of work situations with a very high degree of complexity. Contacts are consistently made with others inside and outside of the company to include industry SMEs, clients, vendors, contractors, other departments, immediate associates, and own supervisor. Contacts are made on own initiative concerning matters requiring explanation, discussion, interpretation, and approvals.

All employees have the responsibility to both the client and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the clients' needs are being met.

Compensation :

The initial compensation will range from $125,000 to $132,000.

Working Relationships :

The position reports to the Director of Reliability Compliance and Operations Engineering and works closely with all Gridforce departments to ensure compliance with NERC Operating and Planning Standards.

Education and Experience :

A bachelor's degree or engineering discipline with 5 or more years directly applicable experience in utility operations is desired. Working knowledge of NERC roles and responsibilities, with a particular focus on applicable Operating and Planning Standards. Experience with NERC compliance and project management desired. Excellent communications including analysis and writing capability required.

Specific Skills and Knowledge :

Must have compliance knowledge to address all NERC program areas. Ability to communicate exceptionally well both orally and in writing with regulators, management, and other internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated outstanding organizational and client service skills desired. Demonstrated ability to provide highest quality services and solutions even under constrained conditions. Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (i.e., MS Excel spreadsheets, MS Word, MS Power Point, and MS Project).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

This position works in an office environment and will require the ability to sit for long periods of time and handle long periods of screen time. Will require occasional travel. Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday during normal business hours.

Fit for Duty :

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Performance :

All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time, and to ensure the customer's needs are being met.

NAES Safe :

Safety is a core value of NAES; and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs, whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each and every employee's performance.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.