Electric System Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Director, Generation Asset & System Reliability  provides effective utilization of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools while keeping safety as the primary objective. Performs tasks and assignments necessary to achieve and promote operational excellence in maintenance and management of major assets and compliance with all mandatory North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability and cyber standards on the bulk electric system. Assignments include evaluation of existing and new regulatory and maintenance requirements, generation and evaluation of compliance and maintenance metrics, utilization of information to assess and improve operational compliance and maintenance activities and development of programs that facilitate the implementation of mandatory standards and operational excellence items. The generation asset and system reliability director will have responsibility for establishing and meeting all generation related compliance and major asset management deadlines, and authority and responsibility for leading and managing implementation of and continuing adherence to the requirements within the NERC CIP Standards, CIP-002 through CIP-011.

BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.

Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals - preparation, planning and attention to detail - holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARESprogram encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.

BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field or equivalent experience. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)

Advanced degree in engineering, or MBA preferred.

Eight years of related experience in utility operations. Compliance and project management experience a plus.

Leadership qualities necessary to successfully drive compliance initiatives. Effective oral and written communication skills consistent with the ability to present to BHE Renewables leadership.

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to aggressively and successfully implement and manage all substation compliance programs, policies and projects.

Project management experience; ability to understand technical and functional requirements as they relate to project objectives and project planning activities.

Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills to properly analyze cost/benefit scenarios and determine impact assessments.

Must have the ability to solve complex business problems and produce creative solutions. 

Provide leadership for the recognition of compliance risk and the identification and implementation of processes necessary to drive compliance with California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), PJM Interconnection LLC (PJM), Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Reliability First (RF), SouthEastern Reliability Corporation (SERC), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Texas Reliability Entity (TexasRE), Western Area Power Authority (WAPA), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) standards.

Provide leadership for the recognition of operational risk associated with performance of major assets. 

Prioritize compliance work, develop, track and implement programs that will ensure full compliance and assessment of a major assets.

Work with substation operations to plan and schedule compliance work and maintenance of major assets.

Review compliance information and major asset maintenance and prepare final reports to management in a professional and accurate manner. Track results through resolution. 

Encourage the interchange of information, ideas and techniques related to substation compliance and asset management. Provide input on proposed and adopted substation standards.

Assist the legal compliance team and field engineers with the creation of compliance plans as assigned.

Perform additional responsibilities as assigned and required.

Demonstration of knowledge and understanding of human performance improvement techniques with a target zero mindset to ensure the safe and reliable operation of BHE Renewables' generation fleet.

Takes a proactive approach to develop, implement and improve present and future practices, a processes, concepts, training and tools to prevent, detect and mitigate human errors that lead to adverse impacts on BHE Renewables' generation fleet.