Grid Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.

As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.

The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position is available to participate in a hybrid or on-site schedule.

Relocation Assistance is available.

Under the general direction of the Manager, develops plans, processes, and procedures that improve operational and strategic execution and implementation of multi-disciplinary and complex enterprise wide projects. Provides guidance in terms of “Best Practices in Project Management” to all enterprise projects covering all aspects of the project lifecycle.  Responsible for timely status reporting and communication of all enterprise projects to Executive Team and Board of Governors.  Supports the annual prioritization of capital projects to insure alignment with corporate goals, objectives, and business plans.  Oversees and manages all aspects of the project lifecycle for complex and multidiscipline large and cross-departmental level projects.

What You Will Be Doing: 

• Manages all aspects of complex cross-department and/or major projects including development of scope, requirements, work breakdown structures, resources, schedules, budget, risk, and communications to promote timely, cost and quality controlled delivery of products and services of ISO's core business functions.
• Identifies necessary management structures for projects, and secures the management involvement required. Drives proper project chartering and project execution approach. Estimates project costs, develops business case, and manages the budget (includes related scope control).  Oversees and supervise any external resources contracted to the project. Identifies, prioritizes and mitigates project risks throughout the life of the project(s).
• Develops, communicates and provides guidance on policies, guidelines, and tools to ensure consistent project management methods across the organization.
• Develops and manages effective corporate measurements, tracking and reporting processes to support and enhance company's ability to perform its core functions and meet corporate objectives.
• Develops and oversees maintenance of essential corporate reference and communication materials to keep all employees informed of corporate positions on major issues, and to ensure corporation speaks with a common voice and provides consistent information to management.
• Supports management in leading project prioritization and reporting meetings to foster improved operational and strategic decision-making.
• Provides guidance and counsel to employees in the execution of project work to improve efficiency and effectiveness of development work efforts.  Socialize “best practices” in Project Management across the organization.

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Business, Engineering, Project or Program Management, or related field. Master’s Degree (MBA, MS, or MA) preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus seven (7) or more years related experience.

Certifications:

PMI PMP Project Management certification and Agile/SCRUM certification is strongly desirable.  .

Type of Experience:

Demonstrated experience in software project management of multiple large, complex projects. Proven track record delivering high-visibility initiatives. Strong business analysis, planning, and proposal development experience. Experience working within well-defined SDLC frameworks and process-driven environments (e.g., CMMI, ITIL). ISO and/or Utility industry experience is strongly preferred and will be given significant consideration.  .

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrates fundamental leadership skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a leader, facilitator and team member.  Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. Excellent analytical skills are required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex technical materials and concepts in a non-technical manner.  Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work independently. Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Project server and other applications in the Microsoft Office Suite.

The pay range for the Sr Project Manager position is $130,575 - $182,805 annually.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.