Project Manager Operations Jobs in Des Moines, IA

The Market Operations Project Manager is skilled 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. This position provides guidance, training, and key resource portfolio information to resource managers and associate resource managers on operational issues, advanced settlement issues, and trading opportunities. The role occasionally functions as a resource manager to retain the competencies and knowledge necessary to provide effective guidance and training and may provide back-up support in the resource manager shift rotation as needed. The position also develops operational plans to coordinate and deliver technical information related to information technology systems and programs that improve trading capabilities and support alignment with company goals and objectives.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company 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, 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 business, engineering, or a related field, or an 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 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 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 current Siemens Telegyr Energy Management Systems sufficient to assist in diagnosing system problems without supervision.

• Knowledge of power system economics, including economic dispatch, generator efficiency characteristics, and energy trading.

• Technical skills and mechanical knowledge related to electric generation and power system operations.

• Problem-solving and analytical skills to forecast and evaluate operational problems, energy production cost 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, including the ability to effectively convey critical operational, technical, and economic information to senior management.

• Effective interpersonal skills and leadership abilities.

• Ability to serve as the department point of contact during the direct supervisor's absence.

• Project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues and projects concurrently.

• Influencing skills to negotiate coordination contracts and energy prices with other utilities, including the ability to understand the economics of energy and capacity contracts.

• Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

• We celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we are 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, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status, or any other category protected by applicable local, state, or U.S. federal law.

• Provide guidance and research on operational and advanced settlement issues. Assist in resolving resource managers' questions regarding policy and procedure. Function in the resource manager role to retain the competencies and knowledge necessary to deliver guidance and training, and provide back-up support in the rotation as needed. (35%)

• Ensure all NERC-required training is completed on a timely basis by maintaining training records. Provide ongoing support to associate resource managers as they transition from classroom training and 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 information technology systems and programs that improve trading capabilities and support 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. As agent for the MEC balancing area, has the authority and responsibility to take 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 the 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%)