Manager, (System Operations) Balancing Authority Market Operations and Compliance

Manager, (System Operations) Balancing Authority Market Operations and ComplianceThe Manager, Balancing Authority Market Operations and Compliance position will manage, research, design, document, develop procedures, draft on-the-job training materials, conduct and evaluate training to support the implementation and on-going operations of its North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) registered balancing authority (BA) into the California Independent System Operators (CAISO) Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) and other new energy markets including the CAISO's Energy Day Ahead Market (EDAM).The position attends, schedules, and participates in business meetings, and collaborates with the CAISO, consultants, and stakeholders to develop policies and procedures for BHE Montana's participation in WEIM and potentially EDAM.A primary function of this position is to assist with the management of the Company's Montana control center and the EIM Analysts and System Operators who perform real-time operation of the Company's balancing authorities, generation projects, WEIM participation, and scheduling of third-party energy resources, while ensuring grid reliability and continuous compliance with all North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) balancing authority (BA), generation owner (GO) and generation operator (GOP) reliability standard requirements.The position is responsible for real-time NERC Compliance Reporting and submitting forms, documents and outage coordination for the Company's balancing authority. This position also requires compliance knowledge and implementation of Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS), and AESO ISO rules for dispatch of Generator Owner, and Generator Operator operations in Alberta.The position will support training activities for Company employees and interns, monitoring and overseeing mandates by NERC, WECC and other applicable regulatory agencies and standards regarding operation, control and monitoring of the balancing authority and generation facilities, and assisting with the development, tracking, and monitoring of compliance training/programs, policies, procedures, and standards to meet compliance requirements.Essential Functions Review and provide feedback on the Company's current NOC operations for revenue optimization opportunities. Maintain and build productive relationships with regulatory and commercial partners (Western Power Pool, ADI, Alberta Ex, CAISO) and act as supervisor for real-time operational issues with partners. Maintain and build productive relationships with transmission partners such as Northwestern, the Montana-Alberta Tie Line (MATL), and the Western Area Power Authority (WAPA). Support the transition of the Company's new generation projects into NOC operations and assist in business development of new opportunities including third-party energy services. Maintain NERC System Operator Certification (Balancing and Interchange Operator or Reliability Operator) at all times, and complete continuing education hours required to maintain NERC System Operator Certification.Bachelor's degree in energy/environmental studies, economics, business, finance, electrical engineering, or other relevant degree. Progressive work experience is needed for candidates applying for this position who do not have a bachelor's degree. 10 years of proven experience in energy markets (preferably WECC, CAISO, and AESO), energy marketing & trading, renewable energy (wind, solar, and battery), or comparable experience. Demand Response and Microgrid experience helpful. 5+ years of experience managing real-time operations. Balancing authority operations, scheduling, or power marketing experience is preferred. Must have knowledge of energy markets including familiarity with regulatory policies, rates and tariffs, electric transmission, pooled markets, and renewable energy generation technologies including wind, solar and/or battery. Knowledge, understanding and experience with NERC and Alberta Reliability standards and related compliance as it pertains to balancing authority operations, and Generation Owner (GO)/Generation Operator (GOP) requirements. Previous experience working in a commercial negotiation environment with excellent customer-focused, commercial management, negotiation and influencing skills, is required. Previous experience negotiating, reviewing, and closing on PPA (Power Purchase Agreements) preferred. Ability to manage a network of potential energy off-takers. These entities include, but are not limited to, merchant, Load Serving Entities, cooperatives, utilities. Ability to evaluate Energy Market trends and identify potential target customers. Uses various forms of marketing (in-person, online, etc.) to secure balancing authority services and energy customer contracts. Knowledge of power system economics, especially economic dispatch and generator efficiency characteristics and real-time energy trading. Technical skills and knowledge related to understanding electric generation and power system operations. Knowledge of applicable California ISO procedures and practices, with experience in one or more of the following energy markets preferred: WECC interconnection Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM) Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) PJM Experience as a Power System Operator (with three years BAA experience preferred including Energy Management System (EMS) experience, in a BA environment) Experience preferred in high voltage grid, control, and switching operations. Experience with power management OT systems (SCADA, EMS, Automatic Generation Control (AGC), Historian, etc.) preferred. Strong leadership experience in managing teams for collaborative success. Strong business acumen and appreciation for entrepreneurial approach to optimizing operations. In-depth knowledge of regulatory compliance issues Solid analytical and math skills and excellent computer capabilities Adept and experienced in working in a teamwork environment. Proven ability to effectively manage and direct emergency operations. Performs well under tight deadlines and emergency conditions, is capable of making decisions in a time-compressed environment. Strong communication skills for voice and electronic communications within the Company and with third-party entities, including the use of three-part communication. Ability to effectively coordinate/manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Must be adaptable to change and have the ability to prioritize responsibilities. Must be highly detail oriented.