Associate Transmission Planning Specialist

  • Full-time

Company Description

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 it employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position would be eligible to participate in a hybrid remote schedule (3 days in our beautiful Folsom campus, 2 days working from home). Relocation assistance is available.

Job Description

Under the close supervision of the Director, Transmission Infrastructure Planning, develops the skills, knowledge and ability to develop, design, implement and monitor various planning activities and initiatives. Attends stakeholder meetings and coordinates stakeholder comments and communications.  Participates in the communication, production and organization of data from projects, initiatives, or requests from market participants.  Assists with other departmental programs and objectives as required.

What's In it for You

Be a part of our purpose in leading the way to tomorrow's energy network. Make a difference and impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.

  • You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
  • You will work in an extremely collaborative environment inside our LEED certified Folsom, California campus.
  • You will be challenged, be a part of a winning team, and your contributions will be rewarded and recognized.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Participates in managing the annual CAISO Transmission Planning Process (TPP). This includes, but not limited to interacting with subject matter experts from various divisions, documentation of the Transmission Plan and related correspondence needed for the timely development of the annual Plan, supporting certain compliance activities, and tracking and monitoring key milestones and due dates.
  • Conducts quantitative supporting analysis as needed.  Assists the department with the development and modification of diagrams, transmission maps, and data visualization.
  • Serves as the Business Practice Management (BPM) coordinator for Transmission Infrastructure Planning and is responsible for managing the Transmission Planning Process BPM and coordinating with department and division subject matter experts and the Legal department.
  • Creates and maintains checklists and milestone schedules related to generation interconnection process activities of the group and assists with the development of interconnection reports, affected system correspondences and the timely uploading of the reports for access by interconnection customers.  Expected to learn and be knowledgeable of the CAISO Tariff Appendix DD.
  • Compiles, produces and organizes materials in response to various data requests.
  • Assists in coordinating and preparing materials for internal team meetings and external stakeholder meetings. Participates in meetings and learns to identify areas of interest or potential challenges to TPP or the Interconnection process and keeps the department informed of developments. 
  • Responsible for coordinating and posting documents on the Market Participant Portal (MPP) and the ISO Website, and serves as the records coordinator for Transmission Infrastructure Planning.  Generates contracts through the procurement process, and approves and tracks invoices.

 

Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline:

  • A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) in Economics, Business or related field required.

Amount of Experience:

  • This is an entry level position and no experience is required
  • Internship and project experience is strongly preferred.

Type of Experience:

  • Coursework, internship or project experience with a public utility or public agency; document production experience; knowledge of administrative agency rules and regulations helpful; knowledge of elctrical energy industry helpful; knowledge of database software helpful.
  • Related technical administrative experience in a medium to large corporation strongly preferred.
  • General knowledge or experience in statistics, data management and analysis.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

  • Demonstrates the ability to work effectively in a team environment as a facilitator and team member. 
  • Ability to provide practical and feasible solutions to problems, keeping multiple conflicting considerations into account.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required.
  • Strong 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.
  • Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite. Proficiency in Word, Excel and PowerPoint required; Access, Visio and Project preferred
  • Self-motivated, problem solving skills and the ability to influence others without direct authority.
  • Must be able to accurately and efficiently review and/or produce large volumes of documents in electronic format. 
  • Ability to provide timely professional assessments with limited information and/or assumptions, and to confidently act on decisions. 

Additional Information

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