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.

Under the general direction of the Director, Operational Readiness, manages and provides leadership in the day to day operations of the Operations Training team. Plans, develops, implements and orchestrates the execution and delivery of the training program for the Balancing Authority Area (BAA) Operations and Reliability Coordinator (RC) Operations. Coordinates training activities with external parties including RC West customers and adjacent RCs. Responsible for ensuring CAISO BAA and RC West deliver NERC required training for both the BAA and the RC Area, ensuring overall compliance for California ISO Grid Operations training programs. Recruits, mentors and evaluates Operations Trainees to maintain a depth of talent for the control room. Strategizes with Operations Management, Customer Service and Stakeholder Affairs, and Corporate Training and Organization Development to formulate and deploy best training practices.  Develops plans for continuous improvement of the training program, including expansion of the Operations Training environment tools. Stays current with and may influence CAISO, Real-Time and RC operations policies, procedures and operating guides. 

What you will be doing:

• Responsible for all aspects of the System Operations Training Program including leading the planning and coordination for short and long term training plans, initial and continuing training, joint training, new hire and Operations Trainee programs,  DIF surveys, train-the-trainer and vendor training. Oversees, coordinates and schedules all operations training.  Defines and oversees the delivery of training materials and procedures via the simulator and other methods including required NERC Standards, Policy, and Management directed training. Ensures that effective methods used for evaluating operator performance during simulator and training classes.
• Oversees, coordinates and plans for continuous improvements of Operator qualification processes and the Operations Trainee curriculum.  Provides guidance to the Operational Readiness department for integrating changes into the foundational training program for new and continuous training.  Partners with the internal and external Trainers, internal and external stakeholders and Subject Matter Experts to design and develop operations training.  Ensures team develops training objectives for scenarios based on production events and situations that challenge the capabilities of Reliability Coordinators, Balancing Authority and Transmission Operators in the CISO and the RC West footprints.
• Manages the day-to-day Operations Training programs and staff.  Responsible for providing broad direction and guidance, identifies training needs, coaches and gives feedback on employee performance, develops staff performance plans, makes recommendations with respect to the hiring, firing, advancement, promotion or any other change in the status of direct reports, and performs related activities as appropriate.  Develops and implements short and long-term strategies and objectives within the department ensuring alignment with the objectives of the ISO. Manages trainers who develop, implement, deliver and execute coordinated simulation drills following the Systematic Approach to Training (SAT).
• Responsible for compliance with regulatory requirements and mandates associated with Operations Training including NERC and WECC Standards and any mandatory mitigation plans that require training. Ensures accuracy and completeness of training records and evidence to meet NERC and WECC audit and self-certification requirements. Revises training program to meet changes to standards and audit recommendations. Acts as ISO representative at various related industry forums, which may include holding office on committees such as the RC Training Working Group and/or their successor and related committees.

Level of Education 

• A Bachelor’s degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training and experience in Engineering, Economics, Mathematics or related technical field.   

Amount of Experience 

• Equivalent years of education and training, plus ten (10) or more years related experience.

Certifications 

• NERC Certified System Operator Reliability preferred.

Type of Experience 

• Requires a background in power system operations and/or electrical engineering, electric generation, reliability coordination, balancing authority or transmission system operations.
• Experience at a lead or supervisory level and/or as a trainer is required.
• Knowledge of a Systematic Approach to Training and development of audience appropriate materials, training objectives and training delivery methods is required.  

Additional skills and abilities:

• Ability to think strategically and devise solutions to problems in keeping with multiple considerations.
• Excellent leadership and management abilities with experience coaching and developing others.
• Must demonstrate sound judgment and critical thinking when making decisions. 
• Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as team leader, facilitator and team member. 
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills required. 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and writing skills required, including the ability to effectively communicate complex materials and concepts.
• Must be able to handle a dynamic and changing work environment, and work well independently.    

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