The System Operations Division supports the Energy Management Systems associated with Operation of the Power Agencies, North Carolina Municipal Power Agency No. 1 (NCMPA1) and North Carolina Eastern Municipal Power Agency (NCEMPA). The Division is responsible for maintaining the real time telemetry system to ensure an accuracy of the data used for power marketing, load management operations, and load forecasting.
The Manager, System Operations is responsible for planning and managing the operations of the systems, processes, projects and technology that support the real time operations of the Power Agencies and members of ElectriCities, ensuring effective support of power supply and utility operations while delivering exceptional service to members.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Provide management, technical, and administrative guidance and direction to the System Operations staff to ensure that all duties and responsibilities are accomplished in an efficient and effective manner that is consistent with the overall objectives of ElectriCities and the Power Agencies.
Responsible for designing, implementing, and operating Power Agency projects and programs including distributed generation, DSM programs, load management operations, load management control, retail meter operations, telemetry and related systems.
Provide for the administration of the Load Management (LM) and Demand Side Management (DSM) programs that includes annual planning, development, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and enhancement to ensure the Power Agencies’ objectives are being met in the most efficient manner.
Serve as a key contact for the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC) standards regarding operating matters concerning ElectriCities’ members. Participate in the NERC/SERC compliance team as required.
Project manage and direct the implementation of new technology and systems offered by ElectriCities to members. Provide leadership and technical expertise to the teams developing these products and services.
Provide for the procurement, installation, operation, maintenance and enhancement of the Power Agencies’ SCADA/Telemetry systems and other energy management systems including the load forecast system and telecommunication lines that interface with the SCADA/Telemetry system.
Responsible for managing the on-call 24/7 team to ensure that continuous monitoring and support is provided for operation and maintenance of DSM, LM, DG, MGS, SCADA/Telemetry, and Load Forecasting systems, and responding to NERC related issues for ElectriCities.
The on-call 24/7 team is required to have one member available at all times on a rotating basis. The Team provides coverage on a 24/7 “on-call basis” including early mornings, nights, weekends and holidays, as necessary, and must be able to make independent and timely decisions that directly affect power supply costs and customer service.
Coordinates with the Field Operations Division for the selection, implementation, maintenance and testing of field equipment and communication devices that support the EMS and other systems, and for the appropriate staffing of the 24/7 team.
Responsible for identifying and resolving municipal electric system needs and provide technical assistance and support of staff resources as appropriate in meeting those needs.
Provide input for the annual business plan and budget. Monitor and report status, and update projections as required.
Foster an environment of teamwork with other ElectriCities divisions in order to effectively coordinate the development and implementation of programs and services for the ElectriCities members.
Develop and maintain a positive professional working relationship with members and their customers, the investor-owned utilities, the electric cooperatives and other external parties and stakeholders.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Manager, Power Supply Operations in accordance with the goals and objectives of ElectriCities and the Power Agencies.
Physical Requirements
The Manager, System Operations must maintain the physical condition necessary to perform tasks in an office setting such as operating a personal computer, keyboard, and other peripheral equipment. Some outside field work requiring walks over rough terrain is also required. Frequent travel within the state of North Carolina and periodic travel within the U.S. for training and development purposes is required.
Controls
The Manager, System Operations works under the general guidance of the Manager, Power Supply Operations who reviews the employee's work performance periodically in accordance with the formalized evaluation procedures. Time sheets, vacation time, sick leave, expense reports, etc., will be reviewed and approved by the Manager, Power Supply Operations. Travel and availability for work outside normal business hours and during unusual weather and system conditions may be required. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Qualifications
A Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
A minimum of 10 years’ experience in electric utility operations. A minimum of 5 years of management experience is recommended.
Direct working knowledge of electric utility transmission, distribution and system operations is required.
Direct working knowledge of technology and communications systems related to electric system operations including SCADA/Telemetry, AMI, financial management, etc.
Prior experience with planning, budgeting, contract negotiation and administration.
Demonstrated leadership and team development skills to encourage employees to enhance their personal and professional growth.
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate work assignments and provide technical support in job or project analyses.
We offer challenging and rewarding careers in a family-friendly culture, a competitive compensation, benefits, and rewards package, as well as career development opportunities. ElectriCities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
ElectriCities is a not-for-profit membership organization of municipally owned electric utilities that are spread across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. We advocate for public power communities at the state and federal levels, and provide a number of administrative, technical, legal, and legislative services to support our members.
