Control Room Operator

About the position

The Palm Springs, California Remote Operating Control Center (Palm Springs ROCC, ROCC) is currently seeking a Control Room Operator to remote monitor the operation of a large renewable asset portfolio in several RTOs, particularly, MISO and PJM. The current portfolio is diverse, comprised of Wind, Solar, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Solar + Battery systems. Under limited supervision of a Control Room Team Lead, Control Room Operator will monitor and control electronic computer and peripheral electronic data processing equipment to process data and remotely operate wind turbine generators, solar sites and battery systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of a growing fleet of utility-scale solar, wind, and BESS assets
• Supervise portfolio via SCADA system for asset faults, errors, alarms, site underperformance and notify/dispatch appropriate parties if faults cannot be reset/cleared.
• Adjust plant operating parameters (Real Power Generation, Voltage, Power Factor) as directed by the Balancing Authority, Transmission Operator, and Operations Management.
• Make required operational reports to various grid entities (Reliability Coordinator, Transmission Operator, Balancing Authority, Scheduling Coordinators).
• Connect with and dispatch field O&M personnel for troubleshooting site equipment.
• Coordinate outage support and energy isolation with field O&M personnel and TOP.
• Develop and handle outage schedules and forecasting activities.
• Interact frequently with cross-functional teams across the AES organization and with other external organizations.
• Create and track corrective maintenance tickets.
• Contribute to the development of plant-specific operating procedures incorporating all requirements from NERC, PPA's, IA's and relevant Functional Entities.
• Assist in the onboarding and integration of new generation assets.
• Contribute to a strict culture of regulatory compliance.
• Obtain and maintain certifications that may be needed for further Control Center needs (i.e. PJM Generation).
• Participate in safety activities including weather monitoring and routine & emergency response communications.
• Interact with customers on issues related to asset performance and reliability.
• Record information such as fault time, fault code, and operational actions taken while on shift.
• Maintain logbooks within compliance with industry standards.

Requirements

• 2+ years' experience in control center operations, preferably in utility scale renewable energy assets
• Familiarity with electrical substation safety protocol, equipment, and operations
• Familiarity with NERC standards and impact on operations (VAR, COM, EOP, PER, PRC, TOP)
• Competency in plant processes, electrical and SCADA systems
• Ability to strictly follow operating procedures, without exception
• Familiarity with the maintenance of solar and wind generation assets
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to manage critical situations
• Willingness to undergo regular training to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operations
• Reliable, punctual and capable of being trusted with significant, unsupervised responsibility
• Ability to thrive within a small, agile and fast-growing team
• Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills
• High level proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams)
• Able to work effectively under pressure with multiple priorities.
• Ability to function in a high-pace environment
• Ability to remain calm and collective during stressful situations
• Experience with documentation control systems: SharePoint, Docushare, SAP, etc.
• Experience creating, editing and documenting Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS).
• Ability to make independent decisions and adapt responsibility
• Must be able to work a rotating 12 hour shift schedule.
• Must have experience with data acquisition and SCADA.
• Ability to establish trust through building relationships and demonstration of capabilities.
• Familiarity with LOTO
• Good safety awareness

Benefits

• Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Total compensation package may include other elements such as annual bonus.
• Full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits.
• 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave.