Weatherization Inspector

Electric Reliability Council of Texas•Taylor, TX

About The Position

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources. We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career. ERCOT is committed to fostering inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We know that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. An inclusive and diverse workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future. Weatherization Inspector ensures ERCOT meets its obligations in accordance with regulatory requirements to perform generation and transmission weatherization and maintenance compliance inspections/audits for Texas power plants and transmission facilities in compliance with the requirements of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and ERCOT Nodal Protocols. These evolving requirements are intended to ensure continuing reliable operations of the electric power grid under extreme cold and hot weather conditions. Performs on-site and remote inspections of generating stations and transmission facilities. Monitors and determines whether weather emergency preparedness reliability standards are met. Work involves inspecting, providing inspection reports, identifying areas of potential non-compliance, requesting mitigation and corrective action, and verifying remedial work has been completed. This position requires the Weatherization Inspector to work independently, interact professionally with internal and external personnel of various position levels from individual contributors to senior management, meet deadlines, and work well within a team environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Required) or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required which can include experience in power generation and transmission facilities
Requires a minimum of 5 years related work experience in excess of degree requirements
Must have dependable access to the internet
ERCOT Weatherization Inspector Certification is required to be passed within the first year of hire and must complete annual continuing training requirements.
Hold and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License, have an acceptable driving record, and a reliable personal vehicle
Ability to walk, climb stairs and ladders, stand for prolonged periods of time, and access power plant, transmission facilities, and load resource facilities while wearing appropriate PPE
Ability to gain clearance for escorted and/or unescorted access for plant visits and inspections as needed
Be located in or willing to relocate to Houston, Victoria, or Corpus Christi area.

Nice To Haves

Related work experience in thermal power plant maintenance or operations (some ERCOT region experience preferred)
Familiarity with power plant weatherization in thermal and intermittent (all technologies preferred)
Familiarity with inverter-based resource operations, limitations, and equipment
Familiarity with transmission operation and equipment
Tech savvy with good working knowledge of MS Office Suite
Vendor and Project Management experience

Responsibilities

Develops detailed solutions and improvements to procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timelines of inspection activities
Assists in the scheduling of multiple site inspections across Texas
Continuously improves working knowledge of the market, power systems, and various types of technologies used by Market Participants within the ERCOT market
Serves as the departmental representative on cross-functional teams, proactively providing technical, business, and policy guidance
Leads the work of projects and internal audits as assigned by management
Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced inspectors
May represent ERCOT at stakeholder forums, on committees, and/or in working groups
Communicates with generator and transmission owners
Responsible for coordinating, performing, and detailed reporting on inspection/audit activities within assigned ERCOT Weather Zones
Conducts site visits for generation and transmission compliance inspections/audits which includes physical inspection of equipment, and verification of compliance for weatherization and maintenance with work orders, preventative maintenance records and checklists
Maintains regular communication with the weatherization team providing relevant information and line of sight on work activities to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements
Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and attention to detail to communicate and collaborate with diverse groups in a tactful and diplomatic manner
Builds strong professional relationships both internally and externally
Promotes a safe working environment
Understands applicable standards
Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory and safety requirements as well as organizational policies and procedures
Becomes Certified under ERCOT’s Weatherization Inspector Training Program and completes annual continuing training requirements.
Maintains a thorough understanding of applicable standards and guiding principles for inspection strategies
Develops and maintains a good understanding of the ERCOT competitive energy markets
Suggest solutions to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timeline of inspection activities
Collaborates to help create the timeline for mitigation, corrective action, and re-inspection
May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of others
May participate in RFP’s and vendor management and/or consultant services
Other duties as assigned