Manager, Power System Operations

Open until filled – This posting may close at any time without notice after 02/16/2024 so candidates are encouraged to apply early.

Purpose
Provides supervision, technical oversight, and guidance to the Power System Operators regarding the real time operation, control, and monitoring of SMUD’s generation and transmission systems, gas pipeline assets, the Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC) Balancing Authority Area, and BANC’s operation as a California ISO Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) entity.

Nature and Scope
Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors and reviews the work results in assigned area; assists in selecting, training, motivating, evaluating and developing subordinate personnel and ensures safe work practices, work quality and accuracy, sufficient workforce resources, as well as compliance with applicable rules, policies, regulations and procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs and supervises a staff responsible for real time operations of SMUD’s transmission and generation systems, including EIM operations, and the contracted operations for the Balancing Authority of Northern California (BANC) in accordance with NERC/WECC Reliability Standards and as a CAISO WEIM entity to provide reliable economic power and safety of personnel and equipment; provides daily work assignments to staff.
• Provides supervision of staff development by training subordinates to improve work performances, evaluating performances, responding to personnel problems, handling complaints and grievances, and ensuring staff awareness by sharing information.
• Provides guidelines to power system operators on interpretation of contracts, rulings and guidelines governing these transactions; ensures training for power system operators including energy imbalance market operations.
• Supports the development and implementation of and monitors and evaluates training programs for power system operations personnel; ensures the progress of employees in training; provides feedback and guidance as necessary; provides timely work performance evaluations.
• Provides for efficient operation of the generation and transmission systems by planning and coordinating system requirements and available resources, evaluating electrical system components, and recommending changes.
• Supervises the functions of switching to deenergize lines and equipment to ensure they are properly prepared for clearance, and that safety procedures are followed to allow for safe repair and maintenance.
• Resolves scheduling conflicts with other SMUD departments, utilities, and other external entities; assesses power system emergencies and directs corrective action; develops emergency procedures.
• Oversees an effective safety program and enforces compliance with all applicable operating procedures and safety rules; advises personnel of the system configuration and unsafe conditions.
• Directs the preparation of reports and maintenance of all relevant documents.
• Reviews and investigates any apparent mismanagement of resources, which may result in or has resulted in financial loss to SMUD; takes corrective action.
• Assesses and advises staff of the system configuration, power flow and voltage levels needed for safe, reliable, and economical system operation.
• Meets with other departments and utilities to plan and coordinate the work programs associated with real time operations, electric system modifications and maintenance work.
• Maintains collaborative relationships with interconnected utilities and within SMUD; applies effective communication practices and maintains a high level of expertise and knowledge in regard to power system operations and contract provisions.
• Represents SMUD at various meetings regarding system and grid operations.
• Participates in weekly and monthly operations strategy meetings.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

• High School diploma or equivalent

Required Experience Qualifications

• At least ten (10+) years of progressively responsible electrical utility experience with at least five (5+) years supervisory experience in real time bulk power systems operations and control.

Knowledge Of
Fundamentals and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation; fundamentals of electric generating and transmission systems, including interconnected utilities; regulations and mandated FERC, NERC, and WECC Reliability Standards, practices, and policies; regional energy markets; fundamentals of planning, budgeting, and cost control; electrical and mechanical theory; generation facilities and control equipment operations; power system emergencies, personnel and inter-utility procedures; line loading and rating limits and equipment capabilities; safety practices; computerized control systems; transmission and substation operating fundamentals; inter-utility contracts for energy exchange; transmission wheeling and power interchange transaction practices; fundamentals of utilization and conservation of water in the generation of electricity; fundamentals of thermal generation and its integration with hydrogeneration; power flow theory; voltage regulation theory; energy accounting fundamentals; protective relay fundamentals; office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Skills To

Supervise, train, and evaluate a staff; guide the work of others; guide staff in the application of computer programs to schedule and evaluate real time energy transactions; plan, schedule and coordinate complex work activities; evaluate statistical data and develop solutions and recommendations; develop clear, concise instructions, procedures and policies; evaluate and interpret electrical schematic drawings and complex technical material; solve problems relating to EIM; integrate variable renewable generation resources with an existing resource portfolio that includes thermal and hydro generation system; oversee and respond to emergencies; use mathematics to solve complex power equations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work internally/externally.

Required Licenses/Certificates

• NERC Certified RC Operator certification

Desirable Qualifications

• Western Energy Market experience

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) – Who We Are 
As the nation’s sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we’re proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they’re “Happy, satisfied and engaged” which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

California Equal Pay Act 
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are a part of who we are and how we do things. Supporting efforts that promote pay equality is part of that. Salary placement for the selected candidate will be determined in alignment with the California Equal Pay Act or the applicable MOU. Determination for salary placement of internal candidates will be made without respect to current classification or compensation and will be based upon the candidate’s qualifications as compared to those performing substantially similar work. In the event there is a guaranteed pay progression outlined in an applicable MOU, the MOU takes precedence.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
SMUD respects, values and celebrates the unique attributes, characteristics and perspectives that make each person who they are. Diversity and inclusion are guiding principles to deliver a culture that reflects the broader values of the community and our customers. Our Board’s policy for Employee Relation sets our commitment to developing and maintaining a high quality, inclusive workplace that engages and inspires employees to commit to SMUD’s purpose, vision and values.

Why Sacramento, California? 
The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state’s sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country’s top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49ers aren’t far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work 

This position may be eligible for SMUD’s hybrid (office/home) work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part-time or full-time basis.

We recommend you apply through our  SMUD Careers page to be considered for this position. Please create a SMUD Candidate account, upload your resume and cover letter.