VP Power Systems Operations & Planning

Summary

Provide oversight and direction related to System Operations, Operations Engineering, Operations Planning, and System Operations Training. Ensure studies are performed, outages are scheduled, advance EMS Tools are operational, all documentation is updated, and that ECC Support Staff and the System Operators receive the necessary training. Maintain adherence to all NYISO and NYSRC rules and all applicable NERC Standards / Requirements associated with NYPA’s registration as a Generation Operator (GOP), Transmission Owner (TO), and Transmission Operator (TOP). Primary focus is to provide leadership enabling ECC to maintain System Reliability of the Bulk Electric System by ensuring processes and tools are in place that will allow the System Operators to coordinate, communicate, take corrective actions with NYPA’s Regional Projects, local TO/TOP’s, and NYISO.   

Lead a dynamic team that is supporting the growth of NYPA’s Transmission asset base and possess a strong business acumen. Possess a strong technical understanding of the operations of bulk transmission systems.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the real-time operation and reliability of the NYPA bulk-power system, including transmission system monitoring & control, control of NYPA generating units, and transmission & generation outage scheduling in alignment with NYPA’s asset management strategies.
• Responsible for ECC’s Energy Management System hardware & software and associated upgrades.
• Manage technical support for the System Operations, including hydraulic and hydrologic engineering analyses in support of NYPA’s hydro resources and support for real-time data, functions, and displays.
• Certify compliance with appropriate NERC Reliability Standards.
• Approve standards and procedures for the operation of NYPA bulk-power generation and transmission facilities.
• Participate in the development of asset management plans for the operating facilities. Provide input to the process regarding system operations, NYISO requirements and overall system optimization.
• Represent the Authority on NYISO, NPCC, and other industry committees in matters regarding power system operations.
• Be a key driver of change management activities including: partnering with colleagues in effectively changing the culture, instilling a sense of empowerment, accountability and ownership within their own group and others they may work with consistently maintaining high standards for performance.
• Approve procedures and recommendations for Performance Plus planning, staff succession planning, strategic planning, coaching for success, and staff training & career development.
• Recommend budget, personnel requirements, and staff succession planning for the ECC, Operations Planning and Operations Technology.
• This position has the potential to have a direct role in emergency preparedness, incident management or response and as such will require training in the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of system operations, maintenance, energy management system applications, rate engineering concepts, state and regional planning and operating criteria, and compliance monitoring and enforcement rules.
• Ability to understand complex generation and transmission engineering projects and applications.
• Substantial knowledge of NYPA's transmission, substation and generation facilities.
• Thorough understanding of NYISO tariff and market rules as well as NYSRC, NPCC and NERC Reliability Rules.
• Complete knowledge of deregulation and industry restructuring initiatives at both the State and Federal levels.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  Must be able to give comprehensive presentations at technical conferences and NYPA Trustee meetings, represent NYPA interests in public forums at the highest Committee levels, and provide expert testimony on system operation, planning, reliability and related transmission matters before Federal and State regulators.
• Must possess a high level of “common sense”, the ability to prioritize work across all of Transmission, an ability to delegate comprehensive technical problems to the appropriate manager/staff for resolution, and a willingness to make policy and strategic decisions in a rapidly changing industry environment.
• Exceptional planning skills and ability to lead managers and staff in the development of a comprehensive strategic plan including performance measures.
• Capable of administrating multiple complex projects, setting project priorities, and establishing deadlines with respect to the Operations, Engineering, Planning and Operations Technology Departments.
• Strong managerial skills and a demonstrated ability to manage and motivate a large technical staff that deals continually with complex engineering and operational matters.
• Must demonstrate the highest integrity and set an example for staff in dealing with day-to-day internal and external business matters. 
• Ability to embrace complex, technical challenges and have the strategic and team skills to work closely with senior colleagues to drive the business forward collectively.
• Skilled at questioning intelligently, debating constructively, challenging rigorously and deciding dispassionately.
• Ability to listen sensitively to the views of others. Should possess the professional capability, intellect, caliber and track record to gain the trust and respect of other executives quickly.
• Strong supervisory skills. Development of an annual O&M budget, implementation of training programs, and overseeing performance management are major functions of this position.
• Ability to be strongly proactive in achieving the strategic goals of the Energy Control Center with minimum guidance, but with the collaboration of direct supervisor.

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors in Engineering.
• Advanced degree in engineering or business preferred.
• P.E. License, preferred.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in power systems operations, planning, engineering and/or EMS development and support.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary, desk position; phone work, views computer screens and inputs data, prolonged sitting with some walking. 
• Willing to travel 15-25%, mostly in NYS.