Balancing Authority (BA) Supervisor

Job Specifications

Closed Date: This position will close at midnight (CST) on August 2, 2024.

The Balancing Authority (BA) System Operator Supervisor is responsible for overseeing the safe and reliable real-time monitoring and operation of Black Hills Energy's (BHE) Balancing Authority area. The BA System Operator Supervisor is responsible for providing oversight of BHE's generation, load, interchange, and frequency balance, ensuring accurate transmission scheduling and compliance with applicable NERC Standards and energy market protocols.

Pay Range: $100,650 - $166,050/18 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Manager, Reliability Center

Location: Rapid City, SD

Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance is available based on individual circumstances! Details to be shared during the offer process.

Essential Functions:
* Act as a primary subject matter expert with regard to Balancing Authority and Market operations, operational policies, business practices and compliance standards.
* Collect data, prepare, and submit necessary reports in support of the Balancing Authority function as required by the Reliability Coordinator, NERC, NAESB and FERC.
* Provide leadership in achieving the safe, reliable and efficient operation of BHE's Balancing Authority and market operations.
* Exercise full authority to direct and implement emergency procedures when required to mitigate real-time operating emergencies.
* Collaborate with System Operators and support groups to improve operating tools for optimal situational awareness and reliability of the Balancing Authority area.
* Promote personnel development and growth of individuals by being knowledgeable of BHE's employee benefits and promoting self-development using those benefits.
* Create and support System Operator training program by developing, providing instruction, and administering training.
* Lead the development, review, and revision of operating manuals, operating procedures and policies and ensure stakeholders are informed and aware of their roles in operational and emergency plans.
* Maintain strict work instructions, policies, and procedures that support compliance with FERC, NERC and WECC standards.
* Review and monitor Balancing Authority tags on OASIS for service requests to maintain compliance with relevant tariffs and real-time operating requirements.
* Promote safety through training, inspections, meetings, and safety contact reports. Exhibit an awareness and concern for safety. Understand, observe and show skill in the application and implementation of safety rules, practices and safe work behaviors. Promptly correct any conditions and/or unsafe behaviors that may lead to accidents.

Additional Responsibilities:
* Maintain strict compliance with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) standards and operating policies for system reliability and performance criteria.
* Review and ensure accuracy of documentation for all system events, problems, transactions, commitments, and communications relating to real-time system operations, generation and scheduling of BHC and interconnected system energy resources.
* Work with the Reliability Center Manager and NERC Training and Compliance team on coordination and training of System Operators and other support personnel within the Company (i.e. personnel expected to support Reliability Center during larger outages.)
* Occasionally work System Operator shifts to keep current with the day-to-day functions of the System Operators. Work shifts when necessary to accommodate scheduling conflicts such as illnesses, training, etc.

What You'll Need:
Bachelor's Degree Engineering, electrical power systems or equivalent combination of education and experience
3-5 or more years Experience in Balancing Authority, Transmission, and/or market operations
Valid NERC BITO or RC System Operator Certification or ability to obtain NERC Certification within 8 Months
Ability to maintain Balancing Authority System Operator proficiency and fill in on 12 hour rotating shifts.
Ability to respond to and provide after-hours support for real-time system events.

What Is Desired Or Can Be Taught:
* Knowledge of general switching practices, system standard operating procedures and contingency operating practices.
* Knowledge of electrical theory, techniques, methods, tools and service territory in the industry.
* Knowledge and understanding of high voltage electrical utility operations and equipment.
* Knowledge of NERC and WECC regional procedures, government regulations, contractual agreements, operating policies and
* procedures, and equipment specifications.
* Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
* Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based applications.
* Ability to read electrical diagrams of substations, transmission lines and distribution lines for switching and general operations.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.