Manager, Transmission Planning

Job Specifications

Provide overall leadership, management and direction for the Transmission Planning Department. Manage and direct all transmission and sub-transmission planning activities, including the preparation and development of long-term transmission plans to meet the needs of all customers for electric utilities located in South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. Manage and direct all department activities and provide support to other departments to ensure compliance with WECC, NERC, FERC and state regulatory requirements. Represent the company at regional and sub-regional planning groups. Actively participate as a member of the Planning, Policy & Strategy leadership team.

Pay Range: $110,900 - $183,100 / Grade 19 (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

Reporting Relationship: Director, Electric Strategy, Planning & Policy

Location: Rapid City, SD

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

Essential Functions:

* Provide leadership, guidance, and development support to the transmission planning team as they manage day to day activities of the department for grid reliability, including support of growth projects, economic transmission development and grid modernization.
* Lead the transmission project origination effort in support of the electric utility capital and strategic plan. Provide sound recommendations and justification for capital budgets and strategic plans associated with transmission, sub-transmission projects and distribution projects with particular focus on developing detailed capital plans of five years or more.
* Develop the O&M and capital budget for the Transmission Planning Department and provide monthly forecast updates.
* Support regional transmission coordination and market development activities of the company.
* Provide key support in maintaining compliance with the Black Hills electric utility OATTs and FERC rulemakings pertaining to transmission planning. Coordinate with Transmission Policy and Regulatory departments on rule makings, compliance filings, technical hearings and other activities as needed.
* Key activities of Transmission Planning Department include the following:

* Develop and execute computer-based load flow and short circuit studies required to fully evaluate the electric transmission system to establish short-term and long-term transmission project proposals to be included in the strategic plan.

* Complete studies associated with the interconnection of new load, generation or transmission facilities. * Perform technical report writing in support of study efforts and regulatory policy and technical workshops, rule makings and hearings.

* Represent BHE's interests in national, regional and local committees, task forces and working groups.

* Manage project work and maintain relationships with consultants and retained experts. * Manage and maintain full compliance with all applicable FERC, NERC and WECC Reliability Standard requirements as a technical subject matter expert and Primary Standard Owner.

Additional Responsibilities:

* Ensure strong communications between the Transmission Planning department and Distribution Planning, Engineering, and Reliability Center staff.
* Provide technical input into the Black Hills electric utilities resource planning efforts and transmission related strategy.
* Provide regulatory support functions by preparing data responses and expert testimony on transmission related issues.
* Assist in the planning of South Dakota and Wyoming 69 kV Distribution Agreements with the South Dakota and Wyoming cooperative participants.
* Maintain effective working relationships with all internal employees and external stakeholders.

What You'll Need:

* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Business required, or equivalent combination of education and experience required.
* 7-10 years of electric utility experience with a thorough knowledge of transmission planning and operations.
* Experience with managing and maintaining WECC, NERC and FERC regulatory compliance.
* Experience with power flow & dynamics software applications.

What Is Desired Or Can Be Taught:

* Bachelor's Degree Electrical Engineering
* Electrical system and bulk interconnected system design and operation.
* Knowledge with power system simulation software programs (Siemens PTI preferred).
* Knowledge of FERC, NERC, and WECC standards, policies and procedures.
* Ability to develop, monitor and accomplish challenging goals, and effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously.
* Self-motivated, detailed, highly organized and the ability to self-direct workload and prioritize department needs.
* Excellent computer skills; strong oral and written communication skills.
* Possess unquestionable integrity and excellent judgment.
* Excellent interpersonal relations skills with ability to articulate priorities, communicate and influence. Ability to create strong partnerships.
* Demonstrate the ability to represent the Company in front of various stakeholders: employee groups, customers, regulatory agencies, governmental officials, and industry associations.
* Requires travel within the electric utility service territories (South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado) and for support of corporate subsidiaries.
* Perform and supervise work on or in close proximity to energized electrical facilities.
* Power Systems emphasis preferred

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 for more information.