Operations Planning Team Leader - Transmission Control Center

JOB SUMMARY:

Operations Planners at the Transmission Control Center (TCC) ensure the Safe and Reliable operation of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System through providing efficient outage analysis and coordination to meet 10,000+ clearance requests annually, supporting over $1B in construction and maintenance projects each year. Operations Planners also provide real-time support to operators in meeting both routine events and major storms/system emergencies. The Operations Planning Team Leader will provide engineering analysis and subject matter expertise as an operations planner and will also lead, train, and develop a team of operations planners. This position reports to the Supervisor, Operations Planning.

The Team Leader will also work with a wide range of stakeholders to shape the design and integration of transmission facilities, solar and battery interconnections, large customer sites, and other major projects. Operations Planning is a required NERC Reliability Function and is critical to providing safe operating conditions for field personnel. The position requires in-depth knowledge of the power system, GPC databases, and tools, as well as expertise in power flow analysis, transient analysis, transmission switching, protective relaying, and facility ratings.

The successful candidate will gain extensive knowledge of Transmission System Operations and will build strong working relationships throughout Power Delivery, with other cross-functional areas, and with external stakeholders. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to develop both technical and leadership expertise in several areas of System Operations including Operations Planning, Solar and Battery Integration, NERC, and FERC Compliance, Physical and Cyber Security, Real-time Operations, Transmission Switching, Storm Restoration, Floor Support, and other areas.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Prefer Electrical Engineering (or other relevant) degree with at least 3 years of power system analysis experience.
• Will also consider candidates without a degree who are NERC certified Transmission Operators (Senior Level or equivalent) with a minimum of 5 years of experience on shift and a minimum of 3 years experience in an operations planning or related role with power system analysis experience.
• Experience in one or more Power System areas (Operations, Planning, Protection & Control, Project Management, Maintenance, EMS/Operations Support, Substation Integration & Automation, Fault Analysis/Power Quality, Facility Ratings).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of power system analysis and modeling is required.
• Familiarity with T&D switching and clearance practices, NERC, and FERC requirements applicable to Operations, construction and maintenance practices related to clearances, customer needs related to clearances and restoration, Fault Analysis, and Facility Ratings is desired.
• Prefer experience with GPC operating tools such as STOMP, EMS, PNA, TransMap, GPC storm and system alert practices, Georgia ITS processes and procedures, Redbook, and Section 0.
• Skilled in Project Management with ability to coordinate high volumes of complex projects with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Takes personal responsibility for the quality of technical work. Strong attention to detail.
• Works independently and conscientiously with minimal supervision.
• Shows teamwork, communicates effectively, and helps foster a team environment.
• Demonstrates Southern Company's Our Values. Builds trusting relationships through personal integrity.
• Demonstrates personal commitment to Safety Excellence.
• Demonstrates leadership in fostering an inclusive environment.

Other Requirements:

• Pass and maintain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance requirements. Adhere to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.
• Role is responsible for storm support and may be required to work shift during those events. This role involves occasional travel (<10%), typically not requiring overnight stays.
• Must reside within a commutable distance of Lithia Springs, GA. Available work schedules include 5x8, 9x9, 4x10 with a flexible blend of teleworking opportunities.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead Operational Planning for Georgia Power and the Georgia ITS.

• Conduct transmission system operation planning studies using Power Network Analysis (PNA) and Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSSE) tools to evaluate near term, one month out, and long-term clearances associated with maintenance and construction projects. Work closely with the prearrange team in the clearance review process.
• Facilitate completion of major maintenance and construction projects on the Georgia ITS and coordinate modeling and analysis with neighboring utilities and the PCC.
• Coordinate clearances supporting major maintenance and construction projects working closely with Project Management, generation plants, Distribution, major customers, ITS participants, PCC, and other stakeholders.
• Provide daily support to the System Operator by performing contingency modeling and analysis as needed and support restoration efforts during storms, Energy Emergency Alerts, and significant system events.
• Shape operating processes and procedures to enhance the design and integration of transmission facilities, solar and battery interconnections, large customer sites and other major projects.
• Participate in the Transmission Control Center leadership on-call rotation.

Provide supervision and performance management for a team of Operations Planning Engineers.

• Provide leadership, training, coaching, and mentoring all direct reports to ensure success in technical and leadership competencies.
• Provide work direction and assist with creating and implementing weekly rotations for study related job responsibilities.
• Lead our DE&I initiatives to foster a healthy, inclusive culture and ensure equity in our processes.
• Provide continuous training to grow bench strength and build the team to perform independently and with sound judgement.
• Review and approve team timesheets and other business-related team expenditures.