Operations Control Center Operator II – O&M

POSITION SUMMARY:

The operations center control room operator is responsible for real-time operation of Primoris obligations in managing Generator Operator (GOP) requirements while also interacting with Balancing Authorities (BA), Generator Owners (GO), and Field Operations/Maintenance. This position will support and operate SCADA activities and control center operations throughout the fleet. This position will support the operations, substation activities, and maintenance by actively managing plant availability and reliability, coordinating outages, and including use of company system and logging. This position will be full time at the ROCC/On-Site in the Denver Colorado area and will require up to 20% travel. This position will be able to acquire and maintain NERC system operator certifications (Balancing and Interchange Operator or Reliability Operator) through completing and maintaining continuing education hours required for the NERC system operator position. They will monitor site data to address and resolve site specific issues and provide information and support to field personnel to ensure successful response and restoration.

Purpose:

Responsible for the operation and sustainability of energy sites through the Renewable Energy Control Center using SCADA operations, Work Management Systems, Data Analytics and Communications to maximize sustainability of Solar, Wind, BESS sites. Assist in the areas of operational real-time load and generation forecasting. Work with Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators to securely share asset data. Manage and Monitor Alarms relating to site specific data and provide real-time restoration and planned outages across multiple sites. Utilizes ticket systems to relay information to field personnel to provide accurate and detailed information relating to work, either planned or unplanned, site maintenance. This position reports to the ROCC Manager and will operate fleet wide sites across the U.S.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITES:

• Monitor and operate SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems: The operator is responsible for real-time monitoring of renewable energy assets, such as wind turbines, solar panels, or hydroelectric facilities, and ensuring smooth functioning and optimal performance.
• Manage CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) software: The operator will track and schedule maintenance activities, manage work orders, and ensure the proper allocation of resources for routine and emergency maintenance tasks.
• Analyze performance data: The operator will collect and analyze data from the SCADA and CMMS systems to identify trends, inefficiencies, or potential issues, and make recommendations for improvements.
• Incident and outage management: The operator will promptly respond to alarms, faults, or outages, diagnose the cause, and initiate appropriate corrective actions to minimize downtime and ensure system stability.
• Coordination with field technicians and maintenance teams: The operator will communicate and coordinate with field technicians, engineers, and maintenance crews to address issues and ensure timely resolution of problems.
• Compliance with regulations and safety procedures: The operator will adhere to company policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements, ensuring the safety of personnel, equipment, and the environment.
• Reporting and documentation: The operator will maintain accurate records of system performance, incidents, and maintenance activities, and generate regular reports to support decision-making and continuous improvement efforts.
• Continuous learning and staying updated: The operator will stay informed about the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, and undergo regular training to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Participating in emergency response planning: The operator will contribute to the development and execution of emergency response plans to ensure preparedness for any unexpected events or crises.
• Cross-functional collaboration: The operator will collaborate with other departments, such as engineering, asset management, and environmental compliance, to optimize the overall performance and efficiency of the renewable energy assets.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Associate degree or higher in a relevant field, such as engineering, electronics, computer science, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be acceptable.
• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in operating and maintaining SCADA systems, preferably within the renewable energy industry or a related field.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software for tracking and scheduling maintenance activities, managing work orders, and allocating resources.

PREFERRED SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Proficiency in troubleshooting and diagnosing technical issues in SCADA and control systems, as well as a solid understanding of renewable energy generation technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, or hydroelectric facilities.
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to use various software programs, databases, and tools for data analysis and reporting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with field technicians, maintenance teams, and other departments, as well as for preparing reports and documentation.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets, identify trends and potential issues, and develop effective solutions to address operational challenges.
• Ability to work with a high degree of accuracy and precision, ensuring that all data, records, and reports are accurate, up-to-date, and consistent.
• Familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and safety procedures relevant to renewable energy operations and maintenance.
• Willingness to work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as well as the ability to quickly adapt to changing operational requirements and priorities.
• Ability to work effectively within a team, as well as independently, to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Committed to staying informed about the latest industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies, and a willingness to participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Certifications in SCADA systems, renewable energy technologies, or related fields can demonstrate a candidate’s expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
• Familiarity with the specific SCADA or CMMS software used by your company can be an advantage, as it can reduce the onboarding and training time.
• Experience in coordinating and managing projects, such as system upgrades or maintenance tasks, can be beneficial for planning, organizing, and executing complex tasks.
• of programming languages (e.g., Python, SQL, or C++) can be helpful for customizing and optimizing SCADA and CMMS systems or developing custom tools for data analysis.
• Experience in energy management, including demand response, energy storage, or grid integration, can be an asset for optimizing system performance and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Prior experience in remote monitoring and diagnostics of renewable energy assets can be beneficial for quickly identifying and addressing potential issues.
• Awareness of cybersecurity best practices and protocols for protecting SCADA and CMMS systems from potential threats can be a valuable skill.
• Familiarity with GIS software can be useful for visualizing and analyzing spatial data related to renewable energy assets.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) can be helpful for creating clear and compelling reports and presentations for various stakeholders.
• The ability to build relationships and work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise can contribute to a positive work environment and improved team performance.
• The ability to efficiently manage time and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment can be crucial for meeting deadlines and ensuring smooth operations.
• A mindset focused on continuous improvement, process optimization, and the identification of new opportunities for enhancing system performance can be an asset to the company.

Benefits and Pay:

• Paid Company Holidays
• Paid Time Off
• We provide paid sick leave as required by Colorados Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Short Term/Long Term Disability, 401K with matching contribution.
• $36 – $43 per hour, dependent on experience, qualifications, and competencies.

Experience

Required

• Required experience with Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) software for tracking and scheduling maintenance activities, managing work orders, and allocating resources.
• 2 – 3 years: Minimum 2-3 years of experience in operating and maintaining SCADA systems, preferably within the renewable energy industry or a related field.

Education

Required

• Associates or better in Engineering or related field