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Form of workThe California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.
As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.
The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently-managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own-making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Your work as an intern can impact millions of people who depend on electricity in their everyday lives.
- This is a paid, part-time internship for 10 -12 weeks during Spring 2024, with the option to extend into a full-time role through Summer 2024.
- You will get "real world" experience to begin or further your career pursuits in the energy industry
- You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
- Opportunities to interact with the CEO and the Executive team of the ISO.
- Invitations to seminars on the latest energy industry topics such as renewables, electric cars and microgrids.
What You'll Be Doing.
This unique internship opportunity will allow you to join the team responsible for overseeing regulatory compliance with state and federal laws. This department is responsible for monitoring the ISO's compliance with NERC reliability standards and Tariff requirements. This is accomplished by fostering effective business relationships and ensuring internal controls are operating as designed to mitigate known and future compliance risks.
The summer intern will support development and/or enhancement of processes, tools and procedures that will streamline and strengthen the compliance program. This may include:
- Partnering with team to identify opportunities to strengthen the issue intake process to further streamline downstream processes;
- Work with business subject matter experts to gather data needed for program implementation or internal control plans;
- Participate in risk assessment discussions and partner with team to implement agreed upon process enhancements;
- Perform other program level tasks that will help strengthen existing processes.
Education:
- Major in legal, paralegal, and policy/regulatory or related fields, graduating December 2024 or later with a Bachelor's degree (B.A./B.S.) or Master's (M.A./M.S.).
- Preference given to students entering junior or senior year.
Experience:
- No experience required.
- Previous related internships, volunteer or work experience desired.
- Demonstrated interest in the energy industry desired.
- Ability to work independently on multiple projects simultaneously.
- Prior exposure/comfort level with reading legal and/or regulatory documentation strongly desired
- Proficient in Microsoft office suite and SharePoint, specifically Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent presentation, oral and written communication skills required.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
The pay range for power systems engineer interns at the CAISO is $24 - $27 per hour.
