NERC Compliance and Engineering Coordinator - Entry Level

The Harquahala Generating Company operates a state-of-the-art combined cycle power plant in Tonopah, AZ. This 1092 MW facility is equipped with three Siemens SGT6-6000G natural-gas combined cycle units, making it a significant contributor to the local energy grid. The plant's advanced technology and efficient operations help meet the energy needs of Maricopa County while minimizing environmental impact.

Opportunity Summary

The NERC Compliance and Engineering Coordinator's primary responsibility is to ensure North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) compliance, which includes tasks like interpreting regulations, maintaining documentation, and conducting training. Alongside this, the NERC Compliance and Engineering Coordinator is also responsible for tracking outages, managing documentation, and providing IT support. Overall, the role involves a multifaceted approach to maintain regulatory compliance, support plant operations, and address technical documentation and IT needs.

Primary Duties – NERC Compliance

• Understand and interpret NERC regulatory requirements (know where to obtain information and interpret requirements applicable at the plant level)
• Cooperate with NAES NERC HQ counterpart and follow up on new regulations and requirements that are applicable to the plant
• Cooperate / coordinates NERC matters with the Plant Owner/Asset Manager Compliance Representative
• Analyze substantial amounts of technical data and structure such information for the purposes of clearly documenting and demonstrating compliance with applicable NERC standards
• Complete / Updates the Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) for the plant
• Provide responses that are accurate, technically competent, and given with consideration to represent the stakeholders in a proper manner during compliance visits
• Ensure that plant NERC reliability procedures and policies are kept up to date with requirements
• Provide training to plant personnel on updated or new NERC procedures and requirements
• Coordinates NERC required maintenance activities with Maintenance Manager/Supervisor and external stake holders (TO/TOP and BA)
• Track reports, log entries, data sheets and work orders related to compliance required tasks
• Assist with the coordination of outside training requirements and contractor certifications for compliance activities
• Track, prepare and file training records pertinent to the NERC compliance requirements of the facility
• Advise management of observed deficiencies and associated improvement suggestions

Secondary Duties – Engineering Coordinator

• Responsible for tracking forced outages, loss of generation and conducting root cause analysis on the cause of failure. This includes any necessary reporting requirements, internal and external
• Develop, communicate, and perform work practices and procedures to keep site drawings and documentation up to date
• Assist in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, and provide analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans
• Administer the Configuration Control Program to ensure high quality documentation. Provide updates to the Plant Engineering library (SharePoint docs) and files change requests and modifications
• Provide support with plant IT needs (including Site Servers, ANDOVER Key-fob Access System, Laser Beam Virtual Fence and Cameras, MAINSAVER, OSI-Soft, TKPRO, Plant-wide Wi-Fi, VOIP Phone System, VPN)
• Provide support with outage planning, scheduling, closeup inspections (generators, turbines)
• Support customer needs for plant documentation / reports

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each and every employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The NERC Compliance and Engineering Coordinator reports to the Plant Manager. The NERC Compliance and Engineering Coordinator cooperates with the Operations and Maintenance Managers, Compliance Coordinator and Administrative Manager as needed in the daily operation of the plant. Maintains a positive relationship with NAES Corporate Engineering Support Services, and coordinates with operations on matters concerning environmental permits.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

Regular scheduled work days are Monday to Friday, from 7:00am to 3:30pm. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts, with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

Initial compensation will range from $96,700 to $135,400.

Job Qualifications

• An associate degree or higher in electrical engineering or a similar field is recommended
• Alternatively, candidates with a high school diploma and extensive technical (electrical) training, knowledge, and experience will be considered. College graduates in electrical engineering who are eager to learn about the power plant business and NERC compliance will also be considered. High school graduates with relevant military service or experience will also be reviewed
• Prior experience in power plant operations or maintenance, including roles as a team leader or supervisor, is advantageous
• Experience in NERC compliance for operating facilities, preferably within the power plant or power-related industry, is desirable
• Proficiency in typical power plant electrical systems is expected, including advanced knowledge of protection schemes and comprehensive understanding of switchyard protection systems. Knowledge and experience in testing industrial electrical equipment such as protection relays, batteries, battery charger systems, and communication systems are also desired
• Basic IT and cybersecurity knowledge/experience is a significant advantage
• Strong oral and written communication skills, along with effective planning and organizational abilities, are essential
• Familiarity with Management of Change (MOC) and Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is necessary
• Proficiency in using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) is expected

Other Considerations

• GADS reporting
• NERC OATI / OATI web CDMS reporting
• NERC ERO / MIDAS and/or ALIGN reporting
• EIA reporting

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and Engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.