Queue Management Specialist

Company Description

The 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.

The California ISO is committed to the health, safety, and work/life integration of its employees and is proud to offer flexible work arrangements. This position works in a hybrid capacity.

Job Description

Under the general direction of the Manager, responsible for administering and implementing generation and transmission interconnection projects and independently identifying, analyzing, and resolving issues related to generation interconnection queue management, project modifications, and project administration. Acts as a liaison among Interconnection Customers, Participating Transmission Owners (PTOs), industry stakeholders, and ISO staff. Independently researches, analyzes, and interprets project information, determines appropriate process actions, and performs administrative functions associated with maintaining project records, databases, tracking tools, and compliance documentation. Coordinates comprehensive reviews and tracks generation interconnection project status, associated documentation, contractual milestones, and stakeholder communications. Supports Queue Management leadership by conducting project and process research, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to obtain critical information, performing data analysis, and developing reports and recommendations to support operational and strategic decision-making.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Administers the ISO Tariff and Business Practice Manuals (BPMs) as they relate to the management of the generation interconnection queue, working independently with ISO staff, Interconnection Customers, and PTO personnel. Responsible for analyzing and implementing modifications to Generator Interconnection Agreements (GIAs), interpreting tariff requirements, and collaborating with Legal and Management to develop recommendations and resolutions for issues associated with generation interconnection projects.
• Serves as the project manager for assigned projects and processes administered by the Queue Management team. Through direct communication and coordination with Interconnection Customers, PTOs, external agencies, other stakeholders, and ISO Interconnection Specialists, Contract Specialists, and Engineers, evaluates project progress and compliance with contractual obligations, milestones, and project-specific requirements. Manages project modification requests and other queue management processes, investigates issues impacting project performance, and develops recommendations for Management and Legal regarding projects that are not meeting contractual, tariff, or BPM requirements. Based on analyses and findings, recommends and implements appropriate next steps for the ISO and PTOs.
• Performs data management, data-driven reporting, and analytical functions to support Queue Management operations and business objectives. Independently researches, collects, validates, organizes, and maintains technical, operational, financial, and project-related data from a variety of internal and external sources. Conducts quantitative and qualitative analyses to identify trends, monitor performance, support regulatory compliance, and recommend or inform decision-making. Develops and maintains reports, dashboards, metrics, visualizations, and management presentations that communicate project status, process performance, compliance indicators, and key business insights. Collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders to reconcile data, improve reporting capabilities, and recommend enhancements to data management practices, business processes, and reporting methodologies.
• Administers accounting and financial tracking processes associated with project modifications, studies, and other activities managed by the Queue Management team. Coordinates the receipt, implementation, reconciliation, and close-out of deposits and financial transactions while ensuring compliance with applicable tariff provisions and contractual requirements. Responsibilities include researching project status and technical information, proactively identifying required actions, maintaining accurate records and documentation, and utilizing databases and tracking systems to support project administration.
• Maintains accurate project records and supports tariff compliance through the effective management of information maintained within ISO databases, repositories, software and tracking systems. Conducts business process analysis and develops recommendations to enhance operational efficiency, reporting accuracy, data quality, and procedural effectiveness. Researches, compiles, analyzes, and presents information regarding project status, schedules, scope, generation resources, and associated transmission upgrades for Management and various stakeholders.
• Develops and enhances systems, tools, and methodologies for processing, tracking, auditing, and managing project-related information and documentation to ensure compliance with tariff requirements and departmental procedures. Provides information, training, guidance, and administrative support to internal stakeholders as required. Supports division, department and Queue Management leadership with project and process management activities, technical and business research, data analysis, stakeholder coordination, report development, and other special assignments as requested.

 

Qualifications

Level of Education and Discipline:

A Bachelor's degree (BA, BS) or equivalent education, training or experience in Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or other related disciplines. Master’s Degree preferred.

Amount of Experience:

Equivalent years of education and training, plus two (2) or more years related experience.

Type of Experience:

Technical, analytical, and administrative experience within a medium to large organization supporting business operations, project management, regulatory compliance, and process administration. Experience with project tracking, records management, reporting, data analysis, software defect management, and business process improvement is preferred. Experience utilizing data collection, data management, reporting, and visualization tools is preferred. Experience with reporting, data analysis, dashboard development, visualization, and project management tools is desirable. Experience within the electric utility industry is desirable.

Additional Skills and Abilities:

Strong verbal and written communication and documentation skills required, with a demonstrated attention to detail.  Ability to use deductive reasoning and analytical thinking with sound judgment and decision-making skills.  Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills are also essential.  Must be self-starting and willing and able to work independently in a dynamic corporate organization under pressure of tight deadlines.  Problem solving skills with the ability to influence others without direct authority. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member.  Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite. 

Must be able to maintain a high degree of data integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality. Ability to serve in a highly visible role that includes department delegate responsibilities and acting as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders. Knowledge and skills in project management, tariff administration, customer service, effective communication, and records management are desired.  Must be able to perform technical analysis, maintain awareness of process, schedule and tariff timelines, and effectively coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

Additional Information

The pay range for the Queue Management Specialist position is $40.50 - $56.69 hourly.

We are willing to consider all other levels with the right skillset and experience.  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.