Operations Compliance Specialist

SUMMARY: Under the general supervision of the Manager, Transmission & Distribution Operations, the Operations Compliance Specialist ensures compliance with reliability regulations relating to transmission operations and the application of WFEC's reliability compliance program in this area. The incumbent will assist in the developing, implementing, reviewing, updating and documenting WFEC's reliability compliance program. By working closely with department personnel, the incumbent will provide direct functional guidance on work processes necessary to ensure compliance. In addition, the incumbent will act as the subject matter expert in the compliance area by maintaining a current working knowledge of regulatory standards and how they apply to WFEC. The incumbent will coordinate the department's compliance efforts with other departments as part of the WFEC's overall reliability compliance program. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Includes the following; other duties may be assigned. Maintains a working knowledge of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), Rural Utility Service (RUS), and Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards or other applicable governmental rules, standards, regulations or requirements related to reliability or security compliance. Assists with the development, implementation, documentation, and modification of operations procedures and processes to ensure that WFEC is compliant with all national FERC/NERC, RUS, and regional rules, standards, regulations, and requirements, including, but not limited to, monitoring for changes to reliability standards and other rules, participating in the standards drafting process, and implementing effective change management. Assist the Compliance Officer and Compliance Team in coordinating internal audits on a regular basis and as defined in board policy 3-9. Work as a cross-functional compliance team under the leadership of the Compliance Officer to assist in implementation of WFEC's compliance management and enforcement program. Provides advice, direction, and support both orally and in writing to operations personnel regarding the applicability and meaning of reliability compliance requirements. Monitors department compliance and identifies compliance issues requiring mitigation. Reviews existing processes and procedures, prepares mitigation plans, and implements plans to ensure future compliance. Acts as the department contact point for compliance audits conducted by internal or outside entities. Develops and maintains compliance related documentation process and ensures that compliance related records and activities are documented as required. Develops and presents compliance training, compliance awareness programs and internal controls for department employees and others. Identifies and reports any actual or potential compliance violations and provide information and implement remedial procedures required during the investigation and resolution of any actual or potential violation findings. Responsible for timely submissions of NERC and MRO compliance reports, self-certifications along with reporting compliance levels and compliance violations under self- reporting provisions. Develops and prepares periodic reports and self-certifications regarding compliance issues and the compliance status. Notifies the department manager and compliance personnel regarding situations involving potential compliance violations or situations requiring a compliance response. Coordinates compliance activities with compliance employees in other departments to ensure a uniform compliance approach and standardized compliance processes within WFEC. Uses computer software to gather, analyze, and present operational data. Attends meetings and conferences on compliance as a representative of WFEC. Attends training on compliance issues, compliance audits, and system reliability.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Analytical: Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses experience to complement data; Designs work flows and procedures. 

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Professional Knowledge: Generates creative solutions; Translates concepts and information into applications; Uses feedback to modify recommendations; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. 

Oral and Written Communication: Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings; Writes clearly and informatively; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information. 

Teamwork: Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed. 

Planning/Organizing: Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Develops realistic action plans. 

Adaptability: Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected outcomes. 

Professionalism: Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. 

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.       

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources. 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors required. 

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of directly related experience within an electric utility environment resulting in understanding electric transmission systems and their operations or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated ability to research and interpret technical regulations, government documents, legal briefs, engineering related correspondence and other high level materials is required. Experience in developing operating procedures and processes is required. Experience may be substituted for education at the rate of two years of experience for one year of education. 

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees, managers, and senior staff. 

Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistics.  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Computer Skills: In addition to the qualifications listed above, knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel and SharePoint is required. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Requires a current driver's license. NERC certification preferred.  

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: Normally works a weekday schedule, but may be required to work evenings, holidays, or weekends. May be required to travel on short notice. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee generally works in an in-door environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. 

 

EOE/AA/M/F/DISABILITY/VETS