Renewable Asset Operator

Job Summary

Monitors and operates renewable assets and associated equipment from the Operations Control Center. Mitigates equipment downtime and production losses through responsive, timely actions to maximize renewable assets performance. Uses Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) computer systems to maintain safe, efficient, and continuous operation of renewable assets. Maintains daily logs of system events, provides immediate verbal notifications of unusual activities to the appropriate personnel, and prepares daily reports as needed.

Assists the Senior Controller by overseeing wind farm site output of each site. Under limited supervision, coordinates load levels of renewable generation to maintain system integrity. Grants renewable assets capacity outages as directed by senior management and Midwest Independent Transmission System Operator, Inc. (MISO) approval.

Span of control: 0; this is an individual contributor job.

• Maintains safe, reliable, and efficient operation by quickly responding to changing conditions to maximize availability and generation by operating facilities within all applicable permits, electrical system procedures, and company objectives
• Visually monitors and reads parameters, data points, and sensor outputs at specified intervals to verify operating conditions and detect faults and malfunctions
• Monitors data, including weather conditions (e.g., wind speed, direction, turbulence, irradiance, storms), equipment temperatures, voltage, current, power, and volt-ampere reactive (VARs)
• Maintains detailed knowledge of generating units operating characteristics to utilize units to their fullest potential
• Uses Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) or Enterprise SCADA OEM to adjust plant control set points, such as active and reactive power of the company’s renewable assets
• Utilizes excel spreadsheets and Plant Information (PI) system to perform real time analysis evaluations and help maximize unit profitability and performance
• Maintains effective communication with wind farm sites, Independent System Operator/ Regional Transmission Organization (ISO/RTO), and OEM Operation and Maintenance (O&M) providers
• Responds and executes orders under the direction of the Senior Controller from the ISO/MISO around system reliability
• Coordinates or troubleshoots all events to ensure performance of duties in the event of loss of telemetering, computed data, network communications, etc.
• Aids in execution of emergency plans, including energy emergencies, system restoration, and business continuity plans for loss of control center functionality
• Reads logs and requests system shutdowns, procedures or other information to remain current and informed of normal and abnormal situations
• Maintains accurate records using logging software for unit commitment, dispatch activities, and generating unit operation
• Responsible for unit capability reporting management of renewable generating assets in company’s portfolio
• Implements procedures to improve operations, minimize Power Supply Cost Recovery (PSCR) costs, and maintain compliance with regulatory agencies, including the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)
• Performs various administrative duties in compliance with regulations

This is a dual-track base requirement job; education and experience requirements can be satisfied through one of the following two options:

• High school diploma or equivalent and 3 years of wind industry or related experience
• Associate’s degree or technical school certificate in engineering, business, or related field and 1 year of wind industry or related experience

• Experience with operation and control of renewable assets or power plants
• Experience working with SCADA controls

• Ability to work varying shifts as assigned
• Ability to distinguish color differences on computer displays
• Verbal, written, and presentation skills, including ability to communicate clearly with credibility and confidence
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, issues, or projects, including…