Standards Developer

Our Company

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system (BPS) through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and provincial authorities in Canada. NERC’s jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the BPS, which serves nearly 400 million people.

Our Mission

The vision for the ERO Enterprise, which is comprised of NERC and the six Regional Entities, is a highly reliable and secure North American BPS. Our mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid.

Your Impact

The Standards Developer manages projects to develop quality Reliability Standards that effectively mitigate risks to the BPS. The Standards Developer works closely with subject matter experts, NERC staff, and federal regulators to ensure that Reliability Standards are technically correct, clear, and measurable. The Standards Developer is responsible for adhering to the NERC Rules of Procedure to satisfy requirements of due process, openness, assuring reasonable notice and opportunity for public comment, and the balance of interests. This position reports to the Manager of Standards Development.

Your Role

Primary Responsibilities

• As the lead or co-developer on a project, develop high-quality Reliability Standards, implementation plans, technical rationales, and supplemental documentation for projects that are clear, measurable, and effectively mitigate specific risks to the BPS.
• Execute and proactively manage project schedules to ensure timely delivery of project objectives, effectively identify and mitigate risks, and management change in scope, priorities, and timelines throughout the project lifecycle.
• Prepare and facilitate project meetings by developing agendas, materials, and meeting records. Comfort and proficiency with live document editing and presenting information during public meetings are essential.
• Coordinate with standards development staff, other NERC departments, Regional Entities, and industry stakeholders to facilitate the successful development and implementation of Reliability Standards.
• Assist NERC legal in developing draft pleadings related to NERC activities.
• Understand and effectively communicate complex technical concepts related to the BPS and electric grid reliability. Present and explain proposed Reliability Standards, technical requirements, and project outcomes to industry stakeholders through workshops, webinars, and other public forums with varying audiences understanding levels.
• Deliver tailored reporting on project status, risks, and achievement of key milestones to different levels of NERC management, the committees, and different industry stakeholders.
• Develop clear written background documents in alignment with the Standards Processes Manual.
• Ensure that development work is conducted in adherence with NERC Rules of Procedure.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned, such as, but are not limited to committee or subcommittee assignments.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have at a minimum:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in the electric power industry drafting policy, regulation, legislation, or other guidance material.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to manage and communicate priorities in order to meet milestones and deadlines.
• Competence in interpersonal communications with the ability to interact with people from different backgrounds and experience in the electric utility and energy policy industry.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office tools, such as Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Strong familiarity with Webex.

Preferred candidates will also have:

1. Experience in several of the following fields:
   
   
   • Ability and willingness to travel four times a year
   • Project management
   • Requirements gathering
   • Facilitation of meetings
   • Development of legal documents
   • Technical writing
   • Public speaking
   • The ability to think “outside the box” by making recommendations for improvements to processes and tools.
   • Collaborate with co-developers, analysts, information specialists, and other internal NERC staff on all day-to-day tasks.
   • An anticipatory mindset demonstrated by preventing problems and building contingencies where appropriate.
   • Effective consensus building skills to ensure alignment, trusted relationships, and active engagement with industry.
   • The ability to prioritize corporate and strategic readiness while balancing quality products in an agile framework.
   • A desire to contribute to a culture of personal growth, innovation, collaboration, and shared successes.
   • Willingness to serve as a champion to independently assure a positive, professional, and productive environment for drafting teams.
   • Enthusiasm to actively seek out and value diverse perspectives.

The following attributes are desirable but are not required for consideration:

• Familiarity with the application of NERC Reliability Standards.
• Working knowledge of NERC’s standards development process.
• One or more certifications from the Project Management Institute.
• A Senior Developer position may be considered based on qualifications.

Other

• A background check will be conducted prior to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• This position has been classified as exempt.
• The position may be based remotely but must be able to travel to NERC offices if needed. Reimbursement of travel expenses will be in accordance with the company’s travel and expense reimbursement policies.
• Travel is necessary several times a year.

Our Culture Declarations

• Everyone at NERC is a leader.
• We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments.
• We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.
• We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.
• We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks.
• We build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC.
• We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors:

• We reward high-quality, creative, and innovative work.
• We attract, engage, and retain top talent.
• We value and respect diverse perspectives.
• We provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment.
• We form strong relationships within the company and with the ERO Enterprise.
• We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge, and opportunities for growth and development.
• We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset by preventing problems and building contingencies where appropriate.
• We champion diversity and inclusion by seeking out and valuing diverse perspectives.

Originally posted on Himalayas