The System Protection and Controls Director provides effective utilization of Human Performance Improvement (HPI) tools while keeping safety as the primary objective. The director provides leadership and vision for system protection. The director is responsible for the development and implementation of protective relaying standards, practices and settings in the electric generation facilities to allow operation of the BHE Renewables fleet in a safe and reliable manner. The director may work with and oversee consultants and compliance partners to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the fleet. The director participates in the design and analysis of protection and control schemes for equipment and devices and provides technical assistance to other departments, particularly in the area of power system grounding, surge protection and analysis of system events. The director represents the company at public hearings, regulatory proceedings and other public meetings required for energy generating facilities. The director provides technical consultative services to other groups within BHE Renewables and ensures safety, environmental and regulatory compliance of the department. The director also recommends and implements policies affecting the BHE Renewables generation fleet.
Provide overall leadership and vision for BHE Renewables system protection and control, setting goals and objectives to meet customer needs. Foster learning and collaborative environment within the substation operations.
Manage and direct the efficient design of BHER's system protection system.
Work with consultants or compliance partners performing highly technical work on BHER's system protection facilities including providing effective relay settings and reducing system mis-operations.
Foster a cooperative environment with other departments that are directly involved with system protection projects to help effectively achieve project and system reliability objectives.
Assure compliance with California Independent System Operator (CAISO), Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), Midwest Independent System Operator (MISO), Midwest Reliability Organization (MRO), North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), Northeast Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), PJM Interconnection LLC (PJM), Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), Reliability First (RF), SouthEastern Reliability Corporation (SERC), Southwest Power Pool (SPP), Texas Reliability Entity (TexasRE), Western Area Power Authority (WAPA), Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) standards.
Investigate system malfunctions, relay mis-operations and protective device mis-coordinations.
Recommend and implement corrective action.
Review technical documents such as contracts, specifications, drawings and regulatory requirements.
Direct the development and maintenance of protective relaying standards and practices.
Promote process improvement through cost reduction efforts, better software tools, innovative designs, improved technology and quality assurance.
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering with professional engineer's license. (Typically six years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)
Advanced degree is preferred.
Eight years of successful leadership experience in a technical role.
Extensive knowledge of protective relaying principles, standards and practices.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Effective understanding of utility and engineering economics.
Prior experience developing and implementing standards, practices and policies. Demonstrated ability to prepare and review contracts, specifications and drawings.
Demonstrated knowledge of safety, environmental and regulatory requirements.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Strong leadership and organizational skills.
Prior experience presenting at public hearings, regulatory proceedings and other public meetings affecting BHER’s generation fleet. Project management skills; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.
Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals – preparation, planning and attention to detail – holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.
BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.
