Weatherization Inspector

At ERCOT, our diverse and dynamic work environment provides a platform on which employees can work together to build the future of the Texas power grid and wholesale market utilizing the latest technologies and resources.  We encourage you to join our talented, dedicated workforce to develop world-class solutions for today and tomorrow’s energy challenges while learning new skills and growing your career.

ERCOT is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of our company. It is the cornerstone of our corporate values of accountability, leadership, innovation, trust, and expertise. We accept and celebrate those that join us and recognize that individuals with a wide variety of talents, ideas, and experiences propel the innovation that drives our success. A diverse and inclusive workforce strengthens us and allows for a collaborative environment to solve the challenges that face our industry today and in the future.
 

Weatherization Inspector ensures ERCOT meets its obligations in accordance with regulatory requirements to perform generation and transmission weatherization and maintenance compliance inspections/audits for Texas power plants and transmission facilities in compliance with the requirements of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and ERCOT Nodal Protocols.  These evolving requirements are intended to ensure continuing reliable operations of the electric power grid under extreme cold and hot weather conditions.  Performs on-site and remote inspections of generating stations and transmission facilities.   Monitors and determines whether weather emergency preparedness reliability standards are met.  Work involves inspecting, providing inspection reports, identifying areas of potential non-compliance, requesting mitigation and corrective action, and verifying remedial work has been completed.  This position requires the Weatherization Inspector to work independently, interact professionally with internal and external personnel of various position levels from individual contributors to senior management, meet deadlines, and work well within a team environment.

JOB DUTIES

Level 2 & 3

• Communicates with generator and transmission owners
• Responsible for coordinating, performing, and detailed reporting on inspection/audit activities within assigned ERCOT Weather Zones
• Conducts site visits for generation and transmission compliance inspections/audits which includes physical inspection of equipment, and verification of compliance for weatherization and maintenance with work orders, preventative maintenance records and checklists
• Maintains regular communication with the weatherization team providing relevant information and line of sight on work activities to ensure compliance with all applicable requirements
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills, and attention to detail to communicate and collaborate with diverse groups in a tactful and diplomatic manner
• Builds strong professional relationships both internally and externally
• Promotes a safe working environment
• Understands applicable standards
• Performs all work according to applicable rules and regulations including regulatory and safety requirements as well as organizational policies and procedures
• Becomes Certified under ERCOT’s Weatherization Inspector Training Program and completes annual continuing training requirements.
• Maintains a thorough understanding of applicable standards and guiding principles for inspection strategies
• Develops and maintains a good understanding of the ERCOT competitive energy markets
• Suggest solutions to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timeline of inspection activities
• Collaborates to help create the timeline for mitigation, corrective action, and re-inspection
• May provide on the job training or help oversee the work of others
• May participate in RFP’s and vendor management and/or consultant services
• Other duties as assigned

Senior Level - Above plus

• Develops detailed solutions and improvements to procedures to improve accuracy, efficiency, and timelines of inspection activities
• Assists in the scheduling of multiple site inspections across Texas
• Continuously improves working knowledge of the market, power systems, and various types of technologies used by Market Participants within the ERCOT market
• Serves as the departmental representative on cross-functional teams, proactively providing technical, business, and policy guidance
• Leads the work of projects and internal audits as assigned by management
• Acts as mentor and advisor to less experienced inspectors
• May represent ERCOT at stakeholder forums, on committees, and/or in working groups
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Required)
• or a combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge to a major in such fields is required which can include experience in power generation and transmission facilities

CERTIFICATION

• ERCOT Weatherization Inspector Certification is required to be passed within the first year of hire and must complete annual continuing training requirements.
• CBAB Certified Business Analysis Professional (Preferred)
• PE Professional Engineer (Preferred)
• PMP Project Management Professional (Preferred)

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Level 1 – No experience required in excess of degree requirements
• Level 2 – Requires a minimum of 1-year related work experience in the electric utility industry in excess of degree requirements
• Level 3 - Requires minimum 3 years job related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• Senior – Requires a minimum of 5 years related work experience in excess of degree requirements
• All Levels - Work experience in project management, construction, or the electric utility industry in excess of degree requirements

Salary and level will be based on overall experience as determined by ERCOT.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Related work experience in thermal power plant maintenance or operations (some ERCOT region experience preferred)
• Familiarity with power plant weatherization in thermal and intermittent (all technologies preferred)
• Familiarity with inverter-based resource operations, limitations, and equipment
• Familiarity with transmission operation and equipment
• Tech savvy with good working knowledge of MS Office Suite
• Service Now Software Experience
• Database Experience
• Vendor and Project Management experience

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Travel required.  May travel up to 75% for multiple days at a time.
• Ability to walk, climb stairs and ladders, stand for prolonged periods of time, and access power plant, transmission facilities, and load resource facilities while wearing appropriate PPE
• Ability to gain clearance for escorted and/or unescorted access for plant visits and inspections as needed
• Hold and maintain a valid Texas Driver’s License, have an acceptable driving record, and a reliable personal vehicle
• Must have dependable access to the internet

INSPECTION LOCATION

• Be located in or willing to relocate to South-  McAllen/Edinburg/Harlingen/Brownsville/Corpus Christi- Inspections will take place at various power generation resource and transmission facilities owned by market participants, located within designated area. For more information refer to the maps.
• May be required to be on-site at the Taylor or Austin facilities at least once a month, or more based on the business needs and as determined by the Manager.

The foregoing description reflects the minimum qualifications and the essential functions of the position that must be performed proficiently with or without reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities.  It is not an exhaustive list of the duties expected to be performed, and management may, at its discretion, revise or require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.  This job description is not intended to create a contract of employment with ERCOT.  Both ERCOT and the employee may exercise their employment-at-will rights at any time. #LI-Remote, #LI-MH1

ERCOT is firmly committed to equal employment for all qualified persons without regard to race, sex, medical condition, religion, age, creed, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ancestry, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected category under federal, state or local law.

Expected Salary Range: