Virtual Power Plant Desk Specialist

At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.

Job Function Summary

Responsible for operating the Virtual Power Plant (VPP) safely, reliably, and efficiently. Monitors Distributed Energy Resource (DER) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Plant parameters and acts immediately in response to abnormal and emergency conditions.  Manages set-up, and monitors VPP use case resource allocations and dispatch schedules. Operates the VPP to meet System Operation and Power Operation needs through team coordination with internal, external and customer stakeholders. Reliably administers PGE's Virtual Power Plant operations to maximum resource availability.

We're hiring for four positions that are open to both Staff and Senior level candidates. The level will be determined based on the successful applicant's qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skills during the interview process.

These positions will be 12 hour shifts and two will be designated night shift and two will be designated day shift positions.

Key Job Information

Staff Virtual Power Plant Desk Specialist  7318

Grade 7

Career Level: P3

Career Requires in-depth knowledge and experience

Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services

Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions

Works independently; receives minimal guidance

Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience

Senior Virtual Power Plant Desk Specialist  7319

Grade 8

Career Level: P4

Specialist Requires specialized depth and/or breadth of expertise

Interprets internal or external business issues and recommends best practices

Solves complex problems; takes a broad perspective to identify innovative solutions

Works independently, with guidance in only the most complex situations

May lead functional teams or projects

Key Responsibilities

Virtual Power Plant Operations Operates PGE’s VPP safely, reliably, and efficiently.  Sets up resources for Dispatches and monitor dispatches. Monitor and update daily resource availability and allocate resources according to Power Ops, Balancing Authority and programs plans. Coordinate with operations teams to Maximize Plant availability.

Virtual Power Plant Monitoring Monitors DER and BESS Plant parameters acts immediately in response to abnormal and emergency conditions; maintains daily records and logs of system conditions and status.

Outage/Emergency Response Responds to unplanned outages and system emergencies; identifies actions needed to promptly restore service and alleviate emergency conditions. Coordinates investigative and corrective actions internal and external personnel.

Internal/External Coordination

Exercises authority to direct other PGE personnel, and external personnel to take the proper actions for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the VPP and its resources; notifies appropriate internal and external parties of abnormal and emergency conditions according to current company policies and procedures. Coordinates with the System Operators and Balancing Authority Operators to restore the VPP capacity following a major system disturbance, islanding, or blackout event.  Also works with Power Ops real-time desk on normal operations and unplanned outages. 

Examples include:

• Monitor DER resources and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) , and act as a first response to system alarms.

• Monitor VPP Resource available capacity and device communications capability (min/max/availability/ramp rate) and coordinate real-time and planned outage management.

• Enter and Monitor dispatches in the VPP or other integrated systems

• Monitor data feeds and communication linkages between the VPP Platform and other systems (e.g. PI, EMS, ADMS, and other Edge Derms providers)

• Monitor and update daily resource availability and allocate resources according to Power Ops and Balancing Authority plans

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Certifications

Education Requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, information systems or other related field or equivalent experience.

Staff Virtual Power Plant Desk Specialist  7318

Experience Typically 5 or more years in monitoring or dispatching DER's or a related field.

Senior Virtual Power Plant Desk Specialist  7319

Experience Typically eight or fewer years in monitoring or dispatching DER's or a related field.

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

Functional Competencies

Intermediate to Advanced familiarity with operating controls for distributed energy systems through automated platforms

Intermediate to advanced knowledge of PGE’s electrical distribution system

Intermediate to Advanced knowledge of electrical fundamentals (volts, amps, kilowatts, kilowatt-hours)

General Competencies

Intermediate to Advanced analytical thinking skills.

Intermediate-Advanced decision-making skills.

Excellent interpersonal skills

Intermediate to Advanced organization and prioritization skills.

Excellent internal and customer-facing written and oral communication skills.

Physical and Cognitive Demands

Cognitive Level

Substantial: Consistent use of logic or scientific thinking to define problems, collect information, establish facts and draw valid conclusions (for example, engineer, HR director, plant manager, etc.).

Cognitive

Ability to adhere to set response times, deadlines and time-sensitive tasks

Ability to follow accuracy standards

Ability to follow through on decision-making tasks

Ability to interact effectively and collaboratively within a team environment

Ability to communicate and problem solve when under stress

Ability to respond and adapt to frequent change

Ability to accept and demonstrate self-awareness when provided constructive feedback

Ability to discern feedback and acknowledge ownership of areas of improvement

Ability to avoid future mistakes by applying reasonable skills to new but similar work situations or tasks

Ability to successfully collaborate with peers, managers and others within the organization

Demonstrates sound memory

Ability to process new information to be applied consistently to work tasks

Schedule/Attendance

Ability to adhere to pre-established schedule, including start/stop time and break/lunch schedule [typically for nonexempt positions, although some exempt positions may have an established start/stop time]

Ability to work long hours

Ability to work a variable schedule

Ability to report to work and perform work during periods of severe inclement weather

Ability to consistently meet attendance standards for regular, reliable, predictable, full-time attendance

Ability to work shift schedule

Ability to work on-call schedule

Physical Capabilities

• Requires a valid driver's license

• Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)

• Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)

• Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 10 lb

• Carrying: Up to 10 lb

• Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats) (check all that apply): ◦

  • Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)

  • Stairs (over 10 steps)

Environment - Indoor/Outdoor

• Office

Compensation Range:

Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity. While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.

Join us today and power your potential!

Assisting with storms or other Company emergencies is a part of all positions at Portland General Electric.

PGE is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. PGE will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

PGE does not discriminate on the basis of disability. We recognize individuals have a variety of abilities to offer and we believe there is much to value and celebrate by incorporating different abilities into the work we do. One very important way we live this out is in our application and interview process. We work hard to support individuals who may need an accommodation to fully participate in these processes. If you feel you may need an accommodation, or would like to request one, please notify the Talent Acquisition Specialist (Recruiter) associated with the job posting. You may also make this request by contacting talentacquisition@pgn.com or by calling 503-464-7250. The Recruiter will provide information and next steps for the accommodation process.  Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) team is also available for support.  You can contact them at dei@pgn.com.

To be considered for this position, please complete the following employment application by the posting close date.  Posting closes at midnight (Pacific Time) on the closing date below. If no date is listed, job is open until filled.