Project Lead - NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance

Job Description

Job Description

GDS Associates, Inc. is seeking a highly motivated Project Lead - NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance to support our Rates & Regulatory group with a strong focus on NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) Compliance. This fully remote role is ideal for candidates with hands-on experience in NERC Compliance, electric utility operations, and regulated environments.

The NERC O&P Project Lead plans and coordinates subtasks on GDS projects that support client NERC Operations & Planning compliance programs. The position helps clients meet applicable NERC Reliability Standards, FERC requirements, Regional Entity requirements, and ISO/RTO requirements.

Working as directed by senior staff, the role collaborates with project team members and client stakeholders to develop compliance processes, procedures, controls, monitoring activities, and evidence. The position delivers complete and accurate subtasks and portions of project deliverables and develops draft reports and presentations for clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support client NERC O&P compliance programs, including policies, procedures, processes, and internal controls.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable NERC, FERC, Regional Entity, and ISO/RTO requirements.
• Monitor new and revised NERC Standards and help evaluate operational and compliance impacts.
• Coordinate compliance monitoring, self-certifications, data submissions, evidence collection, and audit preparation.
• Conduct internal assessments, spot checks, gap analyses, and compliance investigations for clients.
• Support potential non-compliance investigations, self-reports, corrective actions, and mitigation plans.
• Support the development, maintenance, and organization of client compliance evidence and documentation.
• Coordinate responses to NERC, Regional Entity, ISO/RTO, FERC, and audit information requests.
• Maintain clients’ annual compliance schedules and help ensure regulatory deadlines are met.
• Assist senior staff in providing NERC compliance guidance and training to clients.
• Support implementation of regulatory changes for assigned NERC Standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve compliance processes, controls, documentation, and audit readiness within each client’s existing structure.
• Participate in Regional Entity workshops, committees, and industry working groups.
• Plan and coordinate assigned project subtasks and deliver complete and accurate work products to the project supervisor.
• Develop draft client communications, including reports and presentations, for review by senior staff.

 
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Technology, Environmental Science, Energy Management, or a related discipline; equivalent industry experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 4 years of direct NERC O&P compliance experience.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with compliance monitoring, audits, evidence, self-certifications, procedures, internal controls, or corrective actions.
• Project team collaboration. Manage timely delivery of tasks assigned to a project team.
• Working knowledge of NERC O&P Standards and their application to generation and/or transmission assets.
• Understanding of ISO/RTO requirements and electric industry operations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and translate them into practical operational processes.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across technical and business functions.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deliverables, and regulatory deadlines.
• Physical ability to perform reading and work on a computer during working hours.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite
• 25-50% travel to Client sites and industry meetings
• Must pass a background check before employment and again at least once every 7 years

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual’s combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The typical salary range for this position is just one component of the firm’s total compensation package.

 
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