Operations Control Center Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $70,000 - $125,000 Depending Upon Experience and Qualifications

Job Summary

The OCC Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a portfolio of utility-scale solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Using SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems, the operator provides 24/7/365 remote monitoring, performs switching operations, troubleshoots equipment, and manages dispatch instructions to maximize availability and ensure grid compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and control PV and BESS facilities, including inverters, trackers, sensors, and meters, to ensure optimal performance.
• Execute dispatch instructions (curtailment, power factor, MW output) in compliance with Contractual protocols, Balancing Authorities (BAs), and Scheduling Coordinators.
• Manage Battery State of Charge (SOC), respond to grid signals for frequency regulation/voltage support, and monitor thermal health.
• Analyze SCADA alarms, diagnose faults, and perform remote resets to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with field technicians for maintenance, troubleshooting, and safety (Lockout/Tagout - LOTO).
• Ensure compliance with NERC reliability standards (CIP, COM, PER, PRC, TOP).
• Maintain accurate, detailed logs of daily operations, incidents, and performance metrics in the Control Center database.

Required Skills and Experience

• Associate's degree in electrical and/or technical field, or equivalent experience in a power generation control room.
• 2+ years of experience in power system operations, specifically within utility-scale solar, wind, or BESS.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems and HMI interfaces is important. Understanding high-voltage electrical equipment.
• Familiarity with the regional entity and ISO/RTO market rules.
• Strong communication skills (three-part communication), ability to work under high pressure, and strong decision-making abilities.
• Willingness to work a 24/7/365 rotating 12-hour shift that includes nights, weekends, and holidays, with shift changes occurring at Noon and Midnight.
• Willingness to cover open shifts as they appear to support the room. Shift coverage comes in the form of 12 hour rotating shifts (adjustments will be made to support the coverage by the supervisor to promote healthy work life balance).
• The schedule is:
  • WEEK 1: 2 shifts on, 2 days off, 3 shifts on
  • WEEK 2: 2 days off, 2 shifts on, 3 shifts off
  • This two-week cycle repeats continually, unless otherwise announced.
  • Every other weekend off will be the outcome of the schedule at hand.
• Operators will stay on the same shift, with the option to request a shift change once a quarter.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of a work visa.

Preferred Qualifications

Current NERC Certification or ISO/RTO certification/certificate.

Physical, Mental & Emotional Requirements

Employees may be required to sit for long periods of time using a keyboard and monitor display, travel to other locations, lift up to 20lbs, and push/pull up to 50lbs. Must be able to organize and prioritize work in accordance with deadlines, adapt behavior and work methods in response to changing conditions or challenges.

Employees will be involved with sustained activity required for analysis, reasoning, and problem solving. Must be able to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships, recognize emotionally charged issues and respond appropriately, act with professionalism, and work both independently and collaboratively. Must be able to proactively encourage a work environment that embraces innovation and creative solutions and be able to develop effective working relationships with all levels of the company and outside partners.