Associate OCC Operator

About the Role

The Associate OCC Operator (P1) supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of Leeward Renewable Energy’s (LRE) renewable energy fleet from the 24/7 Operations Control Center (OCC). This is an associate-level development role, working under general supervision. The operator is expected to complete assigned OCC training, demonstrate required competencies, and obtain applicable operator certification within established timelines.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor wind, solar, and energy storage facilities using approved systems and tools, and promptly report abnormal or uncertain conditions.
• Support the safe operation of generating facilities within established equipment ratings, facility limits, interconnection requirements, System Operating Limits, and approved operating procedures.
• Receive, document, and carry out operating instructions from authorized internal and external entities under the direction of qualified OCC personnel and approved procedures.
• Communicate plant conditions, outages, curtailments, communication issues, grid events, and emergency conditions to the appropriate personnel.
• Direct and support site personnel and internal support teams during performance issues, service activities, and restoration efforts affecting facility availability or production.
• Maintain accurate and timely operational logs, notifications, status updates, and shift-turnover information.
• Follow applicable NERC, regional, ISO/RTO, company, safety, and cybersecurity requirements under supervision.
• Maintain assigned training and certification requirements by completing internal and external training, competency evaluations, and professional development activities within established timelines.
• Obtain PJM Generation Operator certification within six months of hire.
• Work under general supervision, seek guidance when conditions are unclear or outside assigned authority, and escalate operational issues promptly.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and other computer systems.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• 0-2 years of operational, utility, power plant, renewable energy, control room, military, industrial, or other safety-critical experience.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in engineering, energy, operations, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in utility operations, power generation, a control room, dispatch, military operations, industrial operations, or another safety-critical environment.
• Working knowledge of renewable generation, BESS operations, SCADA/EMS, NERC Reliability Standards, or ISO/RTO operations.
• PJM Generation Operator certification, NERC System Operator certification, or another applicable ISO/RTO certification.

Physical Demands

• Work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule that includes days, nights, weekends, holidays, and occasional overtime.
• Respond to shift coverage needs when called upon.
• Remain seated and work at computer and communication systems for extended periods.
• Occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Travel within the United States as required.
• Perform duties in an office and control-room environment.