CIP Advisor, Registration

The electric grid is vital to our everyday lives. It is fundamental for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and provides the platform for our economy and our societal and technological advances. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid (also known as the bulk power system), not only for today but also for the future.

To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines in order to address the complex, evolving, and dynamic challenges facing the grid. Our team also partners with the best and brightest individuals from both the power industry and the federal government to understand and address the challenges facing the grid. These key partnerships make our work more informed, pragmatic, responsive, and impactful.

The CIP Advisor, Registration and Certification is responsible for ensuring that all applicable users, owners and operators of the bulk-power system (BPS) within the SERC region are properly registered and certified, as necessary, with NERC in accordance with the NERC Rules of Procedure. The CIP Advisor, Registration and Certification is also responsible for developing and maintaining procedures and systems to (i) identify all elements of the bulk-power system within the SERC region and the responsible entity for each such element for inclusion on the Compliance Registry, (ii) evaluate and support SERC position on periodic changes to the Compliance Registry, (iii) interface with related systems (e.g., SERC and NERC programs and systems), (iv) comprehensively document organization registration actions and determinations; and (v) map the relevant relationships among registered entities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs data collection and mapping of BPS Facilities and those Facilities that have a material impact on the BPS within the defined SERC reliability Region boundaries.
• Clearly identify those entities that are responsible for compliance with the FERC approved Reliability Standards and assure that the SERC Regional Entity Footprint is being served by Registered Entities.
• Certify new entities applying to be an RC, BA, or TOP or existing entities already performing those functions but having certain changes in their operations, by assuring they have the tools, processes, training, and procedures to demonstrate their ability to meet the Requirements of all of the Reliability Standards applicable to their function(s).

• Participate as a team member and/or a subject matter expert on operational entity certifications and certification reviews conducted by NERC and/or regional entities.

• Participate as a team member on CIP compliance audits of registered entities as necessary.
• Develop procedures and processes to address unique registration activities and enhance consistent practices across regional entity organization registration and certification programs.
• Actively participate in interregional working groups associated with registration and certification.
• Provide guidance to improve NERC and regional entity registration and certification processes and procedures, including the Rules of Procedure.
• Communicate with regulatory and electric industry trade associations as applicable.
• Develop and maintain a database of the functional relationships between the registered entities within the SERC region and associated responsible entities.
• Coordinate Joint Registration Organization (JRO) and Coordinated Functional Registration (CFR) activities.
• Review records and record-keeping practices of regional entity organization registration and certification programs/procedures.
• All other assignments that further the mission and vison of SERC Reliability Corporation.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent experience, with specialization in cyber and physical security systems and practices.
• 5 years of ERO Registration & Certification or equivalent experience with familiarity in the policies, procedures and processes.
• Understanding of electric system technical issues and operations as they relate to the application of NERC CIP reliability standards.
• Development of program processes and procedure design, development, and implementation skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Effective communication skills (face-to-face, telephone, written and email, and presentation skills).
• Computer skills, proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of bulk electric system and cyber security infrastructure.
• Ability to creatively analyze and solve complex problems with demonstrated experience creating analytic reports.
• Strong project management skills.
• Understanding of NERC CIP reliability standards and terms.
• Demonstrated excellent problem solving and conflict management skills.
• Demonstrated independent planning skills.

COMMITMENT TO CULTURE:

SERC is dedicated to being a highly desirable place to work through culture and purpose. We place a strategic focus on critical elements such as Diversity & Inclusion, Innovation & Collaboration, and Organizational Development & Talent Management. Through this strategic focus, SERC has identified its four Cultural Attributes that we believe keeps us on the path of continuous improvement.

CULTURAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Leader - Is trustworthy, principled, and respectful and strive to create value that reduces risk. Has a positive vision and is actively building support to execute it. A leader takes personal accountability for the outcomes of their choices and actions, acts with professionalism and adapts to change in a calm and positive manner. A leader will, when appropriate, ask questions and recommend alternative solutions to new processes or procedures.
• Collaborative - Partner and engage, both internally and externally, to drive meaningful action by leveraging skills, knowledge and tools. This would include effective written and verbal communication to ensure ideas and messages are clearly and concisely conveyed, being responsive to all stakeholders, understanding goals and objectives while exceeding key metrics and targets. Encourages dialog and candor while making it safe for others to voice their opinion to ensure all alternative viewpoints are heard, they are an active listener.
• Expert - Being credible, objective, disciplined, and sought after to help with continuous learning, improvements, and innovations. Exhibit knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Take initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employ good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.
• Purposeful - Proactively demonstrate initiative, intentionality and resourcefulness to help anticipate and navigate current and future challenges. Committed to the quality of work and ensures work is delivered at appropriate deadlines while seeking operational efficiencies. Initiate appropriate follow-up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treat others with compassion and empathy and embrace the organization's mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.

If the traits and characteristics listed in our Cultural Attributes resonate with you, we encourage you to apply

SALARY/BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is DOE. We offer a generous PTO package; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Hybrid work environment; 50/50 Split in-office and remote work (weekly common day = Tuesday); ability to travel as needed.

SERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer