As the nation’s first statewide, “transmission only” company, VELCO manages the safe, reliable, cost-effective transmission of electric power throughout Vermont and as a part of the integrated New England regional network.

Why you should join our team

Transmission planning has the potential to affect people’s lives in significant ways. The electric system in Vermont is undergoing a profound transformation, and as planners, we are in the front seat, as we work to design the grid for a renewable energy future.

How you will make an impact

As a trusted partner to the state and all the entities striving to improve environmental sustainability, our role goes beyond traditional engineering. We are a source of electric grid information for Vermonters, energy planners and policy makers.

• Collaborate with Visionaries: Vermont continues to be a leader when it comes to policies put in place to address greenhouse gas concerns. Vermont ranks in the top ten on a per capita basis or as a percentage of electric demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency. We are invited to participate in discussions and studies to figure out how to meet renewable energy requirements.

• Lead in a Dynamic Environment: Planning necessitates negotiations even for fundamental aspects like distribution system data sharing with the Vermont distribution utilities, and study assumptions with ISO-NE. Vermont planners need to understand differences in planning processes, such as Vermont vs. New England, transmission vs. subtransmission.

• Fuel Innovation: We have a long history of finding innovative ways to address reliability concerns, and improve the planning team’s efficiency. We participate in several research activities with the National Labs and University of Vermont to test new technologies and processes. Some examples are to figure out how to use PMUs for wide area monitoring and model verification, how to perform co-simulation, how to use sensors on the distribution system to verify DG model accuracy, how to perform time series studies.

• Impact Beyond the Company: Your contributions will extend beyond VELCO, shaping how we meet renewable energy requirements while minimizing the burden on Vermonters. As we move to a fully renewable grid, our recommendations improve people’s access to reliable power and our ability to explain complex technical concepts can also shape the strategies to reach renewable energy goals while maintaining reliability, safety, and affordability.

The Transmission Planning Manager will:

• Lead, manage, and oversee the Planning team to design the overall transmission system in Vermont.
• Select the best planning solution, and meet current and projected system needs while adhering to state, regional and federal requirements.
• Lead the Planning team in the performance of technical analyses of the transmission system, including related studies, such as evaluating transmission economics in support of the overall power delivery system.
• Represent the company in interactions with stakeholders, including state and federal regulatory staff, members of the public, landowners, and distribution utility staff.
• Provide reports to management, as well as the VELCO Board of Directors, on the status of future transmission projections and scenarios.

Transmission Planning Management

Conduct system planning analyses, including developing and analyzing transmission system improvement scenarios to:

• Enhance transfer capability
• Integrate generation, electric demand and storage
• Reduce losses
• Simplify system operation, and
• Improve the reliability, resilience, environmental sustainability and power quality of the Vermont integrated transmission system as an integral part of the New England regional transmission system.
• Manage the technical and budgetary activities of the Planning team.

Department Management

• Responsible for the technical planning and associated studies for the transmission system in VT.
• Coordinate transmission planning activities with ISO-NE’s planning process.
• Plan, evaluate, and improve the efficiency of assigned business processes and procedures to enhance speed, quality, efficiency, safety and output.
• Meet all regulatory requirements in the planning area.
• Establish and maintain relevant controls and feedback systems to effectively monitor team and individual progress.

Staff Management

• Maintain compliance with Vermont long range planning requirements, as well as NERC, NPCC, ISO-NE and VELCO planning standards.
• Technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments.
• Lead the team to meet VELCO’s expectations for productivity, quality, safety and continuous improvement, while operating in accordance with corporate and departmental policies and procedures.
• Strive to create a team culture that is consistent with VELCO’s mission, vision and values.
• Maintain understanding of personnel-related laws and regulations and internal policies and procedures sufficient to minimize compliance risk.
• Participate on project teams in alignment with company core behaviors.
• Strive to create a work group culture that is consistent with VELCO’s mission, vision and values.
• Maintain understanding of personnel-related laws and regulations and internal policies and procedures sufficient to compliantly manage assigned workers.
• Maintain employee work schedules, including assignments, vacations and sick time, and overtime scheduling and authorization. Ensure timecards are completed accurately, in a timely manner and in compliance with internal rules and wage and hour laws.
• As vacancies occur work with leadership and Human Resources to recruit, interview, select, hire, and onboard new employees.
• Coach, mentor and develop staff including identifying training/educational and career development opportunities.
• Provide effective performance feedback through the performance review process and other formal and informal mechanisms, including goal setting, feedback, and performance development. When performance issues arise, take appropriate disciplinary action, under the direction of leadership and Human Resources.
• Provide input on salary decisions in alignment with VELCO’s salary administration procedures.

Who you are

A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related engineering field is required. A Master’s Degree in Engineering or Certificate in Power System Management is highly recommended. Minimum 5 years of prior, relevant experience as a Senior Transmission Planning Engineer. Prior experience in personnel management and budgeting is expected.

Knowledge/Skills

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Critical thinking and complex problem-solving skills as they related to electrical system planning modeling are required. Efficient programming skills in C variants, Python, Visual Basic, etc., are preferred.
• Excellent skills with Microsoft suite. Computer aptitude is expected.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electrical system planning tools, specifically PowerWorld, PSLF, or PSS/E power flow and transient stability is preferred.
• Strong understanding of project management practices as well as utility infrastructure projects.
• Strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills.
• Ability to scope, plan, and review transmission projects, with proven ability to assess, develop, and communicate model requirements is essential.
• Experience in personnel supervision or management.

Important Considerations

VELCO's headquarters are located in Rutland, Vermont. This is a hybrid position and the expectation is that the incumbent will spend at least two days per week onsite and more as needed.

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Must be able to respond to off-duty calls, particularly in the event of system emergencies, prolonged equipment and/or customer outages.

Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Starting pay will be determined at the time of offer based on the experience, education, and training of the successful candidate.

Eligible applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

VELCO is handling all aspects of talent acquisition internally and will not engage the services of third-party staffing agencies, recruiters, or headhunters. We kindly request that these entities refrain from contacting us.

Any offer of employment will be contingent upon successful reference check, background check (including social media check), physical examination, drug screening.

If you need an accommodation as part of the application or interview process please send a request to careers@velco

About VELCO (Vermont Electric Power Company)

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