Associate OCC Operator

LRE (Leeward Renewable Energy) is forging an American energy future with integrity, innovation, and positive impact. Born in Texas in 2003, we own and operate over 30 utility-scale wind, solar, and energy storage projects in local communities across the United States, totaling 4 gigawatts (GW) of generating capacity.

LRE continues to help meet increased U.S. energy demand through our robust pipeline of new projects every year. Domestic jobs and manufacturing are fundamental to our full-lifecycle approach to projects, along with a long-term ownership model and a company culture dedicated to our community partners and protecting the natural environment.

Job Summary

The Associate OCC Operator (P1) supports the safe, reliable, and compliant operation of LRE's renewable energy fleet from the 24/7 Operations Control Center. Working under general supervision and within approved procedures and operating authority, this role monitors plant and grid conditions, executes operating instructions, coordinates with internal and external entities, documents operational events, and supports response to normal, abnormal, and emergency conditions while complying with applicable NERC reliability standards, ISO/RTO rules and protocols, and interconnection requirements.

This is an associate-level development role. The operator is expected to complete assigned OCC training, demonstrate required competencies, and obtain applicable operator certification within established timelines.

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.

Required 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.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and other computer systems
• Authorization to work in the United States and ability to satisfy applicable background, access, and compliance requirements.

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 to maintain continuous OCC coverage.
• Respond to shift coverage needs when called upon, as required to maintain continuous OCC coverage.
• Remain seated and work at computer and communication systems for extended periods while maintaining continuous situational awareness.
• Occasionally lift and move items weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Travel within the United States as required for training, meetings, or operational support.
• Perform duties in an office and control-room environment with multiple monitors, alarms, phones, and concurrent operational activity.

Applicants must have current authorization to work for any employer in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for an employment visa now or in the future. Employer visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting vendors or employment agencies. Only recruiting vendors with a current, signed agreement in place with LRE are authorized to submit resumes for specific, requested positions. All unsolicited resumes and candidate profiles submitted to LRE, or any LRE employee, without an active agreement or written request from LRE's HR Department, will be considered property of LRE. LRE will not be responsible for any fees or expenses associated with unsolicited resumes or candidates submitted in this manner.