Remote Operations Center (ROC) Operator

Do you want to help create a cleaner power supply? Are you looking to launch your career in the growing renewable energy industry? Do you have high attention to detail and the ability to prioritize effectively during busy periods? Will you work a shift position that gives you a three-day weekend every other weekend?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then read on to learn more about the Remote Operations Center (ROC) at Scout Clean Energy.

What does a Remote Operations Center Operator Do?

ROC Operators are “behind the scenes” employees that are critical to maintaining a safe and reliable electric supply. A team of operators in our Boulder, Colorado, office provides real-time support to Scout’s growing portfolio of operating projects across the country. Operators use the graphical user interfaces on their large display monitors to identify potential barriers to efficient operation of the wind turbines, inverters, PV/BESS, and substation assets.

No two shifts will look the same, but here are a few examples of what you may encounter during a shift as a ROC Operator at Scout:

• Building and maintaining relationships with primary stakeholders and market participants (including power purchasers, scheduling entities, system operators and facility technicians) to optimize performance.
• Informing grid operators about planned and unplanned outages at the plant.
• Coordinating with facility managers as they perform on-site maintenance.
• Monitoring our data acquisition equipment.
• Providing detailed notes about the events of the day in a formal (digital) logbook.
• Providing informal updates to Scout executives as the need arises.
• Compiling or reviewing standard reports that are viewed by senior leaders at Scout or our business partners.

In addition, the ROC Manager will provide each ROC Operator with a set of side work to complete during slower times on shift. These tasks will be tailored to the strengths of each Operator. Some examples may include

• Extracting, and potentially analyzing, data about the facility’s production as compared to the schedule filed with the grid operator.
• Completing ongoing training and certifications, such as NERC, PJM, or CompTIA.
• Assisting to build or refine operational tools.
• Assist with adding newly constructed sites to our data acquisition infrastructure.
• Participate in review and revision of operational procedures.
• Participate in cybersecurity audits of our site networks.
  

What is the vision for success in the ROC?

Scout’s ROC will provide world-class operations monitoring with a safety and regulatory compliance focus, while optimizing asset value and operational efficiency. You will work in a place that encourages you to

• Prioritize Safety and Compliance
• Demonstrate Brilliance in the Basics
• Understand the Why
• Pursue Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
• Support Data-Driven Decision Making
  

Why is the ROC a great place to launch a career in renewable energy?

ROC Operators build their understanding of renewable energy generation from the ground up. Plant operations are the heart and soul of a renewable energy firm’s business and will serve you well throughout your career. In addition to long-term career opportunities within Operations, understanding what is physically happening at the facility is outstanding preparation for roles in asset management, commodity trading, development, site engineering, transmission, manufacturing, and project finance, among others.

Why is shift work appealing to so many people?

Scout’s ROC uses a 2-2-3 shift schedule. You would typically work a combination of days and nights over a two-week period. The big draw?

• Every other weekend is a three-day weekend.
• You leave your work at the office; when your shift ends, you are truly “off duty.”
• Every other week will include some overtime hours (paid at 1.5 times the base hourly rate).
• Increased pay rate for work on company-recognized holidays.
• Paid time off in addition to the standard seven days off every two weeks.
• Ability to increase pay by picking up additional shifts.

Requirements

What kind of experience do I need to be successful as a ROC Operator?

Scout is accepting applications for ROC Operators at all levels.

The successful entry-level candidate’s background will look something like this:

• A demonstrated desire to continuously learn and improve.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work proactively and productively without direct supervision.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Ability to work as part of a shift rotation and team.
• Experience with SCADA or real-time operations in a manufacturing environment is desired but not required.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

More experienced operators may have some of the following qualifications:

• Previous experience in real-time operations roles (in a power, manufacturing, or military setting).
• At least one year of previous work with SCADA systems.
• Currently hold or previously held NERC, PJM, or CompTIA certifications.
• Previously held a leadership role in a power-sector ROC.

What type of training can I expect to receive at Scout?

All of the specialized knowledge you need will be learned on the job – through a combination of formal training, self-study, and learning by doing. At the heart of the Operator training is the why. Not just why the ROC exists, but why the Operator performs each task required during shift. The ROC Manager’s philosophy is that by starting with “why”, and then focusing on picking the right “how” to accomplish a task, Operators are empowered with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to respond to dynamic events on shift. Once the Operator evaluates each situation and understands why and how, they can decide “what” to do. The steps to execute that “what” will be clearly described in standard procedures. This facilitates consistency in operations from one shift to the next and results in a highly professional way to calmly and quickly act in a dynamic environment.

Timeline, Location, and Pay

We have an immediate opening for this role. You can expect to hear back from us within one month of your application and to be considered for any roles that open within 6 months of your application.

It will be expected that the ROC Operator will work from our ROC in Boulder, CO. This is not a remote-work assignment.

Scout’s Values

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.
• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.
• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.
• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.
• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.
• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups

We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Invitation to Veterans

Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Benefits

This position is paid hourly based on actual hours worked.

• The straight-pay rate for an entry-level operator is $30/hour, and the hourly rates for more experienced operators increase in a tiered structure based on experience and qualifications.
• We follow standard pay practices for hourly employees, including 1.5x the base rate for overtime and 2x the base rate for holiday pay.
• Opportunities for advancement within the ROC team exist and are achievable within a year of starting.

Scout offers a full range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance with attractive premiums, 401(k) match, STD, LTD, an Employee Assistance Program, and a range of optional supplemental insurance coverage.