Compliance Specialist, Operations & Planning

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta’s interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta’s competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.

Job Description

If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday.

We are looking for an experienced Compliance Specialist, Operations & Planning (O&P) or Senior Compliance Specialist, O&P to add value to the Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS) compliance team in the efficient and effective execution of compliance monitoring activities. The successful candidate will have technical knowledge and expertise of power systems, and a solid understanding of regulatory and audit practices, as well as an in-depth familiarity with all ARS. 

In this position, you will lead and support compliance monitoring activities of market participants and act as a technical and compliance resource to all internal and external stakeholders. 
 

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.

You will enjoy working with us if:

• You value flexibility to support life and personal needs. We offer a flexible work practice where some weeks may require more onsite presence during key business or operations events.

• You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals, and work and learn in a diverse atmosphere - our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

• You thrive in a dynamic environment and seek opportunities for transformative change. 

• You embrace change, pivot, and adapt with ease.

• You are capable of articulating findings and recommendations, delivering clear verbal and written communications.

• You build sound working relationships with others and provide effective guidance and training to personnel and the industry.

• You thrive in an environment where there can be limited direction, where you can work independently or within a team at a professional level of responsibility.

• You enjoy prioritizing and managing multiple projects concurrently, with conscientious attention to detail, ensuring defined timelines are met.

• You have extensive skills in collecting and analyzing complex data, evaluating information and systems, and drawing logical conclusions.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

Perform compliance monitoring activities defined by the Alberta Risk-Based Compliance Monitoring Program (ARCMP)

• Lead, plan, organize, and conduct ARS compliance monitoring activities (e.g., audits, self-certification) in accordance with the ARCMP, including conducting interviews and onsite audit engagements.

• Complete audits and other monitoring activities on schedule.

• Assess processes, procedures, and evidence to determine if it demonstrates compliance with ARS and deliver defensible results that support compliance monitoring outcomes.

• Prepare written audit reports of findings.

• Collaborate and communicate effectively with external stakeholders.

• Effectively communicate complex technical and compliance concepts to various audiences (e.g., technical, non-technical, and executive level). 

• Participate in the ARS registration and applicability assessment processes.

• Assist with special assignments pertaining to the AESO’s mandate and functions, including data and technology enhancement initiatives.

ARCMP and ARS Development

• Contribute to the development and continual improvement of processes, procedures, templates, supporting documents, etc. related to the ARCMP.

• Lead or support the implementation of the ARCMP and related processes.

• Create and lead and/or conduct training for internal and external stakeholders related to the ARCMP and compliance monitoring concepts.

• Follow the NERC reliability standard development process and NERC/WECC compliance and enforcement programs to identify and propose changes or solutions related to the compliance monitoring strategy and processes.

• Provide audit and risk assessment expertise and guidance to internal and external stakeholders during the implementation and continual improvement of the ARCMP.

• Participate in the ARS development process to influence the ARS development process and establish the compliance monitoring approach.

• Lead and/or participate in the Reliability Standard Audit Worksheet (RSAW) development.

Provide technical expertise

• Act as an O&P/ARS subject matter expert and technical resource in addressing questions or clarifications for both internal and external stakeholders.

• Contribute technical expertise to cross-functional multi-disciplinary teams in the AESO’s Request for Information/Authoritative Document Question and Waivers and Variances processes and respond to external stakeholder submissions.

What you’ll bring to us:

• NERC system operator certification (current or former) is an asset.

• Minimum of 10 years power systems experience, ideally in a real-time operations or related compliance role.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited college or university and Professional Engineer Accreditation (P.Eng.) is an asset.

• Risk management and/or auditing designations are an asset (e.g., Certified Internal Auditor).

• Strong experience in regulatory compliance or internal/external audit roles.

• Excellent relationship management skills.

• Demonstrated ability to deliver effective verbal and written communications.

• Proven ability to articulate a finding, recommendation, or technical concept to a non-technical audience.

• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects concurrently, with conscientious attention to detail and ability to meet defined timelines.

• Extensive skill in collecting and analyzing complex data, evaluating information and systems, and drawing logical conclusions.

• Proven ability to work with limited direction at a senior professional level of responsibility, independently and within a team environment.

• Experience in providing effective guidance and training.

• Strong knowledge and experience of the electricity industry, in Alberta and North America.

Application deadline: April 7, 2025

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.

As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.