Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Lubbock, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: E135-7414
Department: Lubbock Power & Light
Division: 7414 - Electric Operations
Opening Date: 02/15/2025
Closing Date: 3/7/2025 5:00 PM Central

Summary
The EMS Administrator is responsible for the administration and maintenance of highly specialized electric utility applications, operating systems, databases, and hardware critical to SCADA-EMS (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition - Energy Management System) operations, ensuring continuous and secure 24/7 electric system functionality. The role goes beyond general IT administration, incorporating regulatory compliance expertise, cybersecurity, and control over critical infrastructure assets per NERC/CIP standards. This position requires a deep understanding of electrical system operations and is integral to maintaining compliance and operational continuity for both Lubbock's grid and the Bulk Electric System. This individual serves as the organization's primary subject matter expert (SME) for NERC CIP compliance, spearheading standards adherence, technical security measures, and emergency response efforts. Occasional off-hours work may be required to address critical incidents and ensure minimal disruption to operations and compliance efforts.

Essential Functions

Regulatory Compliance and Cybersecurity Expertise

• Direct and oversee NERC Compliance Program, ensuring Lubbock's compliance with stringent NERC CIP, Operations, and Planning Standards.
• Manage and execute compliance audits, documentation, and reporting, while actively participating in ERCOT and NERC committees as an SME.
• Lead cross-departmental initiatives to secure SCADA-EMS systems, performing comprehensive cybersecurity assessments and incident response planning.

Advanced Technical Oversight and System Integrity

• Install, upgrade, and maintain SCADA/EMS servers, workstations, and network infrastructure, ensuring minimal downtime and robust disaster recovery protocols.
• Oversee fiber optic network installation for substation connectivity, supporting critical infrastructure.
• Optimize system performance through advanced capacity planning, hardware tuning, and rigorous performance monitoring.

Leadership in Compliance and Technical Training

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to Lubbock's compliance team, engineering teams, and operations staff.
• Design and conduct training programs on NERC compliance, cybersecurity protocols, and EMS operational standards, helping maintain a high level of preparedness and knowledge across teams.

Continuous Improvement and Emergency Management

• Develop and refine disaster recovery and continuity plans for SCADA-EMS systems, conducting regular drills and scenario testing as required by NERC CIP.
• Provide 24/7 support for SCADA-EMS system failures, system upgrades, and incident response, ensuring uninterrupted electric system operations.
• Collaborate closely with IT and operations teams to adapt to evolving security threats, regulatory changes, and system advancements.

SME and Strategic Planning

• Act as a primary resource for technical guidance on NERC CIP standards, policies, and trends within the energy sector.
• Advise on strategic projects and improvements to EMS operations, evaluating new technologies and compliance approaches.
• Perform addition duties as assigned

Qualifications
Required

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or a minimum of four years of experience in a related field, such as IT, security/compliance, or SCADA Systems Operations within a NERC-regulated environment.
• Completion of a seven-year criminal background check, identity verification, and passing of a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA) per NERC CIP-004, prior to a final job offer, and every seven years thereafter.
• NERC Certified TOP or RC certification preferred or ability to obtain within 12 months.

Preferred

• Minimum of 2 years in Linux/Windows system administration and familiarity with relational databases (Oracle/SQL).
• Familiarity with compliance standards and practices such as NERC Operation, Planning, and CIP, NERC Audit Administration, preparation of self-certification documentation, preparation of self-reports, and mitigation plans.
• Familiarity with principles of IT Security, networking, systems administration, and application development, and development of Energy Management System Operations processes and procedures.

*** Critical Infrastructure: This position has been determined to have close contact with, or control of Critical Infrastructure components. This position is subject to extensive background checks and random drug screening. ***

This position requires, in addition to any requirements of Human Resources (HR), and prior to a final job offer, per NERC CIP-004, the completion of a seven year criminal background check, identity verification (e.g. Social Security number verification), and the passing of a Personnel Risk Assessment (PRA). Continued employment in this position will require the NERC CIP-004 requirements to be satisfactorily completed every seven years from date of employment, and/or last PRA.
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Comprehensive knowledge of bulk electric system operations and transmission interconnects.
• Operational understanding of transmission, substation, and distribution systems, including protection schemes and equipment limitations.
• Familiarity with transmission, substation, and distribution safety procedures.
• In-depth knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and NERC CIP Standards.
• Familiarity with ERCOT Protocols, Operating Guides, and Emergency Operations requirements.
• Experience with NERC CIP compliance assessments and enterprise security architecture.
• Comprehensive understanding of BES Cyber Assets and BES Cyber Systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, including identity management, data protection, encryption, and application security.
• Awareness of security event monitoring and response practices.
• Progressive supervisory and management principles, practices, and methods.
• Proficiency in electrical safety practices and procedures for emergency response activities.
• Understanding of safety standards and precautions applicable to electric utility operations.
• Familiarity with fundamental networking protocols such as LAN, WAN, wireless services, and VoIP.

Ability to:

• Ability to communicate technical information effectively and collaborate across teams.
• Proficient in high-stakes decision-making and system troubleshooting under emergency conditions.
• Expertise in security architecture, regulatory standards, and compliance reporting.
• Strong capacity to lead cross-functional teams in compliance and security assessments, with a deep understanding of SCADA/EMS operations and regulatory requirements.
• Work on complex issues or assignments requiring thorough analysis and evaluation.
• Perform well under stressful conditions and make accurate decisions in response to system disturbances.
• Prioritize and handle trouble-related calls, effectively communicating with customers to provide solutions.
• Utilize computer equipment proficiently to analyze system data and minimize electrical outages.
• Demonstrate initiative and strong problem-solving skills to maintain system reliability and efficiency, even in adverse conditions.
• Communicate effectively in a clear, courteous manner with internal and external stakeholders, including the general public.
• Interpret and understand drawings and maps essential to performing job duties.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare meaningful reports, evidence, and statements.
• Operate a variety of office equipment, including phone systems, radio systems, and dispatching software.

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, and kneel during the shift.
• Frequently lift and carry up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally pull and push objects.
• Frequently flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees.
• Occasionally move entire body along a surface in a crawling motion in order to inspect equipment.
• Frequently rotate upper trunk to the right or left while sitting or standing.
• Place arms above, at, or below shoulder height.

The City of Lubbock provides a comprehensive, cost effective, health and welfare package. To view the employee benefits click
01

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or equivalent field from an accredited university?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have four to eight years of electrical experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a Valid Current Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years' experience do you have working with SCADA systems and eclectic grid restoration efforts?
Required Question