Role Overview
Title: Interconnection & Transmission Manager
Hours: Full-time; Salaried
Location: Salt Lake City, UT, possibly open to remote or hybrid
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Mission – Why we exist and why we need you
Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re using better technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cost-effective and vital contributor to a carbon-free energy future. We are revolutionizing the exploration process, setting new industry standards for discovery rates and finding new prospects at an unprecedented scale.The growing development team at Zanskar is advancing a multi-gigawatt portfolio of firm, carbon-free energy projects. We have submitted a number of interconnection requests to date, with many more to come. In addition, we are requesting firm transmission rights across WECC. We need your help to build our strategy for interconnection and transmission, file applications, manage processes, and ensure timely outcomes to deliver our projects on-time. You’ll be working in close coordination with teams across Zanskar as well as third-party consultants in preparation for managing all things interconnection and transmission across WECC.
Outcomes - Problems you’ll solve
Success in this role includes obtaining interconnection and transmission rights for Zanskar’s geothermal projects that align with our goals to place these projects in-service. This will require cross-functional alignment with our teams, building a plan for when, where, and how to file new requests, and building key relationships at the utilities we partner with. Your responsibilities will include:
Develop and execute an interconnection strategy across WECC and CAISO, with an eye toward expanding Zanskar’s footprint in other markets across the US;
Lead queue submissions, study analyses, and negotiations relating to interconnection and transmission;
Lead technical diligence efforts on potential acquisitions of 3rd party projects;
Oversee technical analysis performed in-house and/or via external consultants in order to drive business decisions and increase the value and viability of Zanskar’s queue positions;
Engage directly with transmission owners, utilities, ISOs, and regulatory stakeholders;
Attend meetings pertaining to transmission planning on Zanskar’s behalf to understand and communicate current and pending changes in market structures and ensuing strategies for success;
Track timeline and budget for each interconnection and transmission request and provide clear recommendations on whether to proceed with requests at appropriate milestones, including a transparent description of associated risks.