Interconnection & Transmission Manager

Role Overview 

Title: Interconnection & Transmission Manager

Hours: Full-time; Salaried

Location: Salt Lake City, UT, possibly open to remote or hybrid

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Manager: Ryan McGraw

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.

• 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.

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Strong project management, team leadership and technical writing/communications skills
• Entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit with team-player mentality and ability to lead cross-functionally
• Top-notch communication skills allowing for cross-functional leadership, excellent stakeholder engagement, and providing clear and compelling recommendations to management 
• Success leading interconnection requests and/or firm PTP transmission service requests
• Familiarity creating desktop-level reviews for project viability pertaining to interconnection and transmission

• BS in related field; Masters in a relevant subject area a plus
• 5 years of interconnection or transmission project leadership, with direct experience in WECC and/or CAISO

• The position is located in Salt Lake City, UT (possibly open to remote or hybrid)
• Full Time; Salaried
• Paid holidays, and 18 days PTO
• Medical, dental, vision coverage
• 401k
• Paid Parental Leave
• A direct impact in displacing carbon emissions, and growth opportunities in a growing startup environment

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practice laws.