Physical Security Analyst

Our Company

North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) is a not-for-profit international regulatory authority whose mission is to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. NERC develops and enforces Reliability Standards; annually assesses seasonal and long‐term reliability; monitors the bulk power system through system awareness; and educates, trains, and certifies industry personnel. NERC’s area of responsibility spans the continental United States, Canada, and the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico. NERC is the Electric Reliability Organization (ERO) for North America, subject to oversight by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Provincial authorities in Canada. NERC's jurisdiction includes users, owners, and operators of the bulk power system, which serves nearly 400 million people.

This position is for a Physical Security Analyst within the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Center (E-ISAC). The E-ISAC is operated by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and is organizationally isolated from NERC's enforcement processes.

Our Mission

The E-ISAC reduces cyber and physical security risk to the electric industry across North America by providing unique insights, leadership, and collaboration. The E-ISAC works directly with asset owners and operators to sustain the reliability of the North American electric grid by monitoring and analyzing cyber and physical risks, providing timely and actionable information, and other product and services. In support of our mission, we also work closely with U.S. and Canadian federal agencies, industry trade associations and other strategic partners including other ISAC’s and technology vendors. 

Your Impact

This position is for a Physical Security Analyst within the Physical Security Analysis Team (PSAT), and reports to the Manager, Physical Security. PSAT works closely with other E-ISAC teams to support a unified E-ISAC response to any incident and provide well-rounded analysis of any threat. The team will advise the electricity industry and federal agencies on trends relating to physical security incidents, adversarial tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as mitigation strategies, and other relevant topics which enhance the physical security and reliability of the grid.

This position requires a general understanding of cyber and physical security risks, especially as it applies to critical infrastructure. Although not mandatory, previous work experience at an electricity utility or in grid operations is preferred. The candidate should have strong analytical expertise and research skills, capable of analyzing different forms of data and developing analytical assessments related to physical threats and vulnerabilities.

Your Role

• Track, assess and develop timely analytical products on emerging physical threats and trends to the North American grid.
• Perform data analytics on vast data sets to provide and understanding on patterns and trends while being able to translate that data into actionable information.
• Conduct proactive outreach and direct engagement with asset owners and operators on real time physical incidents taking place across North America.
• Coordinate with asset owners and operators to develop new mitigation strategies and resources aimed at enhancing the reliability of the grid.
• Travel to provide analytical briefings to asset owners and operators and government partners on emerging threats and trends to industry.
• Collaborate and sustain productive relationships with colleagues across NERC, the E-ISAC, and industry partners and stakeholders including, but not limited to, government agencies, Regional Entities, Trade associations, etc.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Detail oriented, strong organizational skills with ability to carry out tasks with minimal supervision.
• Capable of quickly learning how to apply new methodologies in order provide efficient trend analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and a demonstrated willingness to work in a team environment.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse personalities in a tactful, decisive, and resourceful manner.
• Strong work ethic, time management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates a customer centric attitude and seeks to understand the needs of stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Social Media Platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and industry experience to demonstrate ability to address the requirements of this position; graduate education and other certifications are also desirable.

Other

• A background check will be conducted prior to employment.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
• This position has been classified as exempt.
• The E-ISAC is located in Washington, D.C.; however, this position is eligible for remote work.  Reimbursement of travel expenses will be in accordance with the company’s travel and expense reimbursement policies.

Our Culture Declarations

• Everyone at NERC is a leader.
• We are accountable personally and organizationally to deliver on commitments.
• We develop ourselves and people in the organization to ensure that NERC realizes its strategic objectives.
• We are resilient and adaptable to the challenges and needs of the business/people.
• We exude a growth mindset and empower teams to take risks.
• Build collaborative relationships within NERC, the ERO, and the stakeholders of NERC.
• We exemplify NERC cultural behaviors:
  • Reward, high-quality, creative, and innovative work;
  • Attract, engage, and retain top talent;
  • Value and respect diverse perspectives;
  • Provide a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment;
  • Form strong relationships within the company, and with the ERO Enterprise;
  • We demonstrate curiosity in a wide variety of areas and are open to exploring new situations, knowledge and opportunities for growth and development;
  • We demonstrate an anticipatory mindset; preventing problems, and building contingencies where appropriate; and
  • We are champions for diversity and inclusion. Seeks out and values diverse perspectives.