Apprentice – System Operator

Apprentice – System Operator

Without you, we’d be in the dark. 

You enjoy working outside with your hands, on a team that collaborates to get things done. You love the changing and challenging problem-solving work of an Apprentice – System Operator.  Through your education and recent experience, you’ve developed the insight to see how a job will unfold and the best way to safely get it done. 

You’re the kind of person who believes that what you do is more than just a job – and you’re looking to be a part of a team that believes that, too. 

Hydro Ottawa is that team. 

JOB SUMMARY 

As an Apprentice System Operator, you will participate in a recognized program to become a certified System Operator at Hydro Ottawa. During this time, under the direction and tutelage of a System Operator Journeyperson you will monitor the SCADA and Outage Management systems, respond to distribution system events, analyze data and direct field crews, ensuring the safety of personnel, safeguarding distribution system equipment and minimizing the duration and impact of distribution system disturbances as you complete the necessary courses to qualify as a Journeyperson. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES 

The essential responsibilities of a System Operator include but are not necessarily restricted to the following:

• Continuously monitor the distribution system via SCADA, Power Quality metering, fault detection systems, Outage Management System, or other supervisory systems.
• Analyze all available data to maintain distribution system integrity and operation within normal parameters.
• React to distribution system disturbances to minimize potential electrical hazards to Hydro Ottawa personnel and the general public, minimizing the duration of power outages, and to safeguard distribution system equipment.
• Responsible for directing all field personnel activity related to System Controlled devices during normal and abnormal conditions.
• Prioritize restoration of power with respect to minimizing interruption duration. In the event of large-scale power interruptions, the System Operator is responsible for determining restoration priorities and taking appropriate action.
• Ensure prompt accurate assessment and reaction to emergency conditions, possibly involving life-threatening situations.
• Contact Reliability or On-Call Supervisors to arrange for additional staff to respond to abnormal or emergency situations.
• Direct all switching procedures.
• Directly answer specific customer inquiries and concerns during business and non-business hours.
• Review the electrical distribution system with crews and Supervisors for work protection requests.
• Prioritize and, if necessary, reschedule workload as conditions change.
• Provide work and equipment protection for both emergency and non-emergency conditions, using either electronic or manual “hard copy” documents.
• Create and check all “Orders to Operate” and “Work Protection” documents and issue to the proper work groups, be it Hydro Ottawa personnel or a contracting group for both emergency and non-emergency conditions.
• Ensure field crew and System Operations compliance with the “Utility Work Protection Code”.
• Monitor and correct loading trends to respect equipment ratings and limits.
• Maintain a record log of System Office activities.
• Communicate with Assets, Records and field personnel to maintain current and accurate Operating maps and drawings.
• Communicate directly with Hydro One, Electrical Safety Authority, and the Independent Electricity System Operator as required by industry regulation and protocol.
• Perform control actions as directed by Hydro One and the Independent Electrical System Operator to ensure stability, integrity and security of the bulk electricity system and Hydro Ottawa’s distribution system.
• Train System Office personnel and others as required.
• Assist with queries from other divisions inside or outside of Hydro Ottawa.
• Maintain a level of technical competency to use different computer and software applications confidently.
• Communicate distribution system equipment deficiencies appropriately to initiate and expedite repairs.
• Reporting/communication of system events and interruptions accordingly (written and/or verbally).
• Communicate “Power Outage Updates” to Hydro Ottawa management, Public Affairs and Communications personnel, Police, and Fire Department representatives.
• Compile information from Fire, Police or Hydro One to dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment to establish isolations.
• Issue and record temporary nomenclature in the electrical system and maintain accurate records.
• Respond accordingly to any alarms coming in on the SCADA system, or other supervisory systems.
• Identify interruption areas and update internal and customer notification systems including the Hydro Ottawa website Outage Map and Outage Alert messaging, Update and maintain system contingency plans.
• Performs other related duties as required. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE 

• Electrical Engineering Technologist OR
• Electrical Engineering Technician plus a minimum 1 year experience in system operations 

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Valid driver’s license - Class G
• Government of Canada security clearance
• Shift work on a 24 x7 rotational basis
• Successful completion of the System Operator apprenticeship training program
• English essential, both oral and written
• Bilingualism (English/French) considered an asset 

The terms and conditions of employment for this position are governed by the collective agreement between Hydro Ottawa Limited and IBEW Local 636. 

Hydro Ottawa is currently piloting a hybrid work program. This hybrid work program is position specific, the details of the hybrid model will be discussed with successful candidates. 

Please apply on our career page: Careers at Hydro Ottawa

Hydro Ottawa is committed to establishing a qualified workforce that reflects the diverse population it serves and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to preventing and removing barriers to employment for people with disabilities, and we invite you to inform us should you have any accessibility or accommodation needs.

Selected candidates must be legally entitled to work in Canada.