Apprentice, System Controller

The Opportunity

Position Purpose:
Reporting to the Supervisor, System Control , this position is responsible for monitoring, controlling and authorizing the operation of several unique and diverse electrical distribution systems ensuring the safe, efficient and reliable delivery of power.

Responsibilities:
1. Operates, authorizes and directs the operation of all system distribution equipment under normal and emergency conditions.
2. Assists the System Control Supervisor in developing operational procedures and processes.
3. Coordinates activities and outages on transformer station / transmission lines and distribution equipment with Hydro One/IESO and other Alectra - PowerStream departments to ensure all work is carried out in a safe, economic and efficient manner.
4. Monitors, controls and records all activities on the entire Alectra - PowerStream distribution system.
5. Review, accept and administer applications for Work Protection from internal and external work groups ensuring that all such applications are correct and that the requested isolation will provide adequate protection following the IHSA Electrical Utility Protection Code and Alectra - PowerStream procedures.
6. Perform load transfers ensuring minimal financial impact while adhering to required equipment ratings.
7. Prioritizes and reports deficiencies of all station/distribution equipment including SCADA and communication systems and conducts follow up as required.
8. Communicates with Management and members of the public to provide status of power outages and anticipated restoration times.
9. Coordinate disconnects and reconnects between line crews, residential, commercial and key account customers for maintenance, upgrades and revenue issues including installation of microfits or embedded generation.
10. Communicate with and prepare reports for various agencies including; Electrical Safety Authority, Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Labour

11. Respond to requests from IESO for voltage reductions and rotational load shedding etc. as per the IESO Market Rules and Manuals and to requests from Hydro One for emergency isolation, off loading of transmission lines etc. as detailed in the Transmission / Distribution Connection agreements.
12. Participate in the IESO led Ontario Power System Restoration Plan (OPSRP) drills and exercises.
13. Respond to emergencies as defined in the Alectra Corporate Emergency Plan.
14. Maintain the distribution system configuration as designed/planned whenever possible.
15. Assist in the training and evaluation of System Control Apprentices.
16. Coordinate and plan inter-utility switching, isolation, load transfers, etc.
17. Update GIS records, operating diagrams and other databases to reflect real-time distribution system configuration.
18. Manage outages using the Outage Management System for real-time statistical reporting and data analysis.
19. Perform analytical problem solving, trouble shooting and contingency planning of the distribution system.
20. Required to be part of On-Call rotation and able to work 24/7 rotating work schedule.
21. Safety:  Responsible for a working knowledge and understanding of and make all efforts reasonable to work in accordance with and ensuring work is done in compliance with the appropriate safety legislation, EUSR rules, Alectra - PowerStream policies and procedures and safe work practices  that apply to the work while adhering to the internal responsibility system. Reports any unsafe conditions or observed unsafe work practices using Alectra - PowerStream procedures

Skills & Qualifications:
Education
• Requires a 2 or 3 year community college diploma in an electrical discipline
• OACETT certification as a C. Tech or C.E.T.
• MEARIE Certificate as a Journeyperson Municipal Electrical Operator, or equivalent in progress
• Certification in the IHSA Electrical Utility Work Protection Code and First Responder First Aid & CPR and AED
• Valid Class G  driver’s licence
 
Skills and Competencies
• Ability to make decisions quickly and decisively during periods of high activity and stress.
• Proficient in the use of SCADA system, Outage Management System (OMS), Geographic Information System (GIS) and personal computer applications including Microsoft Office software.
• Required ability to read, interpret and utilize technical prints and schematics.
• Required ability to perform alone or as part of a team with no direct supervision.
• Demonstrated ability in applying IESO Market Rules in the Ontario electricity marketplace with respect to system operations including the Ontario Power System Restoration Plan (OPSRP).
• Demonstrated ability in applying the strategies, guidelines and procedures contained in Alectra’s Corporate Emergency Plan.
• Demonstrated ability in applying EUSR rules, the Utility Work Protection Code and other safety related regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply Distribution Connection Agreements (DCA), Transmission Connection Agreements (TCA), Customer Owned Station Operating Agreements and Agent Agreements.
• Proficient in the operation and use of the Fault Detection, Isolation and Restoration application (FDIR).
• Advanced knowledge of all transformer stations, municipal substations and protection schemes.
• Proficient in the application of Alectra - PowerStream’s Health & Safety and Departmental Safety Policies & Procedures.
• Demonstrated ability in following Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements as it relates to individual, organizational and operational requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to deal with co-workers, other authorities and members of the public to achieve positive outcomes for the company.
• Proficient in maintaining operational logs, writing reports including deficiency and follow-up reports.

How to Apply
**FOR INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY:  Interested bargaining unit employees from across Alectra are eligible to apply to this posting.  First consideration will be given to permanent employees in the bargaining unit where the vacancy originated.  Second consideration will be given to all permanent employees in the other four bargaining units.  Third consideration will be given to all temporary employees from all five bargaining units. All internal candidates will be contacted regarding the status of your submission and/or expression of interest.

If you would like to be considered for this position and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume by clicking on the button below.

Should you have any questions regarding this opportunity, or need assistance in applying for the posting, please send your inquiry to careers@alectra.com.

Alectra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a recruitment process that respects the dignity and independence of all candidates. Should you require accommodation at any stage in the recruitment, assessment and selection process please consult with Alectra’s People Team.

All internal candidates will be contacted regarding the status of your submission and/or expression of interest.  For external candidates, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with Alectra.

January 18, 2019