Apprentice Power Maintenance Electrician

APPRENTICE POWER MAINTENANCE ELECTRICIAN

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc, a subsidiary of Oshawa Power & Utilities Corporation, and affiliate of fiber optic, district energy and renewable generation businesses, is the local hydro-electric distribution company that supplies electricity to more than 58,000 customers in the city of Oshawa. Located just 45 minutes east of Toronto off the shores of Lake Ontario, Oshawa serves as the economic engine for the Durham Region. Home to Lakeridge Health, Durham College and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa boasts a diversified economy ranging from advanced manufacturing and power generation to information technology and transportation. 

Oshawa PUC Networks Inc maintains 1000 km of overhead and underground distribution lines within a 150 km² service territory, operated at 44 and 13.8 kV, supplied by 9 distribution and 3 transmission substations. The organization is committed to the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity through responsible financial management, strategic reinvestment and continuous innovation. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Distribution Supervisor, the Apprentice Power Maintenance Electrician (PME) will work toward the successful completion of a formal 3-year Substation Electrician training program. Progression throughout the apprenticeship will depend on satisfactory on-the-job performance and successful completion of mandatory training courses. The successful candidate will join a department responsible for the construction, commissioning, field operation, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of substations, distribution automation equipment, underground distribution systems and communication networks. 

*** Please note that Oshawa Power is currently evaluating the feasibility of harmonizing the PME and Metering Technician roles. If implemented, all successful applicants will be required to meet newly designated training and competency requirements that will seek to consolidate responsibility for all field-deployed technology in one trade. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

General

• Execute capital renewal and distribution system maintenance programs
• Install, operate, maintain and repair substation, distribution automation, underground and communication equipment
• Inspect and audit field equipment; report deficiencies, make-safe and prioritize repairs
• Engage manufacturers, contractors and engineers to resolve field issues
• Arrange, coordinate and oversee contract work
• Respond to emergencies; participate in an on-call rotation 
• Perform switching on energized equipment
• Prepare field reports and maintain equipment & material records
• Update electrical schematics
• Other duties as assigned

Substations & Distribution Automation

• Inspect, install, operate, test, maintain and repair:
  • High voltage electrical equipment, including: power transformers, tap changers, switchgear, circuit breakers, reclosers, switches, overhead bus structure, reactors, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, arrestors, insulators, power cable, terminations, bus bar, ground grids, protection relays, fault detectors, metering, instrumentation & control circuits, SCADA systems, RTUs, battery banks, rectifiers, chargers, inverters and various automated field devices
  • Distributed energy resources, including: solar photovoltaics & various embedded generation systems, energy storage and electric vehicle supply equipment
• Responsible for protection & control:
  • Program and test protection relays, PLCs, HMIs and controllers
  • Install, test and maintain CTs, PTs and metering devices
  • Verify control circuits and protection & distribution automation schemes
  • Respond to device lockouts; investigate outages, download event logs and make field adjustments as required
  • Maintain and modify SCADA systems; map points, program field devices, and configure SCADA masters

Underground Distribution Systems

• Perform primary and secondary cable fault locating, cable splicing and terminations
• Inspect, operate, test, maintain and repair underground switchgear, transformers, protection relays, automation controllers and various submersible equipment

Communication Networks

• Install, operate, maintain and repair communication networks for operational technology, including: copper, fiber optic and wireless systems; layer 2 & 3 network switches; device, network management, and security servers; media converters; antennas, base stations, repeaters & receivers
• Maintain physical and cyber security requirements for the network

Safety & Reliability

• Conduct tailboards and prepare job plans
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, EUSR, UWPC, OESC and Ontario Regulation 22/04
• Follow standard operating procedures and approved work methods
• Obtain work permits and hold-offs from applicable control authorities
• Secure work sites, wear PPE, apply working grounds, protect the public and ensure no undue hazards are created or left for others
• Report and document all system problems, equipment failures and defects 
• Review & analyze equipment data, identify trends, and recommend upgrades, repairs or design alterations to improve system safety & reliability

QUALIFICATIONS

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Completion of a 3 year Electrical Engineering Technologist Diploma or equivalent
• 309A Construction & Maintenance Electrician license considered an asset
• At minimum, a valid DZ or restricted AZ license within 6 months and a clean driving abstract
• Must obtain First Aid/CPR and WHMIS certification within 6 months
• Must be in good health and physically fit to work outside, year round, in all elements, at heights, in confined spaces and perform moderate to heavy lifting
• Must have a high regard and commitment for personal, public and workplace safety
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and CAD software
• Ability to create and verify switching procedures
• Ability to program intelligent electronic devices, accurately read and interpret schematics, and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical and communications problems
• Knowledge of OSHA and its regulations, Safe Work Practices, Electrical Utility Safety Rules, Utility Work Protection Code, and the Ontario Electrical Safety Code
• Ability to work in a team, maintain a positive attitude, follow directions, be punctual and contribute to the continuous improvement of work processes and procedures
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Must be available for routine on-call duty and have the ability to reach the Company's premises within 20 minutes 

WAGE RATE

Compensation is set in accordance with the collective agreement. 

Applications in the form of a cover letter and resume will be accepted by email to careers@opuc.on.ca by Friday, August 24^th, 2018. 

Fully qualified Journeypersons and First or Second year Apprentices are encouraged to apply as well. 

August 13, 2018