System Operator

Please Note: If you are a current Hydro Ottawa employee with access to Workday, apply to this job via the Workday application.

We are seeking a System Operator who enjoys hands-on work with the support of a collaborative team; a problem solver who always puts safety first. Without you, we’d be in the dark. 

Are you ready to make a difference in our community?

JOB SUMMARY

System Operations is the Controlling Authority at Hydro Ottawa and as such the System Operator has the responsibility for ensuring the integrity and security of Hydro Ottawa’s distribution system which is accomplished through the monitoring of SCADA and Outage Management systems. The System Operator responds to distribution system events, analyzes data and directs field crews, ensuring the safety of personnel, safeguarding distribution system equipment and minimizing the duration and impact of distribution system disturbances.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential responsibilities of the job 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

• 3 year College Diploma in a related technical discipline such as Electronics Engineering Technologist.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience in utility operations may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.

• Ability to successfully complete the MEARIE Journeyperson Electrical Operator exam within one year of enrollment in the program.

• Ability to attain OACETT certification within 3 years from obtaining the position of System Operator is considered an asset.

• Experience with and proficient in the use of Outage Management System (OMS), Geographic Information System (GIS),  SCADA systems and reading schematic drawings.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• English essential, both oral and written

• Bilingualism (English and French) will be considered an asset

• Government of Canada security clearance

• Shift work on 24 X 7 rotational basis

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 offers a Hybrid Work Model. Hybrid work is position specific, the details of which the hybrid model will be discussed with successful candidates.

Hydro Ottawa may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) during the recruitment process to aid in the screening and selection of candidates.