System Operator – Hydro

Job title: System Operator – Hydro

Job description: Logistics

Job Title:

System Operator – Hydro

Company, Department:

Nova Scotia Power – Control Centre Operations

Location:

Ragged Lake, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Type of Employment:

Regular, Full-Time

Salary:

$54.80 per hour, as per the IBEW Collective Agreement

Closing Date:

March 1, 2024

Reference Number:

2024-2660

The Opportunity

We are looking for a System Operator -Hydro to join our Control Centre Operations team. Reporting to the System Control Manager, you will be accountable for the safe and reliable operation of the Hydro Generating systems and Western/Valley 69kV transmission system through the use of SCADA and other management systems.

Key elements of this role include:

• You must maintain voltage levels within normal and emergency operating limits and assist the Transmission System Operator in the operation of the bulk power system within the parameters established by Good Utility Practice, NPCC and NERC.
• You are responsible to assist Hydro Production by dispatching hydro generation to a daily schedule or as directed by the Balancing Authority (Energy System Operator) and hydro operations staff.
• You will maintain hydro system operations within established limits for public safety and environmental operating permits.
• You are responsible for the secure and reliable operation of the 69Kv Western/Valley transmission system without exceeding system operating limits (SOL) directing re-dispatch of generation to maintain limits and directing regional personnel as required.
• You must maintain accurate and detailed logs. This position is also responsible for head-pond management at each of the hydro sites using SCADA Telemetered equipment while following all environmental and regulatory requirements that are unique to each of the sites.
• You will be responsible for tactical dispatch and deployment of routine and emergency-response crews.
• You will ensure the communication of outage related information to NSPI customers and other major stakeholder groups including the DCC is done accurately and timely.
• You will understand and operate: SCADA (including; load flow, contingency analysis, automatic generation control (AGC), alarm monitoring and response), PI system, FM Radio, Control Centre database applications (including; system operations trouble reporting (SOTR), substation entry logs (SEL), Hold-off and Permit log system), and other related energy management software applications.
• You must be capable of interpreting color coded system information.
• You will be knowledgeable of NSPI operating criteria, procedures, practices and guidelines including the implementation of emergency response plans/procedures as they relate to the hydro and transmission systems, fibre-optic/microwave data communication equipment, oil releases, SCADA alarms and the Standard Protection Code (SPC).
• You will effectively respond to system emergencies as directed by the Transmission System Operator.
• As the SPC Control Authority, you will be responsible for issuing hold-offs and isolation-permits as well as developing or approving and directing switching procedures.
• You will be compliant with the SPC at all times.
• You are responsible for final approval for switching transmission and hydro generation equipment out of service and reacting to transmission and hydro generation equipment outages on a forced basis by dispatching appropriate personnel, preparing, approving or directing switching and restoration activities when necessary.
• You must be willing to participate in and successfully complete training, which includes competency-based training skills, related to hydro system operations.
• The training program may include on shift self study and attendance at meetings outside of the normal shift cycle.
• NERC Certification may be a requirement for this position in the future. You will function effectively in a 12 hour rotating shift environment, working an average of 42 hours per week depending on shift assignments.
• You will be available to work additional shifts for emergency restoration or to support the continued operation of the desk.
• The most recent Operator hired on the desk fills the role of the spare position (if available) and may fulfill multi-desk coverage as experience permits.
• You will be responsible for your personal safety, that of co-workers, and those under your direction by observing and ensuring compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations.
• You will be accountable for environmental performance as it relates to the environmental management system processes and initiatives.
• You will comply with NSPI’s Standards of Conduct.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position. As such, the successful candidate must comply with the Emera Alcohol and Drug Policy which requires a confidential pre-employment alcohol and drug test in accordance with the Emera Alcohol and Drug Procedure.

These skills will make you successful:

To thrive in this role, you recognize yourself in most of the following competencies and skills listed below:

• You will have a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in the electric utility environment and have demonstrated experience as a highly motivated team player with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with multiple tasks and demands.
• You must be adaptable to change and able to work independently while delivering exceptional customer service.
• You are decisive and capable of functioning effectively under stress. You must be proficient in the use of personal computer and software applications.
• You have proven problem resolution skills and the flexibility and ability to adapt to varying assignments. Proven leadership skills, self- motivation and demonstrated ability to work independently are essential.
• Qualified candidates must have previous System Operator experience and or NERC certification.
• If no qualified candidates apply, applicants who have successfully completed a university degree or community college education to the level of technologist with studies in electrical devices and/or power system operation, or an acceptable combination of education and experience in a related electrical trade may be considered as Apprentice System Operators.

We understand that experience comes in many forms, and we’re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. So, if your experience is close to what we’ve listed above, please consider applying.

Learn more about our culture and values

At the Emera Group of Companies, you’ll be part of an inclusive, respectful workplace where everyone is welcomed and supported. Come build a career as unique as you are: making an impact from Atlantic Canada to the world. Your experience and perspective will help us to safely deliver cleaner, more reliable energy to our customers. If working in an innovative environment, challenging yourself, and shaping a cleaner energy future inspires you, we want to hear from you. Apply by March 1, 2024 and let us know why this role is right for you.

The perks of joining our team? We offer:

• Health & Wellbeing: A comprehensive benefits plan, 24/7 access to virtual health care services for you and your family through Dialogue, Employee and Family Assistance Program, parental leave top-up plan and wellness benefits.
• Grow Your Career: Opportunities to advance within and between our affiliate companies, a focus on employee development and available sponsored education programs.
• Community Engagement & Care: Corporate investments in the places where our people live and work, mentoring opportunities, fundraising-matching & volunteer programs, various committees and employee resource groups, and scholarships for children of employees.
• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive benefits plan and a Defined Contribution Pension Plan.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Emera

As one of Atlantic Canada’s largest publicly traded companies, we are ranked one of , and . We know our success is driven by our dedicated teams and we strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including persons who identify as racially visible, Indigenous, persons with disabilities, women in underrepresented roles and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Applicants from these equity groups may self-identify through the online application process. We support candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs and encourage you to let us know when you require accommodation.

Recruitment & Promotion Policy

The success of the Emera Company is driven by its people: a strong team with a shared commitment to support the . The purpose of our recruitment policy is to provide a consistent framework to support fair and equitable attraction, hiring, and retention of the best talent for vacant positions. We are dedicated to maintaining a fair hiring process that provides equitable opportunities to all our applicants and is guided by our company values.

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