Job Description

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO) Requisition ID: 20134
Location: Toronto, hybrid
Status: Temporary, up to 12 months
Business Unit: Planning, Conservation & Resource AdequacyWhy join us?You've got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn't happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You'll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences - and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.Who we areThe Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province's power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province's electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario's electricity needs - now and into the future.The opportunityThe Resource Planning Division is uniquely responsible for developing integrated power system plans to meet Ontario's projected electricity service requirements at both the regional and provincial levels. Its plans provide advice to the government, and guide program and capital investment decisions for new initiatives in the market. The plans integrate market, demand, conservation, supply and transmission considerations. The Resource Planning Division works closely with other areas of the IESO to develop and implement initiatives.
Reporting to the Manager, Planning Assessments, in the Resource and Plan Assessments department, the Senior Planner leads the production and implementation on assessments and planning products, develops and maintains electricity resource integration processes and tools, and provides analysis and insights to advance and inform decisions making at the IESO to ensure system reliability that drives alignment in the IESO's strategy, values and culture.What you will do

• Lead and coordinate complex technical power system and risk studies or assessments to inform system needs (e.g. Annual Planning Outlook).
• Take the lead to conceptualise, initiate and perform various aspects of power system plan development,preparation and implementation specifically related to electricity resource planning. This includes evaluating system reliability, developing and evaluating options, making recommendations, and establishing a rationale for a preferred solution.
• Transforming system needs into a set of acquisition targets and processes and to advise on policy decisions that apply the principles related to reliability, operability, and environmental requirements.
• Project manage the development of plans and planning products including documenting objectives, outcomes, deliverables, milestones, and setting the schedule/time lines.
• Manage and deliver on reports and submissions for compliance with market rules, and standards rule of procedure (e.g. NERC assessments, NPCC assessments, Reliability Outlook, and other special studies)
• Evaluate or use of complex analytical data in order to assess and understand the behaviour and performance of the power system in the Ontario context.
• Studies and assessments may span a wide range and be ad hoc in nature, require flexibility in reporting and delivery, and require initiative in research, synthesis of a wide range of data and reports and summarizing for relevance to planning in Ontario.
• Responsible for developing, maintaining and enhance processes, procedures, tools and assumptions, including process documentation, quality assurance and quality control.
• Conduct research on technologies, planning methods and practices, bringing relevant external trends and practices to benefit Ontario's planning.
• Act as team leader, taking accountability for the execution of entire or portions of studies contributing to the development of integrated plans. Responsible to work with other business units (e.g. Markets & Reliability, Stakeholder Engagement & Innovation, etc.) in the IESO and externally to integrate information and insights to advance planning analysis.
• Serve as the spokesperson as appropriate when participating in stakeholder meetings, including officials from other jurisdictions, community engagements, public forums and consultations with government on planning issues.
• Lead in the preparation of broader technical and policy based reports, presentations, memos and submissions related to planning (i.e., projects, recent developments) for stakeholder reviews, Board of Directors' information, Ministry of Energy, regulatory proceedings, or other purposes.
• Participate in appropriate committees, task forces and working groups.
• Support the IESO participation in external industry regulatory forums, both in Canada and the U.S (e.g. joint studies, standards, planning, and regulatory proceedings).
• Keep abreast of electricity industry developments, government, energy, environment, and economic policy and regulatory changes. Recommend participation approach, and propose strategies to address matters that are relevant to the Resource and Plan Assessments department.
• Mentor, advise and guide junior and less experienced staff. Set and manage quality control and review of work and products of junior planning staff.
• Other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned.

What you need to succeed

• A university degree in Engineering, Science, Mathematics, Economics, Planning or other relevant discipline is required.
• 8 - 10 years of experience in a power system planning, energy policy, operations or analytical studies related to integrated planning is typically required.

Preferred skills and experience

• Strong quantitative, statistical, problem solving skills and learning agility
• Skilled in written, verbal communications and presentation skills to prepare and present complex information and analysis, briefings and reports to small and large groups
• Self-initiative, creativity, passion for problem solving and comfort with ambiguity and complexity, and require flexibility in reporting and delivery.
• Overall interest and knowledge of the policy and market environment as it relates to the electricity sector in Ontario.
• High level of understanding of reliability criteria, their application and relevancy, and market elements
• Passion for serving electricity customers and public interest in the role of planning and an appreciation for its importance
• Skilled in the use of PC and web-based applications and databases, in particular Excel, PowerPoint
• Good understanding of the results from various specialized power system analysis and production simulation tools and technologies (i.e. PLEXOS, UPLAN, MARS, @Risk, etc.) is preferred. Familiarity with the application and limitations of these modeling tools and technologies as they apply to an evolving power system
• Experience in the Ontario electricity sector

What's in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry

Deadline: December 12, 2024For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment - one that values every team member's unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.Join our talent communitySign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities - and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario's businesses and communities, and how we're innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit and be sure to follow us on .Find out , and what we offer.

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