Job Title: System Operator - Energy
Company, Department: Nova Scotia Power, Control Centre Operations
Location: Ragged Lake, Halifax, NS
Type of Employment: Regular, Full Time
Closing Date: April 5, 2023
Reference Number: 11095

At Nova Scotia Power, we\xe2\x80\x99re committed to providing safe, reliable electricity so that our customers and communities can thrive. We work across the province, from Yarmouth to Wreck Cove, to prevent power outages and to strengthen our electrical system\xe2\x80\x94for today, and for the future. As a subsidiary of Emera Inc, we provide 95% of the generation, transmission and distribution of electrical power to approximately 540,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers. Our company is focused on new technologies to enhance customer service and reliability, reduce emissions, and add renewable energy. We are proud to live and work in Nova Scotia. It\xe2\x80\x99s why we work to understand how we can give back meaningfully, support local organizations and work collaboratively to enhance the communities we call home. We believe that every unique perspective should be valued and that everyone should have a sense of safety and belonging\xe2\x80\x94at work, and in our communities. Leveraging the thoughts of a diverse workforce helps us to be innovative and provide the best service to our customers. If working in an environment focused on innovation, safety and putting customers and community first inspires you, we want to hear from you. Apply by April 5, 2023, and tell us what excites you about this role.
We are currently looking for a System Operator - Energy to join our Control Centre Operations team in a permanent position. Reporting to the System Control Manager, you will be accountable for the safe and reliable operation and dispatch of all NSPI transmission connected generation facilities as well as the interconnected tie lines.


Accountabilities:

• You must maintain both generation and operating reserves within normal and emergency operating limits and assist the Transmission System Operator in the operation of the bulk power system within system limits and within the parameters established by NPCC and NERC.
• You are responsible for the secure and economic dispatch of generation to an intra-day and day-ahead generation schedule provided by Fuels Energy and Risk Management.
• You will dispatch generation resources in real time which may include short term load forecasting, re-dispatch and directing plant personnel as required.
• You will schedule energy transactions using SCADA and E-tagging software while operating within tie line limitations.
• You will respond to generation contingencies within Nova Scotia and the Maritimes area through a reserve sharing arrangement with the New Brunswick System Operator (NBSO).
• You will observe all guidelines, procedures and directives issued by the Reliability Coordinator for the Maritimes Area (NBSO). You must maintain accurate and detailed logs. As the Balancing and Interchange Operator you have the responsibility and the authority to direct corrective action, including load reduction, necessary to ensure the stable and reliable, operation of the NSPI Bulk Electric System during normal and emergency conditions. Such actions may be taken to prevent or alleviate System Operating Limits, Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit violations, capacity energy emergencies or to prevent voltage collapse when reactive resources are insufficient.
• You will understand and operate: SCADA (including power flow, contingency analysis, automatic generation control (AGC)), PI system, FM Radio, Control Centre database applications (including system operations trouble reporting (SOTR), substation entry log (SEL), Hold-off/Permit log system), and other related energy management software applications. You must be capable of interpreting color coded system information.
• You will be knowledgeable in 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).
• As the SPC \xe2\x80\x9cControl Authority\xe2\x80\x9d you may be responsible for issuing of hold-offs, isolation-permits as well as developing, issuing, approving, and directing switching procedures. You will be compliant with the SPC at all times.
• You will function effectively in a 12-hour rotating shift environment, working an average of 42 hours per week depending on the specific shift arrangement.
• You will be available to work additional shifts for unplanned outages, vacation coverage or to support the continued operation of the desk.
• The candidate must be aware that the most recent Operator hired on the desk fills the role of the Spare position and may fulfill multi-desk coverage as experience permits.
• You must be willing to participate in and successfully complete Competency Based Training Skills to the level of Energy System Operator. You must be committed to participation in the NERC Continuing Education Program by acquiring the required number of CE hours annually to maintain your Certification. The Continuing Education program includes on-shift self-study and attendance at meetings outside of the normal shift cycle. NERC certified System Operators are responsible for retaining appropriate documentation for proof of credential maintenance.

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. 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.


What skills will make you successful?
You recognize yourself in most of the following competencies, and where possible possess the skills and experience listed below:

• University or community college education to the level of Technologist with studies in electrical devices and/or power system operation or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• You should have a minimum of three years\xe2\x80\x99 experience in the electric utility environment.
• You have demonstrated abilities as a highly motivated team player, with strong communication skills, with the ability to deliver exceptional customer service. Must be able to perform effectively under emergency and high-pressure situations and be adaptable to change. You must be proficient in the use of personal computers and software applications. You must be comfortable making timely and critical decisions, as well as accepting responsibility to do so.
• NERC Certification to the level of BA-TOP is a requirement of this position; the successful candidate must be NERC certified or attain NERC certification within 90 days of assuming this position.

Why join our team?

• Health & Wellbeing: A comprehensive benefits plan, 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, and scholarships for children of employees.
• Competitive Compensation: A comprehensive benefits plan, and employer matching pension contributions.

Salary: $53.86 per hour, as per the Collective Agreement I.B.E.W. Local 1928


Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Emera : At Emera we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. 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. Emera supports candidates and employees with access and accommodation needs.

Recruitment and Promotion Policy: When filling vacant positions, we are determined to hire the best candidates available. We are committed to providing employees with a fair and equal opportunity to compete for jobs. Hiring and promotion of employees is based on skills, capabilities, knowledge and demonstrated abilities. As part of our commitment to health and safety, we continue to closely monitor and adjust our pandemic response as needed based on public health guidance, current epidemiology, and considerations regarding business continuity. At this time the Emera Vaccine Policy, which outlines the requirement for all Nova Scotia Power employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and provide corresponding proof, has been suspended. This policy may be reinstated in the future, either in full or in part, at the discretion of the Company, and employees will be required to demonstrate compliance. Any non-compliance could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.


Finally, we understand that experience comes in many forms. We\xe2\x80\x99re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team - so if your experience is close to what we\xe2\x80\x99ve listed above, please consider applying. If you don\xe2\x80\x99t quite see yourself in this role but want to join our team, please set up a Job Alert to learn about future opportunities!