Job Title: System Operator - Hydro
Company, Department: Nova Scotia Power, Control Centre Operations
Location: Ragged Lake, Halifax, NS
Type of Employment: Temporary, Full Time
Closing Date: April 5, 2023
Reference Number: 11014


Note: This is a temporary position with an expected end date of September 29, 2024

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 - Hydro to join our Control Centre Operations team in a temporary position. 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.


Accountabilities:

• 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.
• 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\xe2\x80\x99s 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.


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:

• Minimum of three (3) years\xe2\x80\x99 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.
• Adaptable to change and able to work independently while delivering exceptional customer service.
• Decisive and capable of functioning effectively under stress.
• Must be proficient in the use of a personal computer and software applications.
• 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.


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: $52.69 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!