EPCOR Careers

Highlights of the job

We are hiring one full time, permanent Electrical System Control Operator position out of Edmonton, AB. This position reports to the Manager, System Control.

As an Electrical System Control Operator, you will be accountable for the safe and reliable operations of EPCOR’s electrical systems in Edmonton and Ontario. You will play a vital role in maintaining the safety of field crews and the public. You will also work closely with the Alberta Interconnected Electrical System (AIES) during planned and unplanned outages. The Electrical System Control Operator will respond to alarms, analyze service interruptions and restore the electrical Distribution & Transmission System when abnormal power outages occur through the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS).

What you’d be responsible for

• Ensuring the safe, accurate and efficient operation of the electrical system and safety of employees working on the system.
• Ensuring the delivery of optimal results against appropriate performance metrics, including operational effectiveness and efficiency, productivity, quality and on-time delivery.
• Resolving complex problems, system issues and system restoration strategies.
• Responding to alarms on electrical distribution, transmission and LRT systems within EPCOR service areas in Edmonton and Ontario.
• Monitoring EPCOR's Electrical distribution & transmission system in conjunction with AIES.
• Monitoring and controlling Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) on the distribution system to ensure system operating limits are respected.
• Monitoring and curtailing DERs through the Distributed Energy Management System (DERMS), ensuring operations are completed as per AESO regulations and Joint Operating Procedure requirements.
• Analyzing planned and unplanned service interruptions with field personnel.
• Writing, checking, approving and executing switching orders to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the D&T System and the LRT.
• Dispatching emergency crews, as required, to safely secure system problems.
• Keeping management and other stakeholders informed of operational issues.
• Ensuring compliance with emergency plans, communication protocols and reporting standards as per the requirements of ARS, EPCOR procedures and ISO rules.
• Using strong critical thinking skills to analyze time-sensitive issues and take the required corrective actions to ensure system operating limits are not exceeded.
• Using advanced applications on the distribution management system.
• Completing the System Control Operator Training Program (ESCOTP) and NERC Transmission Operator Certification as per EPCOR and ARS requirements.

What’s required to be successful

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent level of secondary education
• Valid Journeyman Power System Electrician or Powerline Technician. Recognized equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Capability to deal with highly complex problems and escalations.
• Strong computer skills in automated control systems (OMS/DMS & DA).
• Strong conflict management skills with an ability to work well in a small team environment.
• Ability to:
  • Learn and operate the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS).
  • Process and adapt to change through grid transformation and modernization.
  • Complete the EPCOR System Control Operator Training Program (ESCOTP) within 18 months.
  • Complete the NERC Certification: Transmission Operator Certification within 12 months.
• Ability to work on shift: 12-hour nights, days, weekends and statutory holidays.

Additionally, the following are valuable assets to the success of the candidate:

• NERC Certification: Transmission Operator certification.
• Previous System Control Operator experience.
• Awareness of the regulations of the Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code, in addition to having knowledge of electrical load limits.
• Sound technical working knowledge of the distribution and transmission system and its interconnection with the AIES, which includes generation.
• Solid knowledge of high voltage standards, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Alberta Electric Utility Code (AEUC).
• Proven knowledge of Provincial Grid, Electric Utilities Code (EUC), PCB, First Aid/CPR, WHMIS and OHSA.
• Experience using WebDMD, FieldClient, validation and execution of switching orders and booking onto circuits.
• Current working experience with EPCOR Electricity procedures.

As the successful System Control Operator, you are a team player. You are a strong communicator as you relay and receive critical information. You are organized and process-oriented. While using your problem solving skills, you maintain calm and focus on the goal of your tasks. Your safety mindset is highly valuable as you play a key role in keeping others safe while working on the distribution and transmission system.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: IBEW 1007

Class: SC1.8121

Wage: Starting at $64.93 per hour. Final wage and step will be determined at the time of selection and is subject to change based on the ratification of the new Collective Agreement.

Hours of work: 84 hours bi-weekly

• Shifts are 12-hour nights, 8 and 12 hour days, weekends and statutory holidays.

Application deadline: November 14, 2024

EPCOR Employees: Please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.
• Prior infractions for unsafe driving behaviours will be evaluated and considered for non-selection regardless of current demerits on file.