System Operator - Transmission

Nova Scotia Power•Halifax, NS

20h•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently looking for a Systems Operator - Transmission to join our Customer Experience & Innovation team in a permanent position. Reporting to the System Control Manager, you will work with a team of professionals at our Ragged Lake location. The role involves the safe and reliable operation and dispatch of all transmission and connected facilities and the interconnected tie line. You will operate and maintain both the transmission system and its connected equipment within normal and emergency operating limits. You will also assist the energy system operator in the operational and dispatch of generation within the parameters established by NSPI in accordance with NPCC and NERC standards. You will be responsible for the secure and reliable operation of the transmission system without exceeding system operation limits (SOL) and interconnection operating limits (IROL), directing re-dispatch of generation to maintain corridor limits and directing field personnel as required. You will be responsible for switching and directing all reactive sources to maintain system voltage and stability. You will operate within scheduled tie-line flows and respond to generation/transmission contingencies within the Maritimes Area. You will observe all directives, guidelines and procedures as issued by the Reliability Coordinator for the Maritimes Area (NBSO). You must maintain accurate and detailed logs. 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 conditions 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; load flow, contingency analysis, automatic generation control (AGC), PI System, FM Radio, and Control Centre database applications. You must be capable of interpreting color coded system information. You will know and understand all NSPI operating criteria, procedures, and guidelines related to the Transmission System Operator area of responsibility. As the Standard Protection Code (SPC) "Control Authority" you will be responsible for issuing hold-offs and isolation-permits as well as developing, issuing, approving, and directing switching procedures. You must always maintain your SPC CA certification. You are responsible for final approval for switching transmission equipment out of service and response to unplanned transmission outages. You must successfully complete Nova Scotia Power's System Operator Training program to the level of Transmission System Operator. NERC Certification is a requirement of this position, and the successful candidate must become NERC certified. You must be committed to participation in the NERC Continuing Education Program by acquiring the required number of CE hours to maintain your Certification. The Continuing Education program includes on-shift self-study and attendance at training meetings outside of the normal shift cycle. The certified system operator is responsible for retaining appropriate documentation for proof of credential maintenance. 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 Transmission System Operator hired for the desk fills the role of the spare position and may fulfill multi-desk coverage as experience permits. You will be accountable for environmental performance as it relates to the environmental management system processes and initiatives. Once you are a fully qualified Transmission System Operator, you will assist with training new system operators by sharing your expertise when appropriate. You will comply with NSPI’s Standards of Conduct. 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.

Requirements

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.
Minimum of three years’ experience in the electric utility environment.
Demonstrated abilities as a highly motivated team player, effective communication skills, and the ability to deliver exceptional customer service.
Must be able to perform effectively under emergency and high-pressure situations and be adaptable to change.
Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and software applications.
Must be comfortable making timely and critical decisions, as well as accepting responsibility to do so.
Must successfully complete Nova Scotia Power's System Operator Training program to the level of Transmission System Operator.
NERC Certification is a requirement of this position.
Must be committed to participation in the NERC Continuing Education Program by acquiring the required number of CE hours to maintain your Certification.
Must always maintain your SPC CA certification.
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.

Nice To Haves

NERC Certification and/or previous system operator experience would be considered an asset for this position.

Responsibilities

Accountable for the safe and reliable operation and dispatch of all transmission and connected facilities and the interconnected tie line.
Operate and maintain both the transmission system and its connected equipment within normal and emergency operating limits.
Assist the energy system operator in the operational and dispatch of generation within the parameters established by NSPI in accordance with NPCC and NERC standards.
Responsible for the secure and reliable operation of the transmission system without exceeding system operation limits (SOL) and interconnection operating limits (IROL), directing re-dispatch of generation to maintain corridor limits and directing field personnel as required.
Responsible for switching and directing all reactive sources to maintain system voltage and stability.
Operate within scheduled tie-line flows and respond to generation/transmission contingencies within the Maritimes Area.
Observe all directives, guidelines and procedures as issued by the Reliability Coordinator for the Maritimes Area (NBSO).
Maintain accurate and detailed logs.
Responsibility and 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.
Understand and operate: SCADA (including; load flow, contingency analysis, automatic generation control (AGC), PI System, FM Radio, and Control Centre database applications.
Interpret color coded system information.
Know and understand all NSPI operating criteria, procedures, and guidelines related to the Transmission System Operator area of responsibility.
As the Standard Protection Code (SPC) "Control Authority" be responsible for issuing hold-offs and isolation-permits as well as developing, issuing, approving, and directing switching procedures.
Maintain SPC CA certification.
Responsible for final approval for switching transmission equipment out of service and response to unplanned transmission outages.
Successfully complete Nova Scotia Power's System Operator Training program to the level of Transmission System Operator.
Become NERC certified.
Committed to participation in the NERC Continuing Education Program by acquiring the required number of CE hours to maintain your Certification.
Function effectively in a 12-hour rotating shift environment, working an average of 42 hours per week depending on shift assignments.
Available to work additional shifts for emergency restoration or to support the continued operation of the desk.
Accountable for environmental performance as it relates to the environmental management system processes and initiatives.
Assist with training new system operators by sharing your expertise when appropriate.
Comply with NSPI’s Standards of Conduct.
Responsible for 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.

Benefits

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
Wellness benefits
Opportunities to advance within and between our affiliate companies
A focus on employee development
Available sponsored education programs
Corporate investments in the places where our people live and work
Mentoring opportunities
Fundraising-matching & volunteer programs
Various committees and employee resource groups
Scholarships for children of employees
A Defined Contribution Pension Plan