System Operator, Energy

Company, Department: Nova Scotia Power, Regional Marketing Control Centre

Location: Ragged Lake, Nova Scotia

Salary: $58.25 per hour as per IBEW Collective Agreement Local 1928

Closing Date: December 25, 2024

We are looking for a Energy System Operator to join our team. Reporting to the System Control Manager, you will work with a team of professionals at our Ragged Lake location.

• The Energy System Operator is accountable for the safe and reliable operation and dispatch of all NSPI transmission connected generation facilities as well as the interconnected tie lines.
• 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 “Control Authority” 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.

To thrive in this role, you recognize yourself in most of the following competencies and skills 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’ 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.

We understand that experience comes in many forms, and we’re dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. So, if your experience is close to what we’ve listed above, please consider applying.