Oshawa Power | Control Room Operator

The MEARIE Group; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

Oshawa Power is seeking a skilled Control Room Operator to ensure safe, reliable real-time operation of distribution and sub-transmission systems. You will monitor SCADA/ADMS/GIS, authorize switching, coordinate with field crews and authorities, and manage outages and restoration with a focus on safety and reliability.

The role requires a three-year college diploma in electrical tech, certification as an E.O. or progression through MEARIE program, and strong knowledge of UWPC rules.

Qualifications

• Three-year college diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field.
• MEARIE Operator-in-Training Program completion and EDA Journeyperson Electrical Operator certification required.
• OACETT certification (C.E.T./C.Tech.) is an asset.
• Current UWPC certification is required.
• Minimum four years of experience in electrical distribution-system operations.
• Experience with SCADA, ADMS, GIS, switching orders, work protection, load transfers and service restoration.
• Ontario Class G driver's licence with a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Real-time operation and control of distribution, sub-transmission and station systems during all conditions.
• Monitor SCADA, ADMS, GIS and alarms; identify and correct abnormal conditions.
• Authorize and direct operations of switches, breakers and equipment.
• Coordinate planned/off-normal switching and work protection with field crews and authorities.
• Dispatch field personnel during outages and emergencies and restore service safely.
• Maintain accurate operating records, switching logs and outage reports.
• Provide training support and ensure safety and compliance with UWPC and EUSR procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Decision making

Safety awareness

Problem solving

Education

Three-year college diploma (Electrical Engineering Technology)

MEARIE Operator-in-Training Program

EDA Journeyperson Electrical Operator certification

OACETT certification (C.E.T./C.Tech.)

UWPC certification

Tools

SCADA

ADMS

GIS

UWPC procedures

Job description

CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

Oshawa Power Group of Companies is a parent company of fiber optic, district energy and renewable generation businesses, and the local electricity distribution company that supplies electricity to more than 63,000 customers in the city of Oshawa. Located just 45 minutes east of Toronto off the shores of Lake Ontario, Oshawa serves as the economic engine for the Durham Region. Oshawa Power maintains 1000 km of overhead and underground distribution lines within a 150 km2 service territory, operated at 44 and 13.8 kV, supplied by 9 distribution and 3 transmission substations. The organization is committed to the safe, reliable and efficient delivery of electricity through responsible financial management, strategic reinvestment and continuous innovation.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Manager, Distribution Construction, the Control Room Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient real-time operation and control of the company’s electrical distribution and sub-transmission systems during normal, planned, abnormal and emergency conditions.

As a designated Controlling Authority, the position monitors system conditions, authorizes and directs switching, administers work protection, coordinates field response and manages power restoration while protecting employees, contractors, the public and electrical equipment.

Hourly Rate: $44.99- $59.23 per our Collective Agreement with IBEW 636

Vacancy Type: Replacement

AS THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT, YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE INVOLVED WITH:

System Operations & Monitoring

• Exercise real-time operational control of the company’s distribution, sub-transmission and station systems during normal, planned, abnormal and emergency conditions.
• Monitor SCADA, ADMS, GIS, alarms, voltage, loading, equipment status and other operating information; identify abnormal conditions and take or direct timely corrective action to maintain safe and reliable system operation.
• Authorize and direct the safe operation of switches, breakers, reclosers, intelligent field devices, station equipment and other electrical apparatus.
• Monitor feeder, station, transformer and equipment loading; respect established ratings and operating limits and initiate or recommend corrective action.
• Use automated and self-healing distribution devices to support sectionalizing, fault isolation, load transfer and service restoration.

Switching & Work Protection

• Prepare, check, issue and administer switching orders, Orders to Operate, Hold-Offs, work permits and other work protection documents in accordance with the Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC), Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR), and company procedures.
• Control and authorize operational access to electrical plant and equipment in accordance with the UWPC, EUSR, and company procedures.
• Review planned work with field crews, supervisors, contractors and authorized parties to confirm system configuration, isolation requirements, operating sequences and appropriate work protection.
• Direct overhead, underground, station and sub-transmission switching for planned work, system reconfiguration, load transfers, equipment isolation and service restoration.

Outage & Emergency Response

• Coordinate planned and unplanned interruptions; dispatch and direct field personnel to investigate trouble, isolate hazards, complete emergency repairs and safely restore service.
• Assess disturbances and establish restoration priorities that protect public and employee safety, safeguard equipment, maintain system integrity and minimize customer impact.
• Respond to emergencies involving downed conductors, damaged equipment, fires, motor-vehicle incidents, public hazards and possible life-safety concerns.

Coordination & Communication

• Coordinate planned and emergency switching, supply interruptions, load transfers and station operations with Hydro One’s control centre.
• Communicate with the IESO, Electrical Safety Authority, emergency services, neighbouring LDCs, contractors, major customers and other authorities as required.
• Provide clear operational direction to field personnel and accurate, timely outage and system information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Respond professionally to customer inquiries involving outages, partial power, voltage concerns and other distribution-system conditions, and arrange investigation as required.

Operating Records, Systems & Improvement

• Maintain accurate operating diagrams, maps, open-point records, equipment status information, switching records, outage records, operating logs and required reports.
• Support investigations of system events, equipment operations, interruptions, power-quality concerns and feeder performance, and assist with corrective actions.
• Assist with the development and continuous improvement of operating procedures, emergency and restoration plans, switching practices and System Control Center processes.

Training, Safety & Other Requirements

• Provide instruction and operational support to Apprentice or backup operators and maintain required technical, safety, emergency-response and cybersecurity training.
• Comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, applicable regulations, UWPC, EUSR, company policies and safe work practices.
• Available for emergency response, overtime and call-ins on an as-needed basis in accordance with established schedules and the collective agreement. Rotational shifts may be introduced in the future and would be included in the collective agreement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU HAVE TO OFFER

Education:

• Three-year college diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Engineering Technology or a related electrical discipline; an equivalent combination of relevant utility experience, education and technical training may be considered.
• Successful completion of the MEARIE Operator-in-Training Program and certification as an EDA Journeyperson Electrical Operator is required.
• OACETT certification, or eligibility for certification, as a C.E.T. or C.Tech. is considered an asset.
• Current UWPC certification is required.

Experience:

• Minimum four years of progressively responsible experience in electrical distribution-system operations, System Control Center operations, utility field operations, protection and control, stations or a directly related electrical utility function.
• Demonstrated experience with SCADA, ADMS, GIS, switching orders, work protection, system isolations, load transfers and service restoration.
• Experience coordinating field crews and external authorities during planned work, outages and emergencies.
• Experience operating 13.8 kV distribution and 44 kV sub-transmission systems, including associated stations and protection schemes, is preferred.

Required Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of overhead and underground distribution, sub-transmission, transformer stations, protection schemes and associated equipment.
• Advanced knowledge and practical application of the UWPC, electrical isolation, switching and work-protection principles.
• Strong understanding of electrical fundamentals, loading, voltage, equipment ratings, fault response, system restoration and operating contingencies.
• Ability to interpret and maintain single-line diagrams, operating maps, schematics, wiring diagrams, engineering drawings and switching documents.
• Ability to assess complex, changing conditions and make timely, accurate and defensible operating decisions with minimal supervision.
• Advanced problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to remain calm and decisive during outages and emergencies.
• High accuracy and attention to detail when preparing and administering operating and work-protection documents.
• Strong organization and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate simultaneous switching, outage, dispatch and communication activities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear and unambiguous direction by radio, telephone and electronic systems.
• Ability to direct field activities and establish operational priorities without direct supervisory authority.
• Professional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with employees, contractors, customers, emergency services, regulators and other utilities.
• Proficiency with SCADA, ADMS, GIS, Microsoft Office and other operational technology systems.
• Strong commitment to safety, system reliability, customer service, teamwork, respect and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work established schedules and maintain the concentration required to safely manage multiple concurrent activities, including rotational shifts if introduced in the future.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s licence with a driving record satisfactory to the company.

Oshawa Power embraces and celebrates our collective diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace built on respect, support, and collaboration. Oshawa Power is an equal opportunity employer. We value an inclusive and supportive workplace which truly reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome all individuals to apply and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, Indigenous/Métis status, or other legally protected status.

In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation is available upon request at any point during the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please email us at [e-mail] and we will work to meet your needs.