Permit Coordinator

Eetdbuyersguide; Calgary; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

TransAlta is seeking a dedicated Permit Coordinator for the Keephills Thermal Plant in Alberta. You will coordinate between Operations and Maintenance, manage work permits, and ensure safety and compliance across the site.

The role includes training on permit issuance, managing LOTO processes, and supporting outages and turnarounds. A strong focus on hazard identification and detailed documentation is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Power Engineering certification is required (2nd Class preferred).
• Experience in thermal generating or industrial operations environments.
• Strong knowledge of work permit systems, LOTO, and hazard identification.
• Ability to obtain full permit issuer authorization.

Responsibilities

• Issue, review, and approve work permits (e.g., hot work, confined space, electrical, mechanical).
• Verify hazard assessments and controls are in place prior to work start.
• Ensure permit receivers understand scope, conditions, and boundaries of work.
• Act as a trainer and evaluator for permit issuing and receiving.
• Prepare and issue Hot Work Certificates as required.
• Coordinate and verify equipment isolations and LOTO applications.
• Maintain accurate LOTO logs and permit documentation.
• Support safety compliance, audits, and incident investigations.
• Assist with outage and turnaround planning and coordination.

Skills

Permit systems

LOTO procedures

Hazard identification

Plant operations

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Safety awareness

Education

Power Engineering certification

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

TransAlta is seeking a dedicated and motivated Permit Coordinator to join our Thermal Operations team at the Keephills Thermal Plant.

As a Permit Coordinator, you will be primarily responsible for the day-to-day coordination between Operations and Maintenance teams, using the established Control of Work Management Processes in place at Alberta Thermal. This role follows a continuous day shift schedule, typically aligned with the mechanical maintenance schedule.

While routine operations and maintenance coordination is the primary focus, you will also support forced outage and turnaround activities as needed. Some shift work may be required.

This is a full-time, safety sensitive position based at our Keephills Thermal Plant, located 70 kilometers west of Edmonton, Alberta. Successful completion of pre-employment testing is a condition of employment.

This is a union position, covered under the terms of the Collective Agreement with the IBEW, Local 254.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Work Permit Management

• Issue, review, and approve work permits (e.g., hot work, confined space, electrical, mechanical)
• Verify required hazard assessments and controls are in place prior to work start
• Ensure permit receivers understand scope, conditions, and boundaries of work
• Act as a trainer and evaluator for permit issuing and receiving
• Prepare and issue Hot Work Certificates as required

Isolation & LOTO Coordination

• Coordinate and verify equipment isolations
• Ensure proper application of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures
• Maintain accurate tracking of locks, tags, isolation boundaries, and LOTO database/logs
• Verify lockout/tagout applications and support critical task isolation requirements
• Support audits and verification of isolation integrity

Field Oversight & Safety Compliance

• Conduct field tours and site inspections to ensure work is executed safely and within permit conditions
• Intervene when unsafe conditions or deviations are observed
• Ensure compliance with corporate safety standards, regulatory requirements, and collective agreement obligations
• Support incident investigations related to permits, isolations, or work execution
• Complete monthly LOTO audits and support site training updates

Coordination, Work Management & Planning

• Act as the central point of coordination between Operations, Maintenance, Planners, and Contractors
• Work closely with the on-shift operating crew to manage daily and ongoing activities
• Support daily and weekly planning, including outage and turnaround coordination
• Use SAP to manage work in progress, backlog, and prioritization
• Identify permit conflicts, constraints, and resource requirements to ensure safe and efficient execution

Documentation, Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate permit logs, LOTO tracking, and documentation
• Ensure traceability of isolations, tags, and approvals
• Complete required monthly reporting and support audits
• Support development and improvement of electronic permit and LOTO processes
• Act as a site subject matter expert and mentor

Emergency Response Support

• Assist operating crews in responding to EHS and production-related emergencies thereby maintaining and enhancing reputation and stakeholder relations

ABOUT YOU

• Power Engineering certification (2nd Class preferred; 3rd Class may be considered based on site needs)
• Experience in thermal generating or industrial operations environments
• Strong knowledge of work permit systems, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and hazard identification practices
• Demonstrated understanding of plant operations, equipment, and related work processes
• Ability to obtain full permit issuer authorization
• Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills
• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to safety, including the ability to identify and challenge unsafe work practices