Protection & Control Specialist

Northwest Employment Works; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 91,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary and bonus program

Share Purchase Plan with 10% top-up

Comprehensive pension plan

Job summary

Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc., a FortisOntario subsidiary, seeks a Protection & Control Specialist to support the safe, reliable operation of its 230/115/44 kV transmission network in northwestern Ontario.

Requires a Engineering degree (P.Eng eligible) or technologist, 7–10 years in protection and control; knowledge of IESO rules and IHSA safety rules; strong problem-solving and communication skills; valid Ontario G license; willingness to travel. Preference for First Nations experience.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree; eligible for or registered as a P.Eng. or Certified Engineering Technologist in Ontario.
• 7–10 years experience in protection and control, communications, or control room operations.
• Knowledge of IESO Market Rules, transmission systems, and bulk electrical system operations.
• Knowledge of IHSA Electrical Utility Safety Rules and the Utility Work Protection Code.
• Knowledge of protective relaying, SCADA, and networking concepts.
• Experience with transmission lines, substations, and protection systems.
• Experience with First Nations; Indigenous language skills are an asset.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Respect for Indigenous Peoples and languages.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license; willingness to travel to remote locations.

Responsibilities

• Support safe, reliable operation of Wataynikaneyap Power’s transmission system.
• Provide technical expertise in SCADA, system control, protection, and communications.
• Collaborate with teams; focus on safety, environmental responsibility, and Indigenous engagement.

Skills

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Engineering degree or Engineering Technology

Tools

SCADA systems

Protective relaying

Electrical utility operations

Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Become a team member for the largest Indigenous-led infrastructure project in Canada, which will connect 17 remote First Nation communities in Northern Ontario with clean, reliable, and accessible grid power! First Nation leadership owners of Wataynikaneyap established the Guiding Principles, endorsed by its partners, that set out expectations for the Company’s development, including respect for the land and First Nation way of life and is reflected in the company’s Guiding Principles.

Wataynikaneyap Power PM Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FortisOntario Inc., acts as the Project Manager of Wataynikaneyap Power LP (“Wataynikaneyap Power”). Wataynikaneyap Power is a licensed transmission entity, majority-owned by a partnership of 24 First Nation communities in partnership with Fortis Inc. and other private investors. The partnership is an unprecedented undertaking and has constructed 1,800 kilometres of 230 kV, 115 kV, and 44 kV transmission lines and 22 substations in northwestern Ontario. Located near Thunder Bay in our Fort William First Nation, ON office, Wataynikaneyap Power is currently recruiting for a talented:

Protection & Control Specialist

Full-Time Permanent Position

Reporting to the Director, Operations, the Protection & Control Specialist is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Wataynikaneyap Power’s transmission system. The role provides technical expertise in SCADA, system control, protection, and communications while supporting the organization’s commitment to Indigenous ownership, community engagement, and long-term stewardship of transmission assets. All work is carried out with a focus on safety, environmental responsibility, system reliability, and respectful collaboration with First Nation communities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree or diploma in Engineering or Engineering Technology, with eligibility for or registration as a P.Eng. or Certified Engineering Technologist in Ontario.
• 7-10 years experience related to protection and control, communications, and/or control room operations, preferably in a regulated electrical utility environment.
• Knowledge of IESO Market Rules, transmission systems, and bulk electrical system operations.
• Knowledge of IHSA Electrical Utility Safety Rules and the Utility Work Protection Code.
• Knowledge of protective relaying, SCADA systems, communications, and networking concepts.
• Experience in the planning, design, construction, and/or maintenance of transmission lines, substations, and protection systems.
• Experience working with First Nations; Indigenous language skills are considered an asset.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Respect for Indigenous Peoples, cultures, languages, and traditions.
• Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and satisfactory driver’s abstract.
• Travel to remote locations using various methods (helicopter, off-road vehicle, etc.) is required.

What we Offer

• This role offers a base compensation range of $90,500 - $113,000 based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
• Eligible for a target based annual bonus based on a percentage of annual salary up to 7.5%.
• Share Purchase Plan with Company paid 10% top-up.
• Comprehensive pension plan, benefits package, and paid time off.
• Health and wellness reimbursement policy.
• Opportunities for education reimbursement, professional development, and growth within the Company.

Application deadline is October 2, 2026

We are proud to partner with 24 First Nation communities and are committed to building an Indigenous workforce for the future of Wataynikaneyap Power. Reflecting this commitment, preference may be given to qualified candidates who self-identify as First Nations.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] and we will work with you to meet your needs.