System Operator

FortisAlberta Inc; Airdrie; Hybrid; CAD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

FortisAlberta Inc, based in Airdrie, is seeking a System Operator (U26-169) to monitor and control the distribution network in a 24/7 environment. You will coordinate switching, outages, and field staff while adhering to safety practices and FortisAlberta policies.

The role requires experience with SCADA, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate under high volume periods with rapid decision making.

Qualifications

• Thorough understanding of operation of distribution systems and electrical systems.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control distribution system using SCADA/permissions to field staff.
• Write/approve switching programs for maintenance/construction/restoration.
• Dispatch trouble calls and crews.
• Coordinate operations with other utilities/regions.
• Analyze outages to improve restoration practices.
• Respond to outages, alarms, and emergencies.
• Maintain System Status Log and generate reports.
• Coordinate load transfers with Operational Engineering.
• Communicate with stakeholders.
• Contribute to protection code and operating policies.
• Anticipate peak demand and plan accordingly.
• Drive process improvements and tool enhancements.
• Assist training and mentoring of new System Operators.
• Report deficiencies to Data Integrity Team.
• Perform special projects as assigned.

Skills

Distribution systems knowledge

Analytical skills

Interpersonal/communication skills

Process improvement

Time management

MS Office (Word/Excel/Outlook/SharePt)

Geography knowledge of service area

Education

Electrical Engineering Technology diploma

Journeyman Power Line Technician

Power Systems Electrician certificate

GIS certificate (asset)

Additional credential e.g. another electrical trade (asset)

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Company: FortisAlberta

ABOUT US

At FortisAlberta we invest in our greatest resource – our people. As Alberta’s largest electricity distribution provider, we are positioned for growth. Each day, FortisAlberta employees strive to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a focus on our commitment to safety.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 21, 2026

REPORTS TO:

TITLE: System Operator (U26-169)

DEPARTMENT: Operations

WORK LOCATION/OFFICE: Airdrie Highland Park

STATUS: 01 Full Time - Salaried

NUMBER OF HIRES: 2

DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Supervisor FCC Operations. The System Operator plays a primary role as the centralized Operator-In-Charge within the FortisAlberta Control Centre. Responsibilities include operating & monitoring the distribution network, coordinating power outages, facilitating switching, and communicating distribution network information in a 24/7 environment. The System Operator leads continuous improvement initiatives and ensures the coordination of field staff in a manner that adheres to FortisAlberta safe work practices.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to)

• Monitor and control the operation of the distribution system either by administering permissions and authorizations to field staff or by utilizing the SCADA system.
• Write, approve, and direct switching programs to establish conditions on the distribution system for maintenance, construction, commissioning, and restoration purposes in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Manage and dispatch trouble calls and crews.
• Coordinate system operations and switching with other utilities, REAs and independent power producers.
• Analyze planned and unplanned power outages with field staff to improve restoration practices.
• Respond to off-normal situations including outages, alarms and managing emergencies.
• Maintain System Status Log, enter information, prepare reports, and keep records as required by company policies.
• Coordinate with Operational Engineering to manage load transfers.
• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders as necessary.
• Provide input into development of FortisAlberta’s protection code and system operating policies and procedures.
• Anticipate peak demand periods or emergencies and proactively plan/coordinate the required work.
• Explore, identify, initiate, and lead improvements for processes, practices, and tools.
• Participate and provide input into the development and delivery of training materials and activities.
• Assist with the mentoring and coaching of new System Operators.
• Communicate with the Data Integrity Team to report deficiencies.
• Special projects and other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Thorough understanding of the operation of distribution systems, electrical systems, and/or other relevant experience required to operate the system efficiently and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to build trusted relationships and work collaboratively as part of a large team.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills in dealing with and internal and external customers.
• Ability to analyze information and make decisions independently during high volume periods and under stressful conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to continuous improvement, challenge the ‘status quo’ and provide sound recommendations to improve processes.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities and competing demands.
• Working knowledge of computer applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint) and ability to learn and understand new and advanced applications.
• Knowledge of FortisAlberta service territory geography.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• An Electrical Engineering Technology diploma, Journeyman Power Line Technician, or Power Systems Electrician certificate is required.
• Qualified Applicants must receive an overall rating of “recommended” in a psychometric test administered by a third-party vendor to continue in the job selection process.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A certificate in GIS is considered an asset.
• A second credential, such as an Electrical Engineering Technologist, Journeyman Power Line Technician, or Power System Electrician, is considered an asset.
• Experience with SCADA or an Advanced Distribution Management System / Outage Management System is considered an asset.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Participation in standby and occasional overtime during emergencies is required.
• Business needs dictate that the successful applicants must live within one hundred (100) kilometres of the Airdrie FortisAlberta Control Centre or a distance that allows a maximum sixty (60) minute response time to the Airdrie FortisAlberta Control Centre.
• Hours of work are based on an 8 or 12 hour rotational shift as determined by business requirements.
• This has been identified as a safety-sensitive position. All successful candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.
• Candidates being considered for this position may be subject to psychometric testing.
• Candidates being considered will be subject to colour vision deficiency test.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates to be considered for an interview will be contacted.

If you receive an error message when applying, please contact the system administrator at: [e-mail]