System Operator (Relief)

City of Saskatoon; Saskatoon; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Saskatoon seeks an Electrical Engineering Technologist II to supervise System Control within SaskPower’s Grid Control Centre and Saskatoon Light & Power. You will monitor and control the electric system, upgrade SCADA, and provide leadership during outages and normal operations.

You will program RTUs/PLCs, manage switching, generate reports, and train standby personnel. Knowledge of SCADA, Survalent, and power systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a recognized two-year Electrical Engineering Technology program.
• Eligible for Professional Technologist registration with Technology Professionals Saskatchewan.
• Seven to nine years' related experience in an electrical utility.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem-solving skills under pressure.
• Experience as System Operator is an asset; Survalent/SCADA exposure is an asset.
• Valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence and SGI driving record.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control electrical system equipment to ensure safe, efficient operation.
• Maintain and upgrade SCADA system equipment and related infrastructure.
• Program, test, and commission RTUs and PLCs; establish field communication with SCADA.
• Prepare reports and control routines; manage system databases and displays.
• Coordinate switching via SCADA and maintain logs and schematics.

Skills

Analytical skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-solving

Communication

Leadership / supervision

Emergency response

SCADA understanding

Education

Electrical Engineering Technology diploma

Tools

AutoCAD

SCADA systems (Survalent)

Job description

This position is a IBEW 319 position and will be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Should it not be filled in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, external candidates will be considered.

Job Summary

During the absence of the System Operator and assigned rotational schedules, under the supervision of the Senior Project Management Engineer in charge of Smart Grid, this position oversees System Control at Saskatoon Light & Power.

This position monitors and controls the electrical system equipment to ensure its safe and efficient operation and maintains and upgrades all Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system equipment. This position also provides leadership for the system and authorizes any switching outside the normal operating state.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitors the electric system for abnormal conditions and promptly takes appropriate action to restore electrical power safely and to return the system to a secure state, following outages or system disturbances.
• Maintains and updates Outage Management Systems during outages and abnormal system conditions.
• Operates, maintains and troubleshoots SCADA system and related infrastructure.
• Programs, tests, commissions and adjusts RTUs, PLCs and associated field instrumentation to establish communication between field devices and SCADA system.
• Performs routine backups of the SCADA system computer files and assists with software upgrades.
• Edits the SCADA system database and displays to reflect electrical system changes. Prepares specialized reports and custom control routines.
• Monitors the electric system and takes appropriate action to ensure that electrical power flows are within the capability of system equipment, that system voltages are within acceptable levels and the system is operating efficiently, which may include the control of power factor or peak demand, economical acquisition of bulk supply and minimizing losses.
• Sets appropriate alarm points to protect the system from abnormalities and manages the alarm points.
• Updates SAIDI and CAIFI indices monthly and reports to independent bodies like Electricity Canada.
• Prepares switching procedures and performs switching via the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. Maintains logs of all switching operations and keeps equipment status accurately marked on the system schematics and virtual maps.
• Ensures that the appropriate reports and logs are completed for all power interruptions and component failures and are filed accordingly.
• Assists with the investigation of customer voltage complaints, the analysis of electrical system operating data and various other studies.
• Acts as a liaison between SaskPower’s Grid Control Centre and Saskatoon Light & Power.
• Trains Standby Personnel as necessary.
• Performs the duties of an Electrical Engineering Technologist II during the assigned rotation schedule.
• Provides technical guidance and support as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• Graduation from a recognized, two-year, post-secondary Electrical Engineering Technology program.
• Eligible for registration as a Professional Technologist with Technology Professionals Saskatchewan.
• Seven to nine years' related experience in an electrical utility with significant exposure in at least two fields: Transmission, Distribution, Substation, or Network System.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Previous experience as a System Operator will be considered an asset.
• Exposure to the Survalent platform or any other similar SCADA Systems will be considered an asset.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Current driver's abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to supervise staff effectively.
• Demonstrated skill in the use of a computer with spreadsheet, database and AutoCAD software.
• Knowledge of the theory relating to electrical power systems.
• Knowledge of personal computers and computer programming.
• Ability to perform system power flow and voltage calculations.
• Ability to work effectively in emergency situations.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide effective direction to others.
• Ability to communicate effectively with field staff over the trunk radio system
• Ability to recognize hazardous situations or conditions.

Weekly Hours: Variable

Salary Range: $57.93 CADper hour (2026rates)

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

The City of Saskatoon offers an inclusive workplace that embraces diverse backgrounds. As an equity partner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC), the City commits to diversity, equity and inclusion in our workplaces. By having our workforce reflect the community we serve, we support the realization of miyo-pimatisiwin, (me-o-pi-ma-ti-si-win) “the good life”, for all residents. To learn more about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the City, please visit Saskatoon.ca/diversity

Accommodation

The City of Saskatoon strives to provide an accessible and inclusive workplace for all, including throughout the application and selection process through reasonable access and accommodations. Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].

While we appreciate all applications we receive, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Our Recruitment Process: Application > Posting Closes > Resume Review > Pre-screen/Interview > Offer > Pre-Employment Conditions > Welcome to the City