Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

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At BC Hydro, we’re working towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for all British Columbians and need

people like you to help us. A career at BC Hydro is meaningful and provides you the opportunity to be part of a talented,

inclusive, and diverse team. We offer a healthy work-life balance, competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package,

and training opportunities to support you in your career growth. We're proud to be ranked as one of B.C.'s Top Employers

and one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers.

We invite you to join us as we build an even cleaner B.C. We welcome applications from all qualified job seekers. If you’re a

person with a disability, please let us know by emailing RecruitmentHelp@bchydro.com, as adjustments can be made to

help support you in your application process.

Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

Number of positions: 6 Job Location: Surrey Trades Training Centre

Employment type: Apprentice Region: Lower Mainland

Hours of work: Full-time (37.5 hrs/wk) Flexible Work Role: Field

Hourly Rate: $ 38.37

What you'll do

An Interchange Plant Operator (IPO) is a qualified electrical worker responsible for the remote operation of small hydro-

electric plants as assigned by Operating Orders. In addition, the role is responsible for implementation of the Open Access

Transmission Tariff in real-time including the determination of Net Interchange Schedules with adjacent Balancing

Authorities including curtailing said schedules on direction from the System Operator.

The successful candidate will:

- Learn the switching and operation of power system equipment in generating stations and electrical substations

- Learn about the control of water flows at generating stations for power production, recreation and fisheries needs

- Learn the computer system tools and processes for facilitating the transmission and power market

- Work rotating shifts - in a 365 days/year operation while calmly and confidently handling emergencies as they occur

What you bring

- High school graduation with English 12, Math 11 and Physics 11 (Note: Electrician Red Seal is an acceptable equivalent

to Physics 11) or equivalent courses taken at College or University level.

- Where equivalent or higher status is claimed, documentation from the educational institution or the Ministry of Education

must be provided by the applicant that will show equivalency or a higher level of the required Math, English and Physics

courses taken

- Successful completion of related post-secondary courses will be considered an asset

- Must be in good health with normal colour vision

- Electrical / mechanical aptitude and an analytical approach to problem solving are essential

- Must have the ability to work shift work

What we offer

THE BENEFITS

Besides having a challenging and satisfying career, you're paid while you learn and have an excellent benefit package.

Apprentices earn 75% of the full trade rate, with the starting apprentice rate at $38.37. The journeyperson rate is $51.16.

- A comprehensive benefits package

- A minimum of 15 paid vacation days

- A lifetime pension

- Flexible work model, depending on your role type

- Training and development courses

For more information on the benefits we offer, visit bchydro.com/benefits.

What else you should know

This position is affiliated with the international Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union (IBEW local 258) www.ibew258.bc.

ca

THE PROGRAM

- The Apprentice IPO will undergo a 12 month competency based training program to develop their skillset towards

becoming a qualified IPO journeyperson.

- The training is comprised of Self Study modules targeted at the essential knowledge components of the position. On the

Job (OTJ) task lists to focus on the essential skills of the position. Field trip assignments including 5 days of dedicated

training at a major hydro-electric facility and 2 days of dedicated training at small hydro-electric facilities focusing on water

conveyance.

- The A&TTC will provide oversight in accordance with Appendix “B”.

- Upon completion of the training program and authorization testing, the Apprentice IPO will receive an IPO graduation

certificate

- Selected applicants to the program must commit to a minimum of two (2) years’ time in role in the IPO classification. The

time-in-role requirement does not include time spent in training.

- Upon graduation, the trainee will become an IPO with the associated hourly wage rate.

THE LOCATION

Apprentice IPO’s work at the control center in Langley, BC with the exception of field site visits as required by the program.

THE FUTURE

You will work at the control centre in Langley. Opportunities for advancement exist as you gain experience, demonstrate

your expertise, and show a willingness to learn. We are also building capacity at our Vernon office (SIO) and this may be a

future location opportunity.

THE DEMANDS

Because Interchange Plant Operators communicate with field personnel by telephone or radio, sometimes under very

stressful or emergency conditions, spoken English must be excellent. Confidence in providing clear directions to others and

the ability to deal with competing demands is strongly desired. Applicants should be able to work 24/7 shifts, handle detail

and stress well, and be able to plan tasks and communicate clearly in critical situations.

- For more details around the IPO/LO Apprenticeship, see Letter of Understanding (LOU) dated April 11, 2017.

- A condition of employment for this job is that you obtain and maintain North American Electric Reliability Corporation

(NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP).

- BC Hydro conducts pre-placement medical checks of applicants entering certain positions to help safeguard BC Hydro’s

workplace. As part of the selection process, you may be required to demonstrate successful completion of a pre-placement

medical check.

- This position is a “Safety Sensitive” Position.

- Please ensure you submit a complete and comprehensive application package, making sure you include: Cover letter,

Resume (include street address and mailing address if different, email address and phone contacts), Proof of pre-requisite

completion: electronic copies of official / unofficial school transcripts from your educational institution confirming grade 12

graduation, including Physics 11, Math 11 and English 12

- Electronic copies of official / unofficial school transcripts from any post-secondary institution that you have attended

(university, college or trade school), particularly if you are claiming equivalent Math, English and Physics courses taken at

the college / university level

Please be advised that this role has been assessed as safety sensitive and pre-qualification alcohol and drug testing will be

required as a pre-condition to employment.

Location: Langley, BC, Canada V2Y 0E2

Date Posted: 2025-08-11 Closing Date: 2025-09-05

For internal use 52101218