Distribution System Technician (Substation & Protection Control)

Oakville Hydro delivers reliable and safe electricity to more than 77,000 individuals, families, and businesses in the Town of Oakville. The company maintains an active commitment to conservation, safety, and is strongly invested in the social and economic well-being of the Oakville community. Oakville Hydro is a two-time recipient of the Local Distribution Company Performance Excellence Award from the Electricity Distributors Association, as well as a Centre of Excellence Award from the Canadian Electricity Association. Oakville Hydro has also been recognized as one of Canada’s Safest Employers.

At Oakville Hydro, we believe that our continued success as an industry leader is due to our innovative, customer focused, team-oriented employees who continually strive to exceed customer expectations and take pride in all areas of our businesses.

Distribution System Technician (Substation & Protection Control

About the Role

We are looking for a dynamic individual with exceptional customer service and technical skills. Working in a non-routine and complex environment, the Protection and Control Technician is accountable for the installation and maintenance of OH’s state-of-the-art systems that protect and control the distribution of electrical power.

Duties include:

- Utilize grid intelligence to manage the distribution system with over 215 automated field devices

- Install and maintain the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, substation batteries, switchgear, transformers, and breaker protection relays

- Perform necessary tasks to ensure all devices in the substations are reliable, accurate and safe (inspect, install, calibrate, test, maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade)

- Install, set up, and program equipment to automate devices in the field

- Repair and maintain mobile radios

- Install and maintain supervisory controlled motor operated line switches

- Hands on repairs of electronic equipment and testing

- Install and maintain equipment that allows the remote control of high voltage field switches

- Program, develop, and monitor new systems relating to database, displays and tests

- Maintain accurate records for installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment

- Work in compliance with all health and safety and environmental legislations

- Other duties assigned by supervisor

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

- Journeyperson Substation Electrician

- Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology Diploma

- MEARIE Trades Training – Substation Electrician or equivalent

- Experience in Protection and Control would be considered an asset

- 2 years’ experience as a Journeyperson Substation Electrician or equivalent role

- Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License and an excellent driving record

- Extensive electrical and electronic knowledge and some mechanical knowledge

- Ability to read and interpret schematic and logic diagrams

- Skilled in operating instruments and interpret instrument reading

- Demonstrated proficiency in a Windows environment and associated software applications including DOS, Telnet, and PowerShell

- Good understanding and debugging skills on serial and Ethernet networks/communications

- Basic understanding of wireless communication

- Ability to work effectively with hand tools

- Have skills in Protection relay testing and configuration software (e.g., SEL AcSELerator, GE EnerVista)

- Experience with SCADA systems and communication protocols, including DNP3 and Modbus, is considered an asset

- Ability to do physical work in various outdoor conditions

Successful Oakville Hydro employees:

- Are customer-centric – they understand and embrace the role of delivering exemplary service

- Lead – they lead by example through their actions and attitudes

- Innovate – they look for opportunities to improve, do things differently, and add value for our customers and business

- Commit to Excellence – in all that they do

We promote a culture that is diverse, inclusive, innovative, and performance driven in an environment that is fun and exciting. Individuals who choose to be a part of our organization are offered:

- Potential to lead innovative projects and initiatives

- Career path exploration and development opportunities

- Opportunities to get involved with teams and charitable events that support the community

- Comprehensive total reward package

Other Success Factors:

- Be a Brand ambassador – enable, engage, encourage, and exemplify the behaviours and attitudes of the brand

- Stay a step ahead – make a priority to be in-tune with key industry disruptions, such as electrification of transportation, grid modernization, and Smart Grid

- Communicate – stay informed of company events, industry news, and advancement in technologies

- Is customer centric and displays an attitude of commitment and excellence with service delivery

- Have a futuristic and proactive mindset with the ability to foresee problems and act as required

- Be a creative thinker with strong planning, organization, and execution skills

- Have strong planning and problem-solving skills with the proven ability to identify, analyze and correct unusual occurrences within systems and considers all relevant information when making a decision

- Displays keen attention to detail and prioritize accordingly in a demanding, fast-paced environment

- Is a fast learner who can adapt to an ever-changing environment

- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

- Embraces a culture of innovation and continuous improvement

Oakville Hydro is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Oakville Hydro will provide accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process. If selected to participate in the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, please inform People Excellence team of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require.