Job Summary

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.