System Operator - Hydro

The Opportunity
Company, Department:
Nova Scotia Power, Control Centre Operations

Location:

Ragged Lake, Nova Scotia

Type of Employment:
Regular, Full Time

Salary: $58.55 per hour as per IBEW Collective Agreement Local 1928

Closing Date:
September 23, 2026

We are looking for a System Operator - Hydro to join our team. Reporting to the System Control Manager, you will join a team of professionals at our Ragged Lake location.

Key elements of this role include:

The Hydro System Operator is accountable for the safe and reliable operation of the Hydro Generating systems and Western/Valley 69kV transmission system through the use of SCADA and other management systems.

You must maintain voltage levels within normal and emergency operating limits and assist the Transmission System Operator in the operation of the bulk power system within the parameters established by Good Utility Practice, NPCC and NERC.

You are responsible to assist Hydro Production by dispatching hydro generation to a daily schedule or as directed by the Balancing Authority (Energy System Operator) and hydro operations staff.

You will maintain hydro system operations within established limits for public safety and environmental operating permits.

You are responsible for the secure and reliable operation of the 69

Kv Western/Valley transmission system without exceeding system operating limits (SOL) directing re-dispatch of generation to maintain limits and directing regional personnel as required.

You must maintain accurate and detailed logs. This position is also responsible for head-pond management at each of the hydro sites using SCADA Telemetered equipment while following all environmental and regulatory requirements that are unique to each of the sites.

You will be responsible for tactical dispatch and deployment of routine and emergency-response crews.

You will ensure the communication of outage related information to NSPI customers and other major stakeholder groups including the DCC is done accurately and timely.

You will understand and operate: SCADA (including; load flow, contingency analysis, automatic generation control (AGC), alarm monitoring and response), PI system, FM Radio, Control Centre database applications (including; system operations trouble reporting (SOTR), substation entry logs (SEL), Hold-off and Permit log system), and other related energy management software applications.

You must be capable of interpreting color coded system information.

You will be knowledgeable of NSPI operating criteria, procedures, practices and guidelines including the implementation of emergency response plans/procedures as they relate to the hydro and transmission systems, fibre-optic/microwave data communication equipment, oil releases, SCADA alarms and the Standard Protection Code (SPC).

You will effectively respond to system emergencies as directed by the Transmission System Operator.

As the SPC Control Authority, you will be responsible for issuing hold-offs and isolation-permits as well as developing or approving and directing switching procedures.

You will be compliant with the SPC at all times.

You are responsible for final approval for switching transmission and hydro generation equipment out of service and reacting to transmission and hydro generation equipment outages on a forced basis by dispatching appropriate personnel, preparing, approving or directing switching and restoration activities when necessary.

You must be willing to participate in and successfully complete training, which includes competency-based training skills, related to hydro system operations.

The training program may include on shift self study and attendance at meetings outside of the normal shift cycle.

NERC Certification may be a requirement for this position in the future. You will function effectively in a 12 hour rotating shift environment, working an average of 42 hours per week depending on shift assignments.

You will be available to work additional shifts for emergency restoration or to support the continued operation of the desk.

The most recent Operator hired on the desk fills the role of the spare position (if available) and may fulfill multi-desk coverage as experience permits.

You will be responsible for your personal safety, that of co-workers, and those under your direction by observing and ensuring compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety Rules and Regulations.

You will be accountable for environmental performance as it relates to the environmental management system processes and initiatives.

You will comply with NSPI’s Standards of Conduct.

This position is considered a safety sensitive position. As such, the successful candidate must comply with the Emera Alcohol and Drug Policy which requires a confidential pre-employment alcohol and drug test in accordance with the Emera Alcohol and Drug Procedure.

These skills will make you successful:
To thrive in this role, you recognize yourself in most of the following competencies and skills listed below:

You will have a…