Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

Source: BC Hydro

Job Title: Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

Job Location: Langley, British Columbia, Canada, V2Y 0E2

Hourly Rate: $ 38.37

Number of Positions: 6

Powered by water... and by people like you. Providing clean electricity to 4 million customers takes a diverse workforce and that’s where you come in. We need your talent to help us build major projects to meet growing demand. To help our customers find clean energy solutions for their homes and businesses and to be ready to respond during storms and outages to keep our system reliable.

Working for BC Hydro is meaningful. And now, the stakes have been raised as we work towards a solution to climate change while safely providing clean, affordable electricity to our customers.

We offer a healthy work life balance, training opportunities and career progression. We're proud to be ranked as one of B.C.'s Top Employers and one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers. Join us as we build an even cleaner B.C.

JOB DESCRIPTION

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

• High school graduation with Physics 11, Math 11 and English 12, 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.
• Valid class 7 BC driver´s license or higher, or equivalent from other provinces.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

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

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.

Your driving record (i.e. ICBC Driver's Abstract - http://www.icbc.com/driver-licensing/getting-licensed/Pages/Your-driving-record.aspx)

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.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications online at https://app.bchydro.com/careers/current_opp.html by October 28, 2024.

Click here to access the job posting or visit the BC Hydro “Current Opportunities” Careers page to view and apply for jobs.

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On the BC Hydro Careers site, click on the Apply button in order to complete the steps to apply for this job. Please be sure to update your Candidate Profile with your current resume and include copies of your certifications, if applicable.

We're always looking for exceptional people to bring new ideas, fresh thinking and the motivation to help shape the electricity system in B.C. It's an exciting time to be a part of our team as we invest in our system and prepare to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Our values guide our work. Want to join us?

We are safe.

We are here for our customers.

We are one team.

We include everyone.

We act with integrity and respect.

We are forward thinking.

BC Hydro is an equal opportunity employer.

We include everyone. We welcome applications from anyone, including members of visible minorities, women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

We are also happy to provide reasonable accommodations throughout the selection process and while working at BC Hydro. If you require support applying online because you are a person with a disability, please contact us at Recruitmenthelp@BCHydro.com

Flexible work model role definitions

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Our four role types identify the degree of flexibility an employee could have to work from home based on the type of work they do. The flexibility for an individual job is up to the manager for each position and the operational requirements. Employees also have the right to work full-time from the office if they prefer. All of our roles require at least some in-person time.

IBEW/Field – No option to work from home

Resident – Works primarily (4+ days per week) in the office.

Hybrid – May be able to work from home up to 3 days per week.

Remote – Works from home 4+ days per week