Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

Hours of work: Full-time (37.5 hrs/week)

Hourly Salary: $ 38.37

No. of positions: 4

About the job:

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
• 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 or equivalency
• 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

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 minimum of 15 paid vacation days
• 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)

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 stressf