Job Description

Role: Lead Plant Operator
Location: White River, ON
Duration: Permanent
Salary: $100,000 - $120,000

Interested in joining a growing infrastructure and renewable energy organization? We are looking for a Lead Operator for an existing vacancy on our Operations team located near White River, ON. This vital leadership role encompasses the safe, effective, and efficient operation of the facility. You will lead by example in promoting operator and plant safety, while working to reduce downtime due to any unplanned outages and maintenance. Through regular site attendance, you will assume the primary responsibility for overseeing the smooth operations of the plant and its operations team.

This is a unique opportunity to work closely with a group of highly skilled and multidisciplinary operators while contributing to the delivery of green energy to the provincial transmission grid. If you have a can-do attitude, take pride and ownership in your work, and appreciate beautiful and diverse Canadian geographies, this role is for you. We are committed to our shared goals of community, growth and recognition, and building the foundation for your future.

With 100+ projects across Canada, the United States, Bermuda, and Chile, the organization’s investments include roads, rail, hospitals, airports, solar, hydro, and wind generation facilities. The company has a demonstrated track record of success and a plan for significant growth in the energy transition, transportation, and digital infrastructure sectors.

What You Will Do

• Act as the Person in Charge (PIC) at the facility to ensure safe operations of the plant and safety of operators and any third parties who may be present. Respond in a timely and safe manner to any issues that arise at the facility.
• Supervise, coordinate, and train the operations staff to promptly address and/or troubleshoot routine and non-routine tasks, ensuring remote coverage and outage response is available on a 24/7 basis.
• Maintain and organize operation and production reports, procedures, safety plans, training, and maintenance records. Provide reports as required to Managers.
• Supervise, provide for, and assist any contractors hired to do work at the station.
• Operate heavy equipment (backhoe, etc.) and other construction equipment as required to affect repairs, maintenance and/or cleaning of debris.
• Monitor dam infrastructure, spillways, and powerhouse systems to ensure proper functionality and safe operation.
• Work with the Managers to operate the facility in adherence with environmental commitments and the overall water management and operating strategies.
• Keep the facility safe, clean, and presentable at all times.
• Provide regular and timely basic maintenance to the various equipment of the facility, as described in the relevant Operations & Maintenance Manuals, and according to any extra instruction as provided by the Managers. Regular maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting and repairs may be related to the following:
• Mechanical systems, such as hydraulic power units, pneumatic compressors, back-up generators, and bearings.
• Electrical systems, such as control panels, plant computers, UPS, and network equipment.
• All vehicles and equipment used for transportation to and on the site.
• All other equipment, such as safety equipment, fire extinguishers, tools etc.
• Roadways onsite, including snow removal, brushing, grading ditching, and culvert maintenance.
• Buildings and grounds including vegetation control, brush control and landscaping.
• Troubleshooting other minor electrical and mechanical failures.
• Operate and maintain medium and high voltage substation(s) and transmission lines.
• Operation of plant, starting and stopping of the units as necessary.
• Represent the Owner of the Site to the public and First Nations partners.
• Assist with procurement, pickup and delivery of components required for the facility operations.
• Liaise with IESO, WLRS, and other agencies regarding operational issues.

What You Bring

• Experience: You have a minimum of 10 years’ work experience with demonstrated relevant or transferable experience. Previous experience in a hydro setting is an asset.
• Education: You have an education and background in engineering, skilled trades and/or a related field. Electrical education/experience is considered a strong asset.
• Key Skills: You are able to interpret electrical, mechanical, and civil schematics and possess strong analytic and troubleshooting skills for industrial type applications. You are comfortable with technology and computers with proficiency in Microsoft Office based programs (e.g. Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.). You are a reliable self-starter with a willingness to work as a contributing team member.
• Time Management: You are able to prioritize tasks and work with minimal supervision. You have flexibility for extended on-site stays during severe weather, periods of high debris removal, and flooding conditions and availability for on-call responses and/or emergencies 24/7/365.
• Health & Safety: You are knowledgeable about and have a strong awareness of health, safety, and environmental programs and protocols. You are comfortable in remote wilderness settings and possess or are willing to acquire and keep current all required safety training. You are comfortable with and able to operate construction equipment and other motorized vehicles including snowmobiles.