Job Description

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Requisition ID: 19506
Location: Toronto, hybrid
Status: Regular
Business Unit: Planning, Conservation & Resource Adequacy

Why join us?

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.

Who we are

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The opportunity

Under the general direction of the Senior Manager, Transmission Planning, the Supervisor, Transmission Planning, exercises full supervisory responsibilities of a transmission planning group including the administration of assigned processes, work programs and projects.

The Supervisor, Transmission Planning, will support the Senior Manager, Transmission Planning, in meeting their accountabilities by supervising staff, assigning work and ensuring quality of work related to some or all of:

The development of bulk and regional transmission plans for the 1 to 20-year time frame. These plans are developed in accordance with Government policies and applicable standards
The implementation of established bulk and regional transmission system plans
The provision of advice on transmission matters to the Ontario Government to support development of the Long Term Energy Plan (LTEP) and the implementation of LTEP
The completion of feasibility studies for new connections to the IESO controlled grid
The provision of support for the procurement of conservation and supply resources through Markets and other methods (e.g. contracting)
The completion of joint interconnection studies
The completion of studies to demonstrate compliance with planning reliability standards
The development of planning standards
Initiatives that evolve the transmission planning processes in response to changes in the industry
Researching new technologies and incorporating them into the group’s planning activities
The results, recommendations, deliverables and actions of this position are critical to the Ontario power sector as they effect overall power system and customer reliability, capital investments, infrastructural development and resource procurement.

What you’ll do

Exercise control over departmental accountabilities, as assigned by the Senior Manager, Transmission Planning, including full management responsibilities over up to 6 staff. This includes:
Planning, organizing, scheduling and assigning work within the accountabilities of the department
Providing advice and guidance to staff, as required
Developing work methods and procedures to maintain efficient and effective work operations
Ensuring staff output effectively meets business needs and goals
Ensuring quality, quantity and timeliness of work
Making recommendations for staff development, training, hiring, discharge and performance management
Providing clear expectations, performance measures, meaningful feedback and corrective action as required
Ensuring staff is trained on work methods and techniques including awareness of established and changing practices and procedures
Participating as a management resource to resolve labour relations matters such as job challenges, grievances and arbitration cases. May be called upon to act as a management representative on various committees, teams, etc.
The work administered by the Supervisor, Transmission Planning, may include some or all of the following:
The development of bulk transmission system plans within the assigned geographic area. This involves assessing adequacy and identifying needs, developing and evaluating options, and recommending and establishing rationale for preferred solutions.
The development of regional plans within the assigned geographic region. This involves developing the terms of reference for the planning study; managing relationships with LDCs, transmitters, and other customers/stakeholders, including First Nations representatives as required; completing the planning and study work; developing and getting buy-in on need, solutions and actions; developing the economic rationale for system investments in preparation for regulatory review and preparing the required supporting documentation
Conducting power system and other technical and economic studies or assessments as part of the integrated power system planning process. This includes the development or use of complex analytical models and data in order to simulate and assess power system behaviour and performance, forecasting congestion on critical transmission paths using energy transfer analytical tools and assessing voltage performance/reactive power requirements. Studies and assessments may require initiative in research, synthesis of a wide range of data and reports, and summarizing for relevance to planning in Ontario. They may also require interpretation of criteria, standards and practices, and development of innovative approaches and advanced analytical techniques
Supporting the implementation of established transmission and regional plans
Supporting the procurement of supply resources by providing input on transmission constraints
Working with Municipalities, Government, Indigenous Communities & Métis and sector partners in identifying and protecting corridors for future transmission expansion needs
The completion of studies to demonstrate compliance with reliability standards
Supporting the development of planning standards
Supporting the development and implementation of the Long Term Energy Plan
Participating in relevant wider interconnection planning initiatives
Completing feasibility studies for new connections
Initiatives to evolve transmission planning processes in response to changes in industry
Researching new technologies and incorporating them into the group’s planning activities
If the Supervisor, Transmission Planning, does not have a license to practice professional engineering in Ontario, they will not be assigned any engineering work

Support the Senior Manager, Transmission Planning, in developing and maintaining effective relationships with Transmitters, Local Distribution Companies and others to aid in the development of regional and bulk power system plans
Participate in stakeholder engagement and ensure input is appropriately reflected within power system plans
Present policy advice, analysis and assessments to Government on transmission development for the purpose of producing a Long Term Energy Plan
Participate in internal and external committees and working groups on matters related to power system planning. Represent the company on these external groups. Advocate and advance IESO interests while coordinating IESO activities with activities of those working groups. Publish and present assessments and findings related to system reliability to external committees and stakeholders
Participate in cross functional projects and initiatives within the IESO
Participate in the preparation of submissions, reports, and information related to planning, projects or developments for stakeholder reviews, Board of Director’s information, or for regulatory and other proceedings
Perform other duties as required

What you need to succeed

A University Degree in Engineering; Science; Economics; Finance, Planning; or other relevant discipline is required. Strong quantitative analysis skills
A license to engage in the practice of professional engineering in Ontario is an asset
Strong overall interest and knowledge of the current policy and market environment as it relates to the electricity sector in Ontario. This would include an understanding of the history, structure and public policy considerations behind the evolution of the Ontario electricity system in Ontario
A period of 6 or more years of experience in power system planning or operation, electricity policy, or analytical studies related to integrated planning preferably within the Ontario electricity sector is considered necessary to gain the required experience
Passion for serving electricity customers and public interest in the role of planning and an appreciation for its importance
Comfortable with work assignments that span a wide range from clarity to ambiguity and require flexibility in reporting and delivery. Initiative in research, synthesis of wide range of data and reports, and summarizing for relevance to planning in Ontario
Familiarity with the application and limitations of various modeling tools and technologies as they apply to an evolving power system
What’s in it for you

A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace
A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter
Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry

Deadline: February 6, 2024

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview.

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario . When working in the office, you will be located at our Toronto location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Find out why we were selected as Greater Toronto’s Top 2024 Employers, and what we offer.

Required languages: English

Education level: University Degree

Required skills: Ontario Electricity Sector experience

Closest intersection: Adelaide and University Avenue