Title:  Systems Operator

London, ON

Would you take pride in being on the front line of monitoring the distribution of electricity to residents and businesses within the City of London? Would you welcome the challenge and importance of assisting with resolving power outages arising from extreme weather, equipment failure or system disturbances that range in magnitude from a neighborhood or single business to a major City-wide event? Are you looking for an exciting career in a technologically-advanced Power Distribution System Control Room?  Would you embrace working a variety of shifts in a 24/7/365 environment as a creative way to carve out meaningful time for personal pursuits outside of conventional working hours?   If so, consider joining London Hydro as a Systems Operator.

There has never been a more interesting and rewarding time to consider working for an electricity distributor. Sectors and systems that traditionally used fossil fuels are actively considering the switch to electricity – to power vehicles, buildings and business processes. London Hydro is ready to support the community we serve in the pursuit of sustainability, environmental stewardship, electrification (including EV Adoption), decarbonization of the grid, and resiliency and reliability in the face of climate change, through a range of innovative programs and technologies.  

As a Systems Operator, you will receive comprehensive, on-the-job training throughout a four-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship, with all costs paid by London Hydro. Apprentices learn in the real-time Control Room environment, and receive mentorship, coaching and support from certified Systems Operators.  

If we’ve captured your attention and you have the qualifications listed below - we encourage you to apply to our vacancy today!  

What You Will Do

As a Systems Operator, working under the direction of the System Operating Centre Supervisor or designate, you will operate the distribution system to ensure the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of electricity to London homes and businesses that count on us to meet their power needs.

As part of your responsibilities as a Systems Operator, you will:

• Operate and monitor the distribution system, in both normal and emergency conditions, using SCADA, OMS, distribution management tools and other software. Respond to distribution system disturbances and direct emergency switching and power restoration, making efforts to minimize the frequency and duration of outages with a focus on safety. Coordinate outages, isolations, generator grid disconnections, and other activities affecting the distribution system. Maintain documentation of all daily operations. Investigate, respond to, and report alarms and/or equipment deficiencies.
• Effectively leverage systems to optimize the state of the distribution network.  
• Review, receive and verify work protection applications for accuracy and adequacy, with reference to the Utility Work Protection Code (UWPC) and SOC procedures. Audit Utility Work Protection forms. Research and complete outage reports for customer claims. 
• Prepare and check switching orders, work protection packages, and supporting guarantees. Issue work permits.
• Assist the Planner Systems Operator and Supervisor with coordination, organization and prioritization of the SOC field operations work schedule. 
• Demonstrate leadership behavior on a consistent, day-to-day basis.
• Mentor and train apprentices.
• Recommend solutions to improve department efficiency and effectiveness.
• Liaise and coordinate grid activities with various external parties including Hydro One/IESO, emergency service personnel, generators, customers, contractors, etc. 
• Devote ongoing efforts to ensure that the distribution system configuration is returned to designed / engineered state. Maintain the accuracy of operating maps, GIS/OMS records, event logs, job files and UWPC records.  Perform the necessary tasks to ensure accuracy of information pertaining to system status, and outage and trouble events in the OMS system. Check completed work packages for adherence to corporate practices. 
• Analyze loss-of-supply contingencies, review historical event records, and review planned and current system configurations to optimize or improve system availability. Prepare summary reports. Contribute to daily, weekly and monthly reporting to monitor key performance indicators.
• Provide distribution system monitoring and operating services for external utilities.
• Complete administrative tasks using SAP, Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc.  Notify customers regarding upcoming outages.
• Work various shifts to provide 24/7/365 service, completing all duties as assigned on all shifts.
• Adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety Act rules and regulations, the IHSA's Electrical Utility Safety Rules, London Hydro safe work practices and procedures, and all components of London Hydro's health and safety program.
• Perform other duties related to the above job purpose

What You Will Bring

A graduate from an Electrical Engineering Technician or Technologist program, you also bring the following credentials and skills to the position of Systems Operator:

• Class G Driver’s Licence (a driver's license and an ability to drive is required in order to discharge the essential duties of the position).
• IHSA Utility Work Protection Code Certification and working knowledge of the IHSA Electrical Utilities Safety Rules (EUSR).
• Knowledge of the planning, design, operation of high-voltage overhead and underground systems including substations, and low voltage network systems.  Knowledge of associated equipment, standards and system connectivity.
• A high degree of computer literacy, with proficiency in the use of SCADA, Outage Managements Systems (OMS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and personal computer applications including Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Able to demonstrate analytical thinking, problem solving, organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written communication skills.  
• Able to make decisions quickly and decisively during periods of high activity.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to providing excellent customer service by using processes and procedures that are customer-oriented and seeking solutions to resolve service issues.
• Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, creativity, and enthusiasm in achieving results directly and through staff work teams. Demonstrated strong listening, concentration, organizational, motivational, and leadership skills required.

** You will be required to obtain MEA Journeyperson Municipal Electrical Operator Certificate during the apprenticeship period.

Why Join Our Team

London Hydro has been recognized by Canada’s Top 100 Employers as one of the 2025 Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence and our dedication to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive.

• Competitive Hourly Wage: $40.59/hour ($84,427/year) to start, progressing to $57.99/hour ($120,619/year) when fully certified. In addition to base salary, attractive shift premiums are added to base pay levels when working evenings and weekends.  Paid overtime is also offered when needed.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including OMERS Pension Plan
• Competitive Vacation of 17 vacation days per year with credit for utility experience
• Maternity/Parental Leaves Top Ups
• Learning & Development Opportunities 
• Recognition & Social Programs
• Wellness and Employee & Family Assistance Program
• On-site Cafeteria & Free Fitness Centre
• Corporate Cellphone
• Positive, Collaborative and Safety-Focus Culture

Want to learn more about what makes London Hydro a great place to work? Watch our short video https://youtu.be/Pxw0_ZRnSKg, check our Strategic Plan 2025-2030 or visit our website at www.londonhydro.com. 

Background Checks and Other Information

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record and education check prior to the commencement of employment.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those invited for an interview will be acknowledged.  In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed to applicants who are authorized to work in Canada.

London Hydro is committed to fostering a corporate culture and climate that values and supports a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization. London Hydro is an equal-opportunity employer. Accommodation is available under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Any personal information submitted will be managed in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to determine eligibility for employment.