Systems Operation & Switching Coordinator

Summary about this job

Detail information about job Systems Operation & Switching Coordinator. Terms and conditions vacancy

About Horizon Power

Horizon Power is a commercially-focused, State Government owned energy utility that provides quality, safe and reliable electricity to more than 100,000 residents and 10,000 businesses in regional towns and remote communities across Western Australia.

Our purpose is Energy for Life and our vision is to create customer choice by being the world’s best microgrid company. At Horizon Power, we go beyond efficiency to provide sustainable energy solutions in an increasingly renewable energy landscape.

Our strategy is to deliver our customers more choice and more affordable electricity in an increasingly renewable energy landscape.

About the role

Reporting to the System Operations Manager, the System Operations and Switching Coordinator primary purpose is to maintain and improve the Horizon Power System Operations Framework including the Switching Process

Responsibilities will include but are not be limited to:

• Maintain the Switching and System Operations Frameworks;
• Responsible for the assessment and authorisation of Horizon Power switching operators within multiple asset streams;
• Deliver continuous improvement in all activities associated with the process of switching. This requires the incumbent to be highly conversant in Horizon Power Switching Framework and management of change to assure improvements;
• Provide technical and best practice advice to switching operators in Horizon Power asset streams;
• Deliver strategies to improve performance and mitigate risk involved with switching activities;
• Identify risks and hazards associated with switching activities and initiate corrective actions and control measures
• Conduct revision and audit of relevant switching manuals, safety standards & field instructions, against the relevance to best industry practices, standards and legislative requirements;
• Assess and audit operational skills of Horizon Power switching operators and contractors during field activities;
• Develop and maintain switching operator work skills assessment and audit tools;
• Actively participate in investigation of switching incidents and identify key areas of learning. This includes tracking and monitoring of actions arising from switching related investigations; and
• Keep abreast of changes in industry in relation to switching.
• Develop, review, and recommend changes to operational policies, existing procedures, and emergency procedures and directives to ensure efficient and effective operations;
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with other internal stakeholders, regional distribution and transmission staff to optimize generation, transmission and distribution operations, outage coordination, and real-time situational awareness;
• Assist transmission and distribution operators with the development and review of switching programs for all types of works (planned/emergency/commissioning);
• Act as a subject matter expert and help determine operations and compliance strategies to support compliance to business process involving switching including participation during internal / external audits;
• Support operations training in the continuous development and administration of the HPCC Controllers Training Program to meet requirements to maintain Level 7 Switching Authorisation Certification;
• Participate in various working groups and forums to determine appropriate improvement opportunities and drive improvement implementation;
• Review generation and transmission outages to ensure operational compatibility and proper construction sequencing to minimize system impacts.

About the person

To be successful in this role you will have:

• The preferred candidate will possess a Diploma / Associate degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering preferred) or equivalent (substantial direct industry experience).
• Electrical Workers Licence or Cert III ESI Distribution Linesperson
• Cert IV Workplace Training and Assessment
• HV Switching Certification in Distribution and Transmission ( National Competency or recognised utility authorisation )
• WA Driver’s License Class ‘C’
• Self-Motivated Leader / Team Player who has demonstrated ability to identify functional area business needs and establish goals and objectives to ensure alignment with corporate goals.
• Previous supervisor experience will be considered a positive.
• Excellent interpersonal oral and written communication and presentation skills.
• Strong organisational skills; demonstrated ability to schedule and meet deadlines by prioritising work-load, developing schedules and communicating early when changes are necessary.
• The ability to evaluate multiple priorities and risks to coordinate activities to maximize reliability and efficiency of time and resources.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal direct supervision, excel in a high energy team environment, and manage time pressures while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Understanding of industry standards and best practice skills associated with switching activities;
• Technical report writing skills; and
• Procedural documentation development skills.

It is highly desirable that the System Operations and Switching Coordinator has at least 10 years’ experience in an electricity network business with related experience in HV Switching of Transmission and Distribution Networks, outage coordination, demonstrate knowledge of generation, transmission, distribution or substation systems, operation and maintenance and contingency mitigation, as well as skills and knowledge covering:

• Demonstrated (10yrs+) experience as a switching operator in electrical networks;
• Supervisory experience in an electrical network environment;
• Demonstrated continuous improvement, training and coaching techniques;
• Accepted industry standards, regulations and procedures applicable to the network; and
• Investigation of incidents.

The appropriate combination of education and experience may be considered for this role.

You will also share our core values of safety, integrity, team and customer which guide our decisions and behaviours and drive a high performance culture aligned to our strategy.

Next steps

If this sounds like an exciting opportunity that aligns with your experience and career goals, click on the Apply button below. Applications close 6 pm on 2 August 2018.

For further information regarding this position, please contact Shan Paramasibam on 0448 802 595

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert prior to the closing date. 

Horizon Power is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and flexible workforce and strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.