Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator

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At BC Hydro, we’re working towards creating a cleaner and more sustainable future for all British Columbians and need
people like you to help us. A career at BC Hydro is meaningful and provides you the opportunity to be part of a talented,
inclusive, and diverse team. We offer a healthy work-life balance, competitive wages, a comprehensive benefits package,
and training opportunities to support you in your career growth. We're proud to be ranked as one of B.C.'s Top Employers
and one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers.

**Apprentice Interchange Plant Operator**

Number of positions: 6 Job Location: Surrey Trades Training Centre

Employment type: Apprentice Region: Lower Mainland

Hours of work: Full-time (37.5 hrs/wk) Flexible Work Role: Field

Hourly Rate: $ 38.37

**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.
- 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

**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 comprehensive benefits package
- A minimum of 15 paid vacation days
- A lifetime pension
- Flexible work model, depending on your role type
- Training and development courses

**What else you should know**

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- 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
stressful or emergency conditions, spoken English must be excellent. Confidence in providing clear directions to others and
the ability to deal with competing demands is strongly desired. Applicants should be able to work 24/7 shifts, handle detail
and stress well, and be able to plan tasks and communicate clearly in critical situations.
- For more details around the IPO/LO Apprenticeship, see Letter of Understanding (LOU) dated April 11, 2