About Company
Hydro One, a leading electricity transmission and distribution company, is expanding its operations into the vibrant South Shore community of Chicago. With a steadfast commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electricity, Hydro One powers homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. We pride ourselves on fostering innovation, embracing environmental stewardship, and cultivating a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive and make a tangible impact. Joining Hydro One means becoming an integral part of a team dedicated to powering progress, ensuring grid stability, and building a sustainable energy future for Chicago’s South Shore and the broader region. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.
Job Description
Hydro One is seeking a highly skilled, vigilant, and dedicated Power System Dispatcher to join our critical operations team in South Shore, Chicago. This immediate hiring opportunity is for an individual who thrives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment and is deeply committed to maintaining the integrity, reliability, and safety of our extensive electrical grid. As a Hydro One Dispatcher, you will be at the very heart of our operational command center, responsible for the real-time monitoring, precise control, and strategic optimization of the complex transmission and distribution network that powers the South Shore community. Your expertise will be absolutely crucial in ensuring continuous power delivery, proactively preventing outages, and expertly responding to any system anomalies, equipment failures, or emergency situations that may arise across our network.
This pivotal role demands a proactive and analytical approach to grid management, involving constant analysis of real-time system data, accurate load forecasts, and the precise status of critical equipment. You will serve as the primary point of contact and authority for field crews, providing clear, concise, and critical instructions for switching operations, planned and unplanned equipment maintenance, and swift restoration efforts. Effective and precise communication is paramount, as you will coordinate extensively with various other utility departments, neighboring utility operators, emergency services, and internal stakeholders during both routine operations and critical events. The ability to make swift, informed, and accurate decisions under immense pressure is absolutely essential, as your actions will directly impact public safety, critical services, and the economic well-being of thousands of residents and businesses in the community.
We are specifically looking for someone with an unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and a deep, intuitive understanding of power system dynamics and electrical principles. You will utilize advanced Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and other specialized control room technologies to maintain superior situational awareness and execute precise control actions. The successful candidate will also be responsible for maintaining meticulous operational logs and detailed records, ensuring strict compliance with all relevant regulatory standards, NERC requirements, and internal operational procedures. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the essential infrastructure of Chicago, providing a vital service that directly impacts daily life. If you are a vigilant, responsive, and detail-oriented professional ready to take on a challenging yet immensely rewarding role, we strongly encourage you to apply and become a cornerstone of our South Shore operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and control the electrical transmission and distribution grid system in real-time using SCADA and other advanced control systems.
- Direct and coordinate field crews for switching operations, equipment maintenance, and emergency response activities.
- Analyze system conditions, anticipate potential issues, and implement proactive corrective actions to maintain grid stability and reliability.
- Respond swiftly and effectively to system alarms, outages, and other emergency situations, ensuring prompt restoration of service.
- Communicate critical system information clearly and concisely to internal teams, external utilities, and emergency services.
- Maintain accurate and detailed logs, records, and reports of all system activities, incidents, and operational changes.
- Ensure strict compliance with all safety regulations, operational procedures, and regulatory standards (e.g., NERC).
- Optimize power flow to enhance system efficiency and minimize losses.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development programs to maintain and enhance dispatching competencies.
- Provide technical support and guidance to field personnel as needed.
Required Skills
- Proven ability to make critical, high-stakes decisions accurately and quickly under pressure.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and diagnostic skills for complex electrical systems.
- Strong verbal and written communication abilities for effective coordination and reporting.
- Proficiency in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and other control room technologies.
- Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, in a 24/7 operational environment.
- Solid understanding of electrical theory, power system operations, and grid protection principles.
- High attention to detail and exceptional ability to multitask effectively in a demanding environment.
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in an operations or control room environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Technology, or a related technical field.
- NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) System Operator certification (e.g., Reliability Coordinator, Balancing and Interchange, Transmission Operator).
- Previous experience as a power system dispatcher or system operator in a utility control room.
- Familiarity with local Chicago-specific electrical grid regulations and operational protocols.
- Experience with Outage Management Systems (OMS) and Distribution Management Systems (DMS).
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with competitive premiums.
- Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday schedule.
- 401(k) retirement plan with robust company matching contributions.
- Life and disability insurance coverage for financial security.
- Extensive opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement.
- Employee assistance program for personal and professional support.
- Tuition reimbursement program for continuous learning.
- Wellness programs and resources to support a healthy lifestyle.
- Company-sponsored community involvement initiatives.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to click on the application link below to submit their comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter. Please highlight your relevant experience and explain why you are an ideal fit for this critical role. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining Hydro One; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.