System Control & Operations Manager

Closing Date September 25, 2022 closed

Job Description/Key Resonsibilities

The Guyana Power and Light Inc. invites applications from interested candidates with the requisite qualifications and experience to fill the vacancy of System Control & Operations Manager.

JOB PURPOSE: To deliver a reliable supply of electricity to customers while minimizing the cost of production and delivery, ensuring that all technical and operating parameters are respected and safeguarding the safety of personnel working on the system.

 KEY OUTPUTS:

  1. Annual departmental budget.
  2. Departmental business plan or work plan
  3. Summary and Presentation document for the Divisional Head as per request.
  4. Daily reliability and generation availability report.
  5. Monthly, Quarterly and Annual report and data analysis of the main performance targets such SAIFI, SAIDI, Operating voltage levels, Generation availability, Fuel consumptions, Fuel Mix, Generator outputs, Force Outages Rates, Heat Rate, etc.
  6. Monthly report of least cost commitment and economic dispatch of available generating resources.
  7. Monthly reports of the operation of coordinated system protection devices and associated equipment. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS:

  1. Work closely with the Power Generation and Delivery Divisional Director by collecting and analyzing all reports from T&D, Generations, Specialized Equipment & Substation (SE&S) department, PPDI, Call Center and other departments.
  2. Manage the SCADA/EMS and Operations Sections and conduct critical analysis of sections’ reports to recommend/implement changes to best suit the company’s overall accomplishment/development for both short and long term planning.
  3. Review operations at various generating plants and implement strategies to reduce operation costs and improve reliability and availability.
  4. Ensure a high degree of data availability and quality presentation of SCADA data, secure and resilient computing facilities, control application programs, and local area networks to satisfy business requirements.
  1. Oversee the overall operations, maintenance, enhancement of the SCADA system – its applications and databases – to ensure that accurate and timely operational data is provided to the grid operator, engineers, and system control staff.
  2. Facilitate system design, development, testing, implementation, and support for the SCADA system – its applications and databases – and liaise with the Departments within the Engineering Services Division.
  3. Review systems and methodologies for collecting and evaluating vital system data and recommend / implement changes, as necessary.
  4. Oversee operational planning, including short term load forecasting, resource commitment and economic dispatch, outage planning, maintenance of operating reserves and contingency planning to ensure the system remains in a secure condition at all times.
  5. Assist in the preparation of contingency plans for the events of partial or total loss of Master or Substation SCADA.
  6. Manage third party contracts such as the SCADA integrator support from VENDORS and hardware maintenance (servers, consoles, switches, etc.) with local manufactures representative. Control and monitor cyber security of all SCADA and substation monitoring systems.
  7. Oversee telecommunication and electronic systems to understand the requirements for upgrades, improvements, new systems, and preventive maintenance and act promptly to resolve issues if any.
  8. Coordinate the design, installation, maintenance, and upgrade of GPL’s fiber optic system and its supporting facilities.
  9. Plan, devise, build, configure and commission telecommunications equipment, networks, and systems, including voice, data, satellite, microwave, digital data systems, etc.
  10. Research telecommunication systems to determine the best communication medium based on industrial best practices for remote distribution automated devices. Also, prepare technical requirements and contract documents for telecommunication service providers once GPL decides to use external services.
  11. Ensure safety training and meetings are conducted periodically.
  12. Track SAIFI and SAIDI values and implement suitable measures to maintain or improve figures.
  13. Ensure that voltages on generators, the transmission network, and distribution feeders are maintained within prescribed limits.
  14. Apply least cost commitment and dispatch of available generating resources, to satisfy GPL’s generator reliability target.
  15. Ensure the system and all facilities and equipment are operated within prescribed load limits at all times.
  16. Ensure that system operators have access to visual displays, written SOPs, data communications, voice communications and training in their use, so as to execute their responsibilities effectively and safely.
  17. Prepare emergency response procedures and ensure that system operators are conversant with the procedures and capable of providing effective responses in emergencies.
  18. Orient, mentor, appraise and coach staff to enhance the development of the requisite job skills.
  19. Administer the performance management system within the department to evaluate performance and enhance the development of each employee. Conduct continuous assessment and monitoring of staff work performance and take steps to correct poor work performance.
  20. Analyze system failures and major disturbances using historical data.
  21. Recommend relevant studies as the system develops to ensure stable and safe operation.
  22. Investigate occupational health and safety infractions and make recommendations or apply suitable measures to prevent recurrences.
  23. Advises the System Planning Department of system trends such as load growth, inadequate cable capacity, voltage regulation issues, inadequate reserve capacity and overload situations so as to facilitate timely planning or other appropriate interventions.
  24. Ensures that all necessary SCADA system as-built information, maintenance and operating drawings and manuals are adequate in content, have are clear and fully translated into English Language if necessary and readily available.
  25. Identifies operational risks and take steps to mitigate them.
  26. Determine the specification for the require spares, equipment and supplies to maintain the delivery and control system and to participate in the evaluation of the bids to determine the best suppliers.
  27. Performs any other duties as directed by the Power Generation and Delivery Divisional Director. 

Required Competencies 

Core/ LeadershipSkill Level & ImportanceDescription/Behaviours
Adaptability & Managing Change

 

3HØ  Help others adapt to changing work environment and to embrace change.

Ø  Promotes the benefits of a proposed change.

Ø  Takes time to ask question; understand and speak to the underlying needs of stakeholders beyond those initially expressed (do not make assumptions).

Ø  Recommends changes to work processes or system to improve business results.

Ø  Develops plans and prioritizes resources to effectively implement change.

Ø  Remains focused on the desired outcome to help self and others implement change.

Applying Learning

 

3HØ  Recognizes how prior knowledge and skills apply to complex or new circumstances.

Ø  Develops innovative ways of applying technical and professional knowledge to handle new challenges.

Ø  Demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and growth to develop knowledge and expertise.

Ø  Actively participates in learning activities in a way that makes the most of the learning experiences.

Communication

 

3HØ  Tailors the content of speech and written communication to suit the level, cultural background and experience of the audience.

Ø  Establishes communication plans and strategies.

Ø  Anticipates and prepares for others reactions, adapting tactics to create a specific impact.

Ø  Communicates complex issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences.

Creative & Innovation

 

3HØ  Sets aside thinking time to come up with more creative ideas, encourages others to challenge traditional approaches and asks through provoking questions to spark others creativity for getting things done.

Ø  Looks to other areas and companies for good ideas.

Ø  Uses brainstorming techniques to come up with solutions to problems and recognizes and reward creative thinking and innovation.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with specialization in electric power engineering with at least five years of experience in a large power utility. Experience must include the use of utility simulation and modelling tools.

or

(2) Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Project Management, Renewables or related discipline with at least three years’ experience in a large power utility. Experience must include the designing of utility scale projects such as diesel generators, renewables and hybrid system.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted to reach the Divisional Director – Human Resources, Guyana Power and Light Inc., 257/259 Middle Street, Georgetown or email bparsaud@gplinc.com not later than Sunday, September 25, 2022.