JOB SUMMARY:

The Specialist is accountable to provide subject matter expertise and administration of a specialized function. As a member of SaskPower’s management team, this position is responsible to act as a central point of contact in the management and administration of strategic and operational functions, providing expert advice and direction that aligns with departmental and corporate goals and objectives.  

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

•    Executes technical evaluations of key and complex critical equipment and materials in establishing supply contracts.  Works closely with the Material Team Lead but operates with a high degree of independence and initiative.  Works strategically with Procurement and Logistics departments in determining appropriate procurement strategies and tactics based on a multitude of (often conflicting) factors.  Contributes to negotiations of contract terms and conditions with key suppliers.
•    Ensures all material defects are investigated, tracked, resolved, and communicated in a timely, systematic, and prioritized manner, including the management of Supplier Corrective Requests.   Investigates and resolves complex, system critical, and/or safety related material defects.  Oversees coordination of material defect investigations in consultation with Testing Lead. Performs root cause analysis and issues summary reports. Monitors for trends and implements recommendations as warranted.
•    Investigates and supports safety investigations categorized as critical or major. Implements improvements to construction standards and material specifications as warranted.
•    Leads design and drawing review of supplier technical submissions with respect to critical key equipment including transformers.  Recommends and implements improvements, with focus on safety, and in consideration of new technologies and field requirements.
•    Provides timely technical analysis in support of field personnel (e.g., arc flash, grounding improvements, communication/protection schemes). 
•    Engages on site with field personnel to discover, explore, initiate, and implement improvements to construction standards and materials.
•    Leads and conducts piloting or laboratory testing to improve construction standards.
•    Creates new or improved construction standards in response to changing societal and company needs (e.g., electrification, servicing options).  Incorporates advancing technologies (e.g., Smart Grid, DER's, Battery Storage, etc.) and integrates best practices from other utilities, field staff, and prospective vendors into standards. Provides subject matter expertise to Construction Standards committee.
•    Provides oversight of dielectric bucket truck testing program, including trouble shooting of complex problems.  
•    Oversees SAP Configurator processes and training.  Coordinates material and standards updates with key affected stakeholders (Engineering, Construction). Collaborates on larger scale system improvements with Information Technology.
•    Provides leadership and direction to cross functional project teams and staff.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

•    Degree in Engineering, Diploma in Electrical Engineering Technology, Interprovincial Journeyperson Powerline Technician, or other related equivalent AND/OR;
•    Project Management Professional (PMP) designation, Prince 2, or equivalent AND/OR;
•    5 years of related distribution electrical power systems experience
•    Team player with the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships both internal and external to SaskPower
•    Results oriented thinker, with the ability to manage and provide advice regarding complex and confidential issues with sensitivity and professionalism
•    Excellent analytical, research and problem solving skills
•    Excellent oral and written communication skills
•    Ability to work and manage in a changing environment
•    Excellent facilitation, project management and decision making skills
•    Ability to foster a culture focused on safety, innovation and teamwork
•    Demonstrated skill in SaskPower’s competencies
•    Must have a continuing record of professional development  

A suitable combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered