Construction Planner (U23-448)

ABOUT US
At FortisAlberta we invest in our greatest resource – our people. As Alberta’s largest electricity distribution provider, we are positioned for growth. Each day, FortisAlberta employees strive to exceed customer expectations while maintaining a focus on our commitment to safety.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 20, 2023
TITLE: Construction Planner (U23-448)
DEPARTMENT: Field Operations
WORK LOCATION/OFFICE: Taber
STATUS: 01 Full Time - Salaried
NUMBER OF HIRES: 1

Why Join Our Team?

At FortisAlberta, our employees’ matter. We work in a customer-focused and team-oriented environment where the safety of our employees and communities is paramount, our customers’ needs are a top priority and the reliability of their electricity service is critical. By joining the FortisAlberta family, you will become part of a collaborative and communicative culture, one that is respectful of our history, while focused on the future and the opportunities it brings. At FortisAlberta, we power Alberta communities and empower our people to do their best work.

What Are We Looking For?

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor, Projects (Regional), the primary role of the Construction Planner is to work in partnership with Construction Crews, Project Planners, and local Regional Teams to expedite the construction of Regional projects. Construction Planners will complete site visits to finalize alignments, including field fitting designs, complete staking, constructability reviews, landowner contacts, vegetation consents, and site/construction readiness inspections for all Regional and Direct to Construction (DTC) Projects.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):
• Review project designs developed by Project Planners, compile all field conflicts and confirm appropriate approvals have been submitted.
• Expedite Direct to Construction (DTC) Projects using Clearance Data Sheet and Structure Analysis engineering templates.
• Seek innovative ways to improve project timelines whenever possible.
• Provide excellent customer service through close collaboration with Project Planners from quotation through completing construction, ensure effective communication with customers on project requirements, and follow through with customer concerns to resolution.
• Work as a team with Project Planners, Field Schedulers, Area Coordinators, Operations Leads and Crew Leads to expedite projects to construction resources.
• Provide field technical expertise on overhead and underground distribution systems in order to assess impacts to the electrical facilities for customers. Confirm customer facility requirements, voltage, load, etc.
• Provide technical guidance to customers, stakeholders, and external consultants.
• Evaluate project scope and initial construction requirements on site. Ensure the accuracy of all project data gathered from site visits.
• Assess and prepare site for construction:
• Perform site Risk and Hazard Assessments.
• Stake and locate new services, as required.
• Confirm requirements and engage appropriate departments regarding land, environmental and brushing concerns.
• Complete construction readiness forms, including but not limited to: access requirements, outage requirements, wire size/style, 3rd party civil contractor resources.
• Place and monitor requests for underground Locates. Meet with required utilities in response to Locates to determine work locations and access.
• Verify projects are ready for construction and can be sent to the Field Scheduler for construction.
• Apply standards and codes in alignment with current engineering policies.
• Special projects or other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
• Working knowledge and demonstrated understanding of planning utility construction, including:
• Electrical distribution design requirements and standards and utilizing Engineering standards and templates.
• Standard pricing policies, rates, and Terms and Conditions.

• Applicable standards and rules of the various Rural Electrification Association (REA) groups.
• FortisAlberta Field techniques, processes, and procedures (e.g. 25KV system switching, 25 KV Rubber Glove Techniques, Powerline Construction).
• Demonstrated customer service focus:
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively to interpret and communicate technical information to customers.
• Excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to work within a team environment or independently without direct supervision:
• Promoting and contributing to the success of the entire team.
• Working effectively with various types of contractors.
• Ability to think objectively, analyze and evaluate various issues and form sound judgement when troubleshooting and solving problems
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a changing environment.
• Good organizational and time management skills, able to manage numerous assignments and competing demands.
• Strong computer skills with intermediate proficiency in MS Office and mobile/field work applications
• Knowledge of the following would be an asset to this role:
• All applicable codes, acts, and regulations as they apply to the electric utility industry.
• Project management principles and processes.
• Highway Traffic accommodation requirements.
• Surveying skills and the Alberta Surveys Act.
• Computer experience with estimating, design and survey applications.
• Staking and surveying skills.

QUALIFICATIONS WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
• An electrical engineering technology, civil engineering technology, or geomatics engineering technology diploma with three (3) years of field experience is required; or
• A journeyman power line technician certificate with a minimum of two (2) years of construction experience is required.
• A valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license is required.
• Additional trade certifications, certificates, diplomas, or degrees in a related discipline would be considered an asset.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
• Due to geographic and training considerations, some travel, including overnight stays, is required.
• This has been identified as a safety-sensitive position. All successful candidates will be subject to a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.