System Controller in Training

Description

System Controllers work in small teams to oversee and direct the operation of the Alberta provincial power system. From the AESO control room, you will dispatch energy and ancillary services from power market participants, schedule power flow with Alberta’s neighbours, direct the operation of the bulk electric system and ensure the power system is operated safely, reliably, economically and in compliance to operating standards and market rules. Being a part of this team is a unique career opportunity at the heart of the power system in service to all Albertans. Responsibilities include:

• Ensure the safe, reliable, and economic operation of the interconnected electric system.

• Dispatch the Alberta electricity market in accordance with Independent System Operator (ISO) rules.

• Collaborate with transmission and generation facility owners to ensure reliability is maintained within the Alberta Interconnected Electric System

• Schedule and manage energy transfers on interconnections.

• Monitor real time contingency analysis and run load flow studies.

• Logging and reporting system events.

This is a developmental position. Our System Controller in Training (SCIT) program includes formal and on-the job training. Our team of qualified System Controllers and Real Time Managers provide guidance and support to ensure our SCITs achieve the technical competencies required to operate the grid. It is typical to spend 2-3 years in the SCIT program to get the exposure and experience to progress to a System Controller. System Controllers are required to achieve and maintain System Operator Certification with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), AESO will support your attainment and maintenance of this certification. This certification prepares operators to handle the bulk power system during normal and emergency operations and requires ongoing professional development to maintain this certification.

Signs you will enjoy working in this opportunity:

• You thrive working in a tight-knit team.

• You stay composed and make quality decisions under pressure.

• You have a curious mind and enjoy digging in deep to learn how things work and have interest in power systems.

• You have a keen ability to observe patterns, learn, and problem solve.

• You adopt new and advanced applications quickly and you have sharp technical acumen.

• You enjoy the lifestyle that accompanies shift work environments.

• You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to embark on transformative change.

• You embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.

Education & Experience

Experience in utility transmission, generation or distribution is an asset to this role. We will also consider applicants with backgrounds in other technical spaces that can demonstrate adept learning in a highly technical environment and team problem solving and decision making in critical situations. We’re looking for a combination of applicable education and life experience that exhibits the qualities below.

Qualities of a successful system controller:

• The ability to follow set processes and protocol.

• Demonstrated advanced problem-solving skills that integrate critical thinking and sound judgement in high-pressure real-time scenarios.

• Confident in your decision making, you remain calm and focused during critical incidents and communicate clearly to a wide variety of people.

• Ability to embody a position of authority, when necessary, with professionalism.

• Team-oriented. You consider your team’s success equivalent to your own success.

• A history of consistent high performance in a highly organized, rapid moving and complex environment.

• An understanding of the importance of compliance requirements and a willingness to champion them.

Alberta needs electricity 24 hours a day. This position involves 24/7 shift work and requires reliable transportation to two remote locations (a primary and back up location) not accessible by Calgary Public Transit. When our System Controllers are on shift, they are in the heart of the action and when they are off, they are fully enjoying personal pursuits.

Application deadline: July 29, 2026

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the (POPA) of Alberta.

As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 4 of POPA.