Supervisor Distribution Technician

General Accountabilities

:

• Under the direction of the FLM - perform planning/scheduling relating to the technical support work for

the distribution line facilities and meter service provider program within the area.

• Monitor line and station performance by performing various technical studies.

• Negotiate property settlements on distribution lines and perform joint use activities.

• Prepare estimates and work orders (WO), work schedules, line and service designs, joint use, provision of underground cable and fault location service.

• Perform staking activities and prepare design packages for new connections, service upgrades, extensions,betterments and relocations.

• Supervise area distribution technicians, meter technicians and meter reader data collectors in the execution of assigned electrical distribution system and metering work programs.

• Be responsible for staff safety, conduct and productivity.

• Monitor work in progress and ensure appropriate materials, tools and Transport and Work Equipment (T&WE) are available.

Specific Accountabilities:

• Assess, plan and participate in the work of the area distribution and meter service provider layout programs including: preparation of detailed engineering designs line layouts for new connects, service upgrades,extensions, betterments, relocations, and performance of joint-use activities, meter reverse, meter samples,meter testing, and metering requirements within the area.

• Preparation of sketches and associated detail for water, rail and pipeline crossings and arrangements for approvals. Meet with representatives of telephone, cable TV companies, other utilities and

government agencies to incorporate their requirements and obtain necessary approvals and or obtain reaction to proposed joint use agreements.

• Prepare and process billing authorization and permits, as necessary.

• Arrange and perform audits the five-year check of joint use facilities and process any resulting changes as directed by Network Management.

• Process and maintain all area joint-use records.

• Carry out staking activities and prepare staking data including the specification of structures with appropriate consideration to mechanical forces for the purpose of recommending pole size and guying in accordance with approved standards.

• Coordinate with FLM the priorities of meter service provider work, line extensions, subdivisions, new connects, service upgrades and line services where technician work is required.

• Review and assess negotiations of property rights by area technicians to ensure compliance with acquisition standards. Coordinate with other groups to establish planning schedules.

• Take necessary actions to meet schedule and advise supervisor if deadlines cannot be met.

• Monitor staff and work program compliance to Distribution System Code requirements and reporting discrepancies to the FLM for action.

• Supervise, monitor area and coordinate the work performance of assigned staff relating to work quality, safety and quantity.

• Assign work and provide advice, guidance and training.

• Take corrective action as necessary.

• Plan and coordinate the preparation of estimates for major betterments, work orders, capital projects, system capability projects, utility demand, conversions, relocations and other projects.

• Coordinate planning and scheduling with program manager responsible for work and assist in closing work orders.

• Coordinate work with external organizations, such as, road authorities, pipeline companies, telephone

companies, consulting engineers, etc, to discuss, work out details and reach agreement on distribution matters of mutual interest and concern.

• Assist in determining need for and supply support data for area betterment projects.

• Identify distribution system conditions, which have or may have adverse affects on service to customers such as, deteriorated plant and equipment, inadequate protection or conductor sizes, misuse of distribution standards,etc.

• Make recommendations on various technical aspects of the distribution system such as betterment proposals and justifications.

• Recommend changes in area distribution systems to improve service and to reduce costs.

• Carry out load, voltage and protection studies for proper operation of the system as required by Network Management.

• Monitor daily field reports and input exceptions indicated by crews.

• Compare work accomplishments and costs of WO and programs with estimates.

• Follow up on significant variances to determine cause.

• Based on information received from Line Supervisors, initiate in-service reports and WO closures.

• Carry out liaison with public and other internal groups to carry out day-to-day operations with optimum efficiency. Negotiate property settlements related to the acquisition of easement rights, maintenance agreements related to tree cutting rights, purchases and negotiate leases connected with power installations and distribution lines.

• Inspect ground conditions and negotiate settlements in terms of type of land and structures involved.

• Explain to property owners, the Company's position with regards to property requirements.

• Perform Registry Office or Land Titles Office searches to confirm ownership and status of property title.

• Prepare and forward letters to absentee owner, outlining the Company's interest in the property and amount of payment to be offered.

• Prepare Property Report Form to cover each property including the results of each negotiation showing details and justification of settlement, etc.

• Coordinate voltage and current surveys and the phase balancing activities within the area.

• Identify work to be contracted, review estimates, arrange tenders and recommend awards.

• Check progress of invoices and recommend payment.

• Prepare or supervise the preparation of inventories and pricing for the sale/purchase of distribution plant such as street lighting systems, distribution lines, etc.

• Provide data and necessary reports to supervisor either written or verbal on equipment condition, work in progress, status of project or system planning, personnel, materials and job activities.

• Ensure availability of appropriate tools, T&WE and computer software and arrange for changes or maintenance, as required.

• Perform other duties as required.

Selection Criteria:

Essential Knowledge:

• Requires a good knowledge of electrical distribution system theory including: performance of distribution line and station operations, mathematics, computer programming and applications related to transformer load management, phase balancing, periodic voltage and current surveys, application and use of various protective equipment and voltage control techniques and proper line extension planning and layout work.

• Requires a knowledge of electrical and electronic theory related to telecommunications, control and metering equipment and circuitry.

• Requires a knowledge of drafting and distribution line diagrams.

• Requires proficiency in English to prepare correspondence, technical reports and to communicate effectively with internal and external contacts.

• Requires a knowledge of accounting to prepare inventories and pricing for sale or purchase of distribution facilities.

• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired in and equivalent to a Grade XII education in a secondary school plus intermediate related courses.

Essential Experience:

• Requires experience to gain an understanding of distribution system practices, procedures, standards and operation of various test equipment related to phase balancing, protective coordination, voltage improvement techniques, estimating, scheduling activities, major betterments, work orders, capital projects, etc.

• Requires experience related to commissioning, trouble-shooting and routine preventative maintenance of equipment related to metering and telecommunication.

• Requires experience to be familiar with computer information systems for estimating, bills of material, scheduling, Customer Information systems and feedback systems.

• Requires experience in negotiating property settlements, easements, related to the acquisition of easement rights, maintenance of agreements related to tree cutting rights and purchases connected with power installations and distribution lines.

• Requires experience with applicable safety practices and procedures.

• Requires experience in supervising subordinate staff.

• A period of up to six years is considered necessary to gain this experience.