Job Description

Code Specialist - ESA

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Engineering, the Code Specialist is a unionized position represented by the Society of United Professionals.

General Accountabilities:

Assist ESA Inspection personnel on the interpretation and application of electrical codes, utility regulation, and product regulation. Conduct technical analysis of problems and produce memoranda and bulletins in consultation with supervisor to resolve field problems. Maintain awareness of regional inspection needs. Participate on Standards subcommittees. Participation on the subcommittee to support ESA Regulatory initiatives. Assist supervisor in developing proposals for code and standard changes. Respond to enquiries and provide verbal or written answer for questions regarding the interpretation of electrical safety codes based on departmental documentation, guidelines, bulletins and published interpretations. Provide technical advice and guidance on electrical safety incidents and investigations. Provide support to inspectors investigating serious electrical incidents.

• Assist ESA Inspection personnel on the interpretation and application of electrical codes, utility regulation, and products regulation to achieve greater consistency of interpretation, proper inspection performance and procedures with respect to wiring and electrical installations and approval of electrical equipment. Through active listening and questioning, ensure there is a thorough understanding of client needs. Carry out liaison with other regions and offices, other department staff, internal and external contacts as needed to provide the information and advice needed in a timely manner.

• Provide technical advice and guidance on electrical safety incidents and investigations. Provide support to inspectors who are investigating serious electrical incidents. Monitor the completion of investigations and review investigation reports to identify root causes.

Assist in preparing training packages for inspectors on Codes and Standards. Provide classroom training to Inspectors on specific Code and Standards.

• Conduct technical analysis of problems and produce memoranda and bulletins in consultation with supervisor to resolve field problems. Receive requests from supervisor to examine particular aspects of electrical installations or electrical equipment. Consult with other advisors, managers, certification organizations, equipment manufacturers, consultants, utility staff, provincial and other organizations. Consult the Electrical Safety code, Utility Regulation other codes and regulations, equipment standards, safety records and technical literature. Prepare memoranda, bulletins and other documents for use by field staff based on existing departmental documentation, guidelines, bulletins and published interpretations.

• Attend meetings at regional offices, inspection offices and job sites as necessary, to understand problems and recommend workable solutions.

• Maintain an awareness of regional inspection needs, inspection issues, emerging trends in installations, opportunities for new programs and make suggestions for improving processes as appropriate.

• Participate on Standards subcommittees responsible for the Canadian Electrical Code, the Electrical Safety Code and other electrical codes and safety standards. Participation on the subcommittee will support ESA Regulatory initiatives and communicate ESA Regulatory outlook. As department representative, present advice on code and standard changes needed.

• Assist supervisor in developing proposals for code and standard changes, preparing guidance on accepting equipment certifications to non Canadian standards, reviewing reports of electrical fires and contact accidents.

• Respond to enquiries and provide verbal or written answers for questions regarding the interpretation of electrical safety codes, Utility Regulation, Products Regulation and other safety codes and standards regarding wiring installations, utility distribution installations. Responses shall be based on departmental documentation, guidelines, bulletins and published interpretations

• Perform other duties as required

Education:

Requires a broad knowledge of electrical and electronic principles and theory, including related mathematics, circuits, physics, etc., as these apply to electrical equipment and installations, to provide advice and guidance on electrical safety incidents and investigations. Requires knowledge of standard word processing, spreadsheet, database and presentation software. Requires strong knowledge of English and strong communication skills, both written and oral, to provide clear advice and guidance on complex technical matters and to produce clear and concise reports.

Requires strong knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code, product standards, Canadian Electrical Code Part 3 as well as other standards in order to understand electrical theory and practice as these apply to the installation and maintenance of electrical equipment, design layout and specifications.

This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired either through the successful completion of 4 years of university education or by having the equivalent level of education.

Experience:

Requires some experience in the utilities industry to understand electrical distribution system standards for overhead, underground and substation installations. Requires some experience in the electrical construction industry to understand the various issues related to electrical safety requirements. Requires some experience with inspection operations to become familiar with the policies and procedures of the department and the contacts and duties to be performed. Requires some experience to become familiar with the various phases in the manufacture and assembly of electrical equipment. Requires experience working with electrical diagrams, drawings and specifications. Requires experience with electrical approvals work to be knowledgeable of the regulations and standards applicable to electrical equipment and installations to provide technical and procedural advice to inspection staff.

A period of over 6 years, up to and including 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience.

HOW TO APPLY

• Please be advised that in relation to all job postings, accommodation for persons with disabilities is available throughout the selection process, upon request in accordance with requirements under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Qualified Applicants please send your cover letter and resume to laura.brannan@electricalsafety.on.ca.

Please note that only those advancing to an interview will be contacted.