Technical Assistant

Technical Assistant
Winnipeg, MB

Manitoba Hydro is consistently recognized as one of Manitoba's Top Employers! We are a leader among energy companies in North America, recognized for providing highly reliable service and exceptional customer satisfaction. Join our team of Manitoba's best as we continue to build a company that champions safety, supports innovation, and delivers on our commitment to customer service - while actively fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace reflective of the communities we serve.

Great Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Defined-benefit pension plan for long-term financial security.
- Nine-day work cycle, typically resulting in every other Monday off to support a balanced approach to work, family life and community.

Position Overview:
We are seeking a Technical Assistant to join our Distribution Design Department. Under the general direction of the Design Engineer, you will prepare complex detailed engineering designs for work orders involving overhead and underground distribution systems including distribution area voltage conversions and load additions. You will exercise independent judgement on design alternatives and consult with internal and external stakeholders on project designs and scheduling.

Responsibilities:
- As a technical specialist in overhead and underground distribution systems, design and prepare work order packages (engineering construction drawings, bills of material, and cost estimates) which include related overhead components for complex and high-profile electrical distribution systems extensions and modifications; all with consideration for existing standards pertaining to safety, economics, efficiency of operation, and future expansion.
- Prepare and evaluate alternative conceptual designs for complex and long-term electrical distribution additions and modifications. The work will involve designs using Manitoba Hydro's Standards for 66kV and Below, CSA Standards for - Overhead and Underground systems, and the Canadian Electrical Code Part 1.
- Investigate and utilize new and emerging technologies to develop unique designs necessary to serve complex and changing requirements of overhead and underground electrical distribution systems.
- Liaise with Distribution Planning staff, Property, Apparatus Maintenance, Operations, Sales, and Construction on designs, in-service dates, capacity requirements, and plant locations.
- Determine requirements, obtain or negotiate for offers of easement or land purchase, tree trimming, brush clearing, permission for new extensions, and distribution line relocations. Carry out land title searches as required and prepare recommendations to Property Department for formal acquisition of easements and land purchase.
- Consult, negotiate, and coordinate with other internal departments and external authorities on joint-use projects regarding design requirements, cost/resources and scheduling. External authorities may include Municipal Authorities, Telecommunications companies, gas utilities, railways, pipeline utilities, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure, Land Developers, and Transport Canada.
- Provide comprehensive advice as required to Distribution Construction and other customers on alternative designs.
- Assist in section training for all aspects of the Design Technical Assistant function and provide this training to other Design Technical Assistants, consultants, other department staff as necessary. Prepare, update and maintain training materials in collaboration with others in the department, including leveraging recorded media where its most efficient to do so.
- Conduct field visits with Construction, Operations, Sales, Apparatus Maintenance and the public to evaluate suggestions for design, modifications, equipment and land purchase options. Make on-site design changes as required.
Review "As Built" drawings to verify the accuracy of the drawings and the correct completion of the field work.