Venor is proud to partner with the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board on their search for a Director Specialist, Electrical Engineer to join their team in Halifax, NS.

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board is an independent body that ensures customers receive safe and reliable service at reasonable prices by regulating and establishing rates for public utilities (ex: electric, water, and natural gas utilities), gasoline, diesel, auto insurance, and more. The Board is recognized as a trusted, leading adjudicative and regulatory tribunal. To learn more about the Board check out their website here.

Reporting to the Managing Director, Advisory Services, this position provides advice to Board Members and Board Counsel on a wide range of electric utility matters including specialist level research and analysis relating to capital project approvals, rate applications, grid modernization, system planning, reliability, and monitoring of utility activities.

Key Responsibilities:

As the Director Specialist, Electrical Engineer you will provide strategic insight and awareness, leadership and advice on matters, hearings, and expert witness engagements. You will also be responsible for the following:

• Provides a project management function to recommend strategic sequencing of major files/matters and coordinates delivery of work on the approved plans.
• Providing comprehensive analysis and opinions on complex issues to formulate concise recommendations on matters such as rates, regulations, and capital expenditures.
• Providing strategic insight and awareness of developing trends and technology within the electric utility sector at the regional, national, and international level.
• Supporting Board Counsel during hearings by drafting briefing notes and helping with the development of questions for cross examination by Board Counsel.
• Analyzing filings for identification of regulatory issues, including compliance with regulations and Board directives.
• Analyzing utility applications to assess impacts to ratepayers.
• Identifying and understanding evolving trends, opportunities and risks associated with the electrical utility sector and assessing their impacts on utilities and ratepayers.
• Acting as a Board representative at technical conferences, external committees, working groups and complex stakeholder processes.
• Researching, identifying, engaging, and managing skilled expert witnesses and consultants.
• Receiving, researching, and assisting in resolving complaints against utilities.
• Coordinating and advising on schedules and sequencing of various regulatory proceedings.

Qualifications and Attributes:

• Electrical Engineering degree from a recognized university.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registered with and remains in good standing with APENS.
• Qualification with a minimum of 15 years post-designation experience, preferably with a large power utility, encompassing various aspects of power generation, transmission, distribution, and customer service.
• A minimum of 5 years of leadership and/or management experience.
• Training and experience in engineering economic analysis, integrated resource planning, network reliability analysis, energy efficiency and demand-side management initiatives, renewable and distributed energy resources, and smart grid modernization.
• Direct experience in power system operations, field operations, project management, organizational leadership, decision writing, and effective oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of cost-of-service studies, principles of rate design, and regulatory fundamentals.
• In-depth knowledge of evolving trends and technologies that are transforming and modernizing the traditional power grid.

Preferred Experience:

As the ideal candidate, you have a strong technical background as a Professional Electrical Engineer combined with strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. You are proficient in decision-writing; communicating effectively both orally and in writing; and leading and managing stakeholder processes. Occasionally you will need to guide stakeholder processes through to completion, dealing with opposing views that are sometimes controversial or confrontational in nature. The ability to negotiate and communicate effectively is key. You will also be mentoring, coaching, and guiding members of the Advisory Team.

An acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered. Please clearly indicate in your resume or cover letter how you meet the qualifications and requirements for this position.

We embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, your application is welcome. Diversity is appreciated and there is an understanding that we all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. Applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities are encouraged. If you require any accommodation in the application and interview process, please let us know.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please reach out to Erika Hildebrand via erika@venor.ca.