Description
Power the Future of the Columbia Basin – Join Us as a CPC Technologist
Columbia Basin Trust is seeking three Communications, Protection & Control (CPC) Technologists to help power the future of the Columbia Basin. CPC Technologists perform testing, calibration, troubleshooting and maintenance of protection, control and instrumentation systems that support the safe and reliable operation of our shared hydroelectric assets with Columbia Power: Waneta Expansion, Brilliant Expansion and Arrow Lakes. As a CPC Technologist, you will work closely with Engineers, Electricians and Operations to ensure protection schemes, control systems and monitoring devices function reliably to safeguard people, equipment and plant operations.
These are permanent, fulltime roles, initially based in our Castlegar office, with a planned permanent relocation to one of our hydroelectric assets on or before March 2027. In this role, you’ll enjoy a collaborative and supportive team environment and the unique lifestyle of the West Kootenay region.
Salary Range: $100,600 – $118,200 annually, plus eligibility for overtime pay.
Under the direction of an Electrical Crew Lead and reporting to a Plant Supervisor, you will:
- Champion a strong safety and compliance culture by embedding safety into all tasks, proactively addressing hazards, near misses and unsafe conditions.
- Perform testing, calibration and maintenance of protective relays, metering, control and monitoring systems to ensure reliable operations.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot protection and control systems, supporting both planned and emergency outages.
- Execute system testing and commissioning for new equipment and capital projects using specialized diagnostic tools.
- Verify and maintain SCADA signals, communications and DC systems (batteries and chargers) in coordination with Operations and Engineering.
- Maintain accurate technical documentation, schematics and CMMS records while ensuring updates follow document control processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams and contribute to continuous improvement through reliability analysis and safety-focused recommendations.
What We’re Looking For
- Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology or equivalent.
- Registration (or eligibility to register) as an Applied Science Technologist (AScT) with the Applied Science Technologists & Technicians of British Columbia is preferred.
- 3 or more years of experience in protection & control, instrumentation or utility operations; hydroelectric generation experience preferred.
- Experience with protective relays, SCADA, excitation/governor controls and station batteries.
- Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
- Additional endorsements (e.g. Red Seal) are considered assets.
Why Join Us?
- Impactful Work: Operate hydroelectric facilities that power communities across the Columbia Basin.
- Great Team: Join a multidisciplinary trades crew who will play a key role in the operations and maintenance at our hydroelectric facilities.
- Collaborative Culture: Work in a safe, accountable and professional environment with strong, technical support from Engineers.
- Professional Growth: Mentor crew members and apprentices while accessing training and career development opportunities.
- Compensation and Benefits: Enjoy competitive compensation and a robust benefits package, featuring generous timeoff provisions with at least 20 paid vacation days, plus an optional earned dayoff program that adds enhanced flexibility to your schedule.
- Work-Life Balance: Spend more time enjoying the lifestyle, recreation and culture of the West Kootenay region with a 35-hour work week.
Additional Information
Location and On Call: Based in one of three hydroelectric facilities; travel to other facilities as required. Oncall/afterhours support may also be required.
This role will have overtime requirements based on operational and planned outage needs.
How to Apply
If you have what it takes to fill this exciting position, please submit your cover letter and resume on our website: ourtrust.org/powerops by June 28.
Columbia Basin Trust values the rich and diverse cultures in the Columbia Basin and encourages applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
About Columbia Basin Trust
Our staff team is made up of highly motivated, innovative and passionate individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment and want to contribute to Columbia Basin communities.
The Trust is grateful to operate in the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Lheidli T’enneh, Secwépemc, Sinixt and Syilx Nations. This region is also home to six Metis Nation Communities.
We have offices in Castlegar, Nakusp, Cranbrook and Golden, communities that offer year-round outdoor recreation, a vibrant arts and culture scene and much more.
