Specialist Systems, IT Infrastructure

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.

We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

The Opportunity 

The Specialist Systems, Infrastructure will be working as part of a dynamic team in a real time environment, you will provide technical expertise for the design and life cycle of common infrastructure solutions and tools which includes servers and appliances, converge infrastructure, virtualization, enterprise storage and backup.  The successful candidate will co-ordinate the implementation of all Infrastructure components, establish user requirements, solution design, integration of commercial products, enhancements, troubleshooting, preparing procedures, consulting, training and researching common infrastructure technologies.

This person is a technical expert, providing advice, direction and solutions to infrastructure issues, including the network, cloud and cyber security.

This position will involve 24x7 on-call support work.

IESO common infrastructure is composed of the following:

• Server hardware including appliances (Dell)
• Virtualization (Broadcom VMware)
• Enterprise Storage and Backup (Commvault)
• File Server (NetApp)
• Network (Cisco, Check Point, F5)

What you’ll be doing

• Participate in the development of strategic plans and standards.  Provide operational and design specifications of common infrastructure which include servers and appliances, converged infrastructure, virtualization, enterprise storage and backup technologies.
• Provide systems design expertise to support the development of computer-based information systems/tools to meet the needs of customers by establishing user requirements, developing solution designs, integrating commercial products, code software and test systems.  Provide project management support to design projects/teams or information systems or tools.
• Develop software or scripts to provide required system functions.
• Manage the evolution of existing common infrastructure solutions and tools by implementing enhancements to provide additional functionality, correct problems to improve reliability and maintainability and respond to advanced system problems or failures to restore system functionality.
• Perform system administration duties, prepare procedures or support personnel involved in system administration activities.
• Research commercial products and tools which can be used in the design or support of infrastructure solutions and tools and perform ongoing assessments of infrastructure performance and capacity to meet current and future requirements.
• Provide systems consulting support to operations, maintenance or software development staff.
• Develop procedures required for the secure operation and management of infrastructure solutions and tools. Perform ongoing audits to assess compliance or required improvements.
• Act as a consultant or mentor to peers to advance their learning and facilitate their problem-solving skills with their respective areas of expertise.
• Provide support with compliance standards, in support of multiple external and internal audits such as NERC CIP audit, Settlement CSAE3416 audit, and assurance audits of common infrastructure.
• Provide support in disaster recovery planning, development and maintenance of system recovery procedures.  Participate in disaster recovery validation exercise.
• Stay abreast of technical trends and architectural direction within the industry to influence changes within the corporation.  Maintain current knowledge in broad areas of server hardware, converged infrastructure, virtualization, enterprise storage and backup.  
• Perform other duties as required.

What you need to succeed

• Requires extensive knowledge engineering / Information Technology / Computer Science subjects and disciplines.  Specific knowledge includes server hardware, converged infrastructure, virtualization, enterprise storage and backup technologies, network and cyber security.
• This knowledge is considered to be normally acquired either through the successful completion of a four-year university education in the appropriate discipline, or by having the equivalent level of education.
• Experience: Requires considerable experience in the design, development and support of infrastructure systems. This experience will be gained through work in the following areas:

1. computer system architecture, design and integration
2. networking and cyber security
3. administration and use of standard or proprietary computer operating systems
4. development of computer applications using standard development languages
5. support of small to large scale infrastructure systems

• A period of up to eight years is considered necessary to gain this experience.
• Requires considerable exposure to IESO business processes as might be acquired through experience in positions related to the power system, energy market operation, diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques, network communications equipment and cyber security device operation/maintenance.
• Working knowledge of Cisco switches and routers, Check Point Firewalls, SentinelOne Endpoint Protection and F5 Load Balancers would be an asset.
• Requires a good knowledge of English to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, to interact with customers, train staff and prepare and update documentation.

What’s in it for you

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching 
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry 

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a hybrid work model program to most of our employees, based on business needs. Individuals participating in the program can work an average of three days per week remotely within Ontario. It also offers three flex weeks when individuals can work remotely within Ontario. When working in the office, you will be located at our Mississauga, ON location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

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