Supervisor, Hydro System Control Centre (m/w/d)

Job Description

At TransAlta, we don't just generate electricity-we generate opportunity. As one of Canada's largest publicly traded power generators, we've been powering communities for over 100 years across Canada, the U.S., and Australia. Our diverse energy portfolio and passionate team are driving the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

We believe in the power of purpose, the strength of collaboration, and the value of continuous learning. If you're ready to make a real impact in a dynamic industry, you bring the energy and we'll provide the platform.

For more information about TransAlta, visit our website at, www.transalta.com.

About the Role

TransAlta is seeking a Supervisor, HSCC to provide frontline leadership and technical oversight for our 24/7 Hydro System Control Centre. This role leads a team of unionized Operators responsible for real-time control and monitoring of hydroelectric generating units and water management infrastructure across Alberta and select British Columbia facilities.

The Supervisor, HSCC ensures safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant real-time operations through effective leadership, strong decision making, and close coordination with Water Management, Hydro Scheduling, Asset Optimization, Plant Operations, Engineering, and Regulatory/Compliance teams.

This role ensures that all real-time actions align with daily scheduling, system constraints, Water Act licenses, dam safety rules, AESO market obligations, and environmental requirements. The Supervisor, HSCC will also develop strong knowledge in dispatching and foundational hydro scheduling to support integrated system performance.

This is a full-time, safety sensitive position, based out of our Head Office, downtown Calgary, AB.

A Day in the Life

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and performance management for all HSCC Operators.
• Manage 24/7 shift coverage and relief staffing.
• Ensure Operators follow safe operating procedures, dispatch instructions, SCADA protocols, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain safe, reliable, and compliant control room operations.
• Oversee real time control of hydroelectric plants, dams, reservoirs, canals, and run of river systems via SCADA.
• Assign work direction consistent with the collective agreement.
• Build Operator capability in real-time system operations, situational awareness, and safe decision-making.
• Support Operators in understanding the context of hydro scheduling and dispatching.
• Conduct regular shift briefings, debriefings, and operational performance reviews.
• Support Operator development plans and readiness for emergency situations.
• Provide operational direction to Operators when system conditions change, emergencies arise, or alarms occur.
• Maintain and apply dispatching knowledge to ensure Operators understand AESO dispatch protocols, ancillary service requirements, and interaction with the real time market.
• Validate that real time system adjustments support both safety and commercial priorities.
• Act as the primary link between Operators and Hydro Schedulers, Hydro Optimizer, Water Management Engineers, Plant Operations, Engineers and Asset Optimization.
• Ensure Operators receive timely information on daily offers, reservoir targets, outages, and constraints.
• Strengthen cross functional alignment by helping Operators learn the purpose and structure of hydro scheduling, enabling better real time execution of planned strategies.
• Ensure SCADA systems, monitoring tools, dashboards, and alarm systems remain accurate and available.
• Work with IT/OT groups to ensure operator access, cybersecurity compliance, and system configuration accuracy.
• Identify system improvement needs and coordinate enhancements with Engineering, Operations, and Technology teams.
• Maintain existing HSCC procedures and documentation by reviewing them periodically for deficiencies and updating them as required.
• Support development and implementation of any changes required to effectively transition the HSCC to the Restructured Energy Market.
• Provide occasional on-call support outside of normal working hours to respond to changes in equipment capability or hydrologic conditions.

About You

• A degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Water Resources, or Power Engineering), Economics, Business, Mathematics, or a related technical/analytical field. Equivalent combinations of education and control-room operations experience will be considered.
• Additional training in SCADA operations, power system operations, or electricity market fundamentals is an asset.
• Strong understanding of hydropower operations, reservoir behavior, water level management, and dam safety procedures.
• Minimum 7+ years in hydro operations, system operations, control room work, or real-time power system environments.
• Experience supervising or mentoring operational personnel (unionized environment preferred).
• Experience interacting with electricity markets, dispatching, or scheduling functions is an asset.
• Knowledge of dispatching processes, AESO dispatch rules, ancillary services, and real time market interactions.
• Ability and willingness to learn and apply hydro scheduling concepts such as daily offer development, water plan interpretation, inflow considerations, and optimization fundamentals.
• Strong situational awareness and ability to make sound decisions under pressure.
• Ability to lead Operators in a fast paced, high consequence operational environment.
• Effective communication, coaching, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain calm and provide direction during abnormal or emergency situations.
• Strong ability to make time-sensitive decisions, support technical troubleshooting, and manage multiple priorities in a complex real-time operating environment.

The Perks

• Competitive salary
• Annual incentive program
• Pension plan with company-matching options
• Flexible benefits for you and your family
• Vacation and personal days
• Employee Rewards & Recognition Programs
• Annual Wellness Payment

Explore our Employee Experience Booklet on our Careers site to see how we support your growth and wellbeing.

Our Culture

At TransAlta, we're driven by a Culture of Results, Learning, and Purpose. We prioritize psychological safety, wellbeing, inclusion, and belonging - creating a space where everyone can thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and progress, and we're committed to building a workplace where you can be your authentic self.

Ready to Power Up With Us?

Excited about this role but don't meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for a job unless they meet every single qualification. You might just be the candidate we are looking for.

What to Expect

The successful candidate may be required to complete background checks appropriate to the role and may include criminal record, education and employment verification or credit checks. 'Safety sensitive positions' will be required to complete pre-employment testing.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, only those progressing will be contacted.