Control Technician

Like the idea of working in a high-energy atmosphere where you'll interact with, and learn from, people who are experts in their fields and who will offer you valuable knowledge that contributes to your success? Then consider becoming a Control Technician at OPG!

Read on to find out what it takes to become a Control Technician, its benefits, the commitment involved and what to expect once you are qualified.

"What do I need?"

To be considered for an experienced Control Technician position, you will need one of the following

• A Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), plus completion of a minimum 2 year recognized community college program in Electrical, Instrumentation & Control or Electronics, plus a minimum of 3 years experience in a related field.
  
  
• A Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), plus completion of a Certificate of Qualification in Industrial Electrician, Construction & Maintenance Electrician, or Instrumentation Technician.

  * Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada."
  
  
  
  To be considered for an Apprenticeship/Trainee position, you will need one of the following:

• A Grade 12 Ontario Secondary School Diploma (or equivalent), plus completion of a minimum 2 year recognized community college program in Electrical, Instrumentation & Control or Electronics, plus experience in a related field preferred.
  
  
  * Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada."

"How do I apply?"

Go to our virtual career centre at www.mypowercareer.com and submit a career profile. Our automated system will e-mail you a notification when the Control Technician position is posted, asking you to apply online. If you meet the selected criteria, you may be invited to write a series of tests that address such areas as diagnostic and problem-solving skills, language comprehension, and safety consciousness. Should you wish to practice some ability tests, please visit the SHL website. If you successfully pass these tests, you may be invited to an interview to determine your eligibility for the job. If you make the shortlist, you will have to undergo security and medical checks and will be asked to supply references.

"I've been hired! Now what?"

OPG will start training you from day one. The Control Technician job is a "dual trade" position - you enter with one skill set and are trained in a second. Your first month will be spent in general training, but after that you will begin core skills training, both in classrooms and on the job. This training lasts up to five years, and is extremely intensive. You will have to absorb large amounts of information in a short time, and you will be continually tested.

"What will my typical day be like?"

A large portion of your day will be spent inspecting, maintaining and repairing instrumentation, electronics or electrical equipment. It takes skill and patience to be a Control Technician, as you will perform repetitive diagnostic and maintenance routines and constant troubleshooting. If you see a problem, it will be up to you to report and record it immediately while strictly following OPG policies and procedures. You may also be asked to train new team members, so you'll need to be comfortable communicating and working confidently and safely with others. Some days will require several hours of paper work, which is repetitive but essential to the success and safety of everyone at OPG. Control Technicians must be willing to work 8, 10 or 12-hour shift work - you'll need to be comfortable being on duty at any hour of the day.

"What will working conditions be like?"

At OPG, safety is our first priority. Protective equipment and clothing are provided and required at all times. Some of the equipment and clothing can be heavy or feel restrictive (such as plastic suits and respirators), but it minimizes chances of exposure to hazardous materials and radiation. As a Control Technician, you need to be prepared to work in confined spaces, high places, high temperatures, stuffy environments and loud areas.

"What about my future?"

The pay and benefits package for Control Technicians is competitive and improves annually. You can really take advantage of training while at OPG - throughout your career you will be constantly supported in furthering your knowledge and skill set. In time, Control Technicians at OPG can move into various supervisory positions, such as the First Line Manager Assistant position.

"Sounds good! What's the catch?"

There isn't one. If you're qualified to become a Control Technician and are willing to commit to the challenge of tough studying and scrutiny, then you're ready to join OPG for a rewarding career. OPG is constantly looking to the future, and for new ways to be efficient, safe and productive. That's why we look to people like you to help us get there. We offer great benefits, salary packages and further career opportunities to those who make the grade. Our standards are high and the training is hard, but our work environment brings out the best in people and puts their energy to good use!

If you would like more information on the Control Technician position and OPG, a realistic job preview and a detailed overview of OPG is available here.