Career Track 3: Utilities and Regulators
A day in the life video
The Utilities and Regulators Career Track will introduce participants to a range of career pathways that exist in this sector. Participants will explore all aspects of the sector, from hands-on trades work to administrative and leadership roles.
- Regulatory Expert
- Energy Services Coordinator
- Power Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Data Center Technician
Indigenous involvement in electricity transmission is growing. Nineteen (19) projects are completed or in construction. These projects involve grid access for major projects (e.g., La Romaine Hydro, Quebec), off-grid community interconnection (e.g., Wataynikaneyap Power, Ontario) or grid strengthening (e.g., Bipole III, Manitoba).
Job Profiles

Job Profile 1
Regulatory Expert
Job description - Regulatory Experts investigate how policy issues influence market opportunities and give reviews and suggestions to project development teams, senior administration and stakeholders who are involved in the process. Regulatory experts also investigate and keep up to date on different administrative issues within the energy industry. This position regularly plays a role within a range of stakeholders groups, for example industry trade associations. They also provide assistance in lobbying functions throughout state and federal regulatory procedures that are linked to energy market issues, land use, siting/permitting, taxes, etc.
Median income: $36/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Government Regulatory Expert
- Utility Regulatory Expert
- Policy & Regulatory Specialist
- Policy Analyst
- Public Affairs
- Legislative Liaison
- Government Relations
- Government Affairs
- Lobbyist

by
- A bachelor’s degree or college diploma in a related field such as political science, law, economics, public policy, or public affairs is usually required.
- Several years of experience working with energy markets, especially transmission and trading.
- Proven ability to interpret and understand legislation, and translate it for a diverse audience in the context of environmental and regulatory matters.
- Proven experience with data compilation, technical analysis, and report preparation for regulatory approval/amendment applications.
- Strong understanding of existing legislative and regulatory issues.
- Relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting.
- Problem-solving skills to analyze and process available data and make coherent conclusions and propose solutions.
- Ability to use qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and strong computer skills.
- Proven ability in using different internal and external resources to form analyses, recommendations, policy positions, and to leverage initiatives to bring ongoing benefits to the organization.
- Investigate any potential alterations in rules, regulations and legislation at provincial/territorial and federal levels.
- Give input and guidance to internal company stakeholders to support strategic business planning.
- Engage with stakeholders to identify key concerns and possible results, testify in the province/territory and region, such as public utility commissions or legislative commission hearings.
- Plan, draft and edit new regulatory language in support of clean energy.
- Research and explore ideas and information in order to make new and appropriate recommendations.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Regulatory Affairs – Sciences (Co-op and Non Co-op Version) https://www.algonquincollege.com/sat/program/regulatory-affairs-sciences/#courses
Regulatory Affairs – Ontario Graduate Certificate
https://healthsciences.humber.ca/programs/regulatory-affairs-graduate.html
Food Policy and Regulatory Affairs – Certificate
https://health.uottawa.ca/nutrition/certificate/food-policy-regulatory-affairs
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3850/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1199.05
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy

Job Profile 2
Energy Services Coordinator
Job description - Energy Services Coordinators are responsible for providing consultation and advice, administering programs in a wide range of clean energy related areas, and conducting research. They are also responsible for planning and developing initiatives related to energy efficiency and energy conservation as well as evaluating the energy savings practices within the organization. Energy services coordinators propose environmental best practices for all departments of the company in order to achieve the collective goals.
Median income: $39.90/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Energy Policy Analyst
- Energy Consultant
- Sustainability Coordinator
- Clean Energy Coordinator

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree or college diploma in a related science or technical discipline is typically required.
- A master’s degree in a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Experience administering and coordinating programs in a natural or applied science related area.
- Work experience in a similar energy industry environment (relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting).
- Strong knowledge in environmental management and related legislation and regulations.
- General knowledge in energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy, as well as business and overall management tasks.
- Leadership skills to steer projects, programs, and initiatives related to energy conservation and energy efficiency.
- Strong analytical skills to prepare reports by analyzing extensive data.
- Organizational skills to coordinate multiple projects with different deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, organizational skills, and computer skills.
- Problem-solving skills to identify complex problems and review related information to propose appropriate solutions.
- Ability to engage with the public and effectively communicate planning issues to a broad range of audiences.
- Lead projects, programs, and initiatives related to energy conservation and energy efficiency.
- Increase public awareness and education on the use of natural resources, the environment, the reduction of waste, the impacts of GHG emissions, etc.
- Prepare reports such as audit reports including results of energy analysis or recommendations for energy cost savings.
- Develop and/or implement plans and programs to meet environmental regulatory requirements and/or environmental and sustainability standards.
- Work with colleagues in developing goals, objectives, initiatives, and strategies for sustainable projects.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/occupation/295927/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-4011.01?redir=13-1199.01
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/

Job Profile 3
Power Engineer
Job description – Power Engineers are responsible for assessing the interconnection standards and transmission feasibility of projects, as well as operating and maintaining generators, turbines, boilers, reactors and auxiliary equipment. They are also in charge of installation assessments and/or testing of new electrical components. Other tasks include working on distribution systems and transmission. Power engineers are normally employed by electrical power utilities, power generation plants, hospitals, universities, manufacturing plants, etc.
Median income: Median income for Power Engineers varies according to the level of their certification. By completing a 2-year full-time program and fulfilling the requirements to obtain provincial certification, an entry level Power Engineer (Grade 4) can look forward to earning $25-$30 per hour. First Class Engineers can earn over $200,000 after several years of training and experience.
Alternative job titles
- Stationary Engineer

by 2029
- Completion of secondary school is typically required.
- Completion of a college training program in stationary or power engineering and several years of work experience in the field.
- A provincial or territorial power engineering or stationary engineering certificate according to class required (the class required may vary depending on the job posting).
- Working knowledge of applicable regulations.
- Mechanical aptitude to operate plant equipment (.e.g., DCS control systems, turbo generators, pumps, compressors, heaters).
- Operation monitoring and control: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Critical thinking to identify the strength and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Effective communication – verbal and written.
- Detail oriented. They have to keep track of complex electrical systems, components and electronic products. They also design and develop a wide range of electrical systems, components and electronic devices.
- Leadership skills. They frequently provide support to project planning managers, along with leadership teams from a variety of technical backgrounds, such as other engineers, surveyors, construction managers, or technicians.
- Offer energy system design and support to development and construction staff operating power plant projects.
- Manage and conduct system studies including interconnection, power system or grounding system studies.
- Startup and shut down power plant equipment, control switching operations, control water levels and communicate with systems operators to regulate and coordinate transmission loads, frequency and line voltages.
- Make sure that the construction and interconnection protocols have been complied with.
- Prepare drawings of grid interconnection and collection system for interconnection applications
- Optimize power transmission systems.
- Coordinate, program and direct generating station and substation power loads and line voltages to meet distribution demands during daily operations, system outages, repairs and importing or exporting of power.
- Gather system data from customers, utilities, suppliers and subcontractors for system modeling.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Power Engineers should not be confused with Professional Engineers. In some jurisdictions, individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering can take their 4th Class Certificate without attending a course. Do you want to learn more? Click here for more information on Power Engineers in Canada.
BCIT Power Engineering – General program
Vancouver Island University – Power Engineering
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology – Power Engineering
Saskatchewan Polytechnic - Power Engineering Technology
Assiniboine Community College – Power engineering
Mohawk College – Power Engineering 4th class certificate
Holland College – Power Engineering
College of the North Atlantic – Power Engineering
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/7857/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/details/51-8013.00
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
The Institute of Power Engineers. https://nipe.ca/
Red Seal. A career in Power Engineering. https://redsealrecruiting.com/a-career-in-power-engineering/

Job Profile 4
Utility Control Electrical Engineer
Job description – Electrical engineers test, supervise, and design electrical and electronic systems such as generators, electricity transmission systems, electric motors, power generation equipment and all electrical components in general. They act as the central point of connection between transmission system operators and project teams in research and development. Electrical engineers may be employed by an organization, electrical utility, consulting firms as well as in education or training fields.
Median income: $43.27/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Electronics Engineer
- Project Engineer
- Control Systems Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer

by 2029
- A bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering or in a related field
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required
- Licensed by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers or eligible to become licensed
- A minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and education. (Relevant work experience may vary depending on the job posting)
- Demonstrated knowledge and experience working in a power generation facility with specific experience desirable.
- Usually, this position requires good working knowledge of production methods and industrial processes such as quality control assurance and cost evaluation.
- Deep understanding of the tools used in electronic and electrical applications.
- Working knowledge of the principles of engineering and skills used in designing, implementing and applying technology for certain goods and services.
- Ability to stay focused for long periods of time. They are expected to maintain control of several project elements and technical features when carrying out these tasks.
- Leadership skills in all phases of the project involving clients, consultants, contractors and other parties involved in the project.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, contract negotiation skills.
- Ability to organize and analyze extensive data to determine and/or recommend actions.
- Ability to work efficiently as part of the team and independently as required.
- Manufacturing, installing and testing to make sure that the product as built complies with the product specifications.
- Assess the different systems and propose either repairs or alterations to the project.
- Elaborate reports and project specifications.
- Work closely with project managers to assure that projects are delivered smoothly, on time and within budget.
- Lead feasibility assessment, project operation and performance of power generation and distribution networks.
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Electrical Engineering - Carleton University
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering - McMaster University
Electrical Engineering – University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.E.) - Electrical Engineering – University of Saskatchewan
Electrical Engineering – Ryerson University
Electrical Engineering – University of Manitoba
Electrical Engineering – Dalhousie University
Electrical and Computer Engineering program - Memorial University of Newfoundland
Job Bank. Government of Canada.https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/17815/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/17-2071.00
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy
Engineers Canada. Overview of the licensing process https://engineerscanada.ca/become-an-engineer/overview-of-licensing-process

Job Profile 5
Data Center Technician
Job description – Data center technicians implement data analysis, computer science, simulation, visualization, applied mathematics and statistics methods in order to effectively address critical industry concerns. They may be also responsible for the maintenance and coordination of both local and wide area networks, mainframe networks, hardware, software and relevant IT equipment. Data center technicians also track and streamline network connectivity as well as network performance.
Median income: $32/Hour
Alternative job titles
- Data Centre Operator
- System Administrator
- Computer Network Technician
- Database Administrator

by 2029
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, network administration, Web technology or a related field is normally required
- Training or certification may be needed
- Good understanding of computer programming, hardware and software
- Good understanding of principles and practices of providing service to clients to maintain and build organizational success
- Good understanding of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control and operations of telecommunication systems
- Knowledge of data analysis, experimental design, data integration and algorithm development
- Great understanding of mathematical sciences and statistics
- Able to assess, analyze, and apply IT related procedures in a wide range of scenarios and propose appropriate solutions
- Able to convey technical issues effectively, both verbally and in writing
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work efficiently as part of the team and independently as required
- Assess, set up, and monitor computer hardware, network software, operating system software, and software applications
- Carry out tests and perform safety and quality controls
- Conduct data backups and disaster recovery operations.
- implement data analysis, computer science, simulation, visualization, applied mathematics and statistics methods
Training Opportunities
There are some programs in Canada that provide training opportunities in trades for Indigenous people:
Job Bank. Government of Canada. https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/summary-occupation/3850/ca
O*Net https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1199.05
Eco Canada. (2016, August.) Competencies for Environmental Professionals in Canada. https://www.eco.ca/research/report/nos-environmental-employment/
U.S. Department of Energy. Clean Energy careers map https://www.energy.gov/eere/education/map-career-clean-energy