Operations Specialist
About Us:
Workbench Energy is a fast-growing software and services company specializing in electricity markets. We help large power users, distributed energy resources (think industrial-size batteries) and grid connected generators optimize revenues, cost savings, and carbon impacts. Our software, tools and experience are leading the enablement of Ontario’s modern power grid with distributed and sustainable resources.
About the Role:
At Workbench Energy, we strive to provide innovative electricity market software solutions that ensure and support successful participation in the IESO electricity markets for our clients. As we embark on increasing our support to large-scale energy storage projects, we are seeking a highly skilled and talented Operations Specialist to contribute to our success.
As an Operations Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in the technical monitoring and day-to-day operations of our utility-scale battery storage facilities, keeping these remote sites running reliably and efficiently. You will monitor system health, respond to alarms, support commercial dispatch, and coordinate the routine maintenance and reporting that keep our fleet performing. Collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will leverage your operational discipline and attention to detail to deliver exceptional facility performance. Your problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment will be essential in ensuring our assets operate at a high standard.
Your Success:
Your success as a member of our Energy Management Solutions team will require you to be organized, detail-oriented, and eager to learn and adapt to the evolving technology and operational demands of utility-scale battery storage. You will leverage your skills in systems operations, monitoring, and reporting to deliver high-quality, reliable results. Strong communication and collaboration will be key, as you will work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth operations and meet client needs.
We will provide you with comprehensive training on relevant energy market and power sector factors which will play into the operation of our facilities and their supporting systems. You will gain a deep understanding of our systems and processes, enabling you to effectively monitor, maintain, and optimize energy assets in Ontario and around the world. Your role will be crucial in supporting the commercial operations of our facilities and ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor and maintain the day-to-day operations of remote grid-scale battery energy storage systems, responding to alarms and ensuring high availability.
- Track system performance and availability, investigating and resolving operational issues to minimize downtime and maintain reliable dispatch response.
- Maintain operational data and records in line with data retention policies, keeping information available for equipment warranty review.
- Prepare regular reports for online systems which meet each customer’s needs.
- Facilitate with Energy Managers to help ensure smooth commercial operations of the facilities within Energy Markets.
- Document and create detailed operational procedures and manuals to standardize processes and ensure consistent operations.
Required Skills:
- Minimum of either (1) a college diploma or bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Electrical, Energy, or Mechanical Engineering Technology, Power Systems, or a related discipline, (2) relevant technical training in industrial or energy operations, or (3) a minimum of 3 years of related working experience in industrial, utility, or energy operations.
- 2+ years of experience in an operations, monitoring, or control-room role — ideally supporting industrial, utility, or energy assets — with a track record of responding to alarms and resolving issues under time pressure.
- Strong problem-solving skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and tools.
- Collaborative mindset with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Nice to Have:
- Experience with cloud systems such as Microsoft Azure, including deployment and management of cloud resources.
- Proficiency in database management, including design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Working knowledge of network administration and security — reviewing logs, applying patches and firmware updates, and managing firewalls, managed switches, VLANs, and VPNs (Fortinet/FortiGate a plus).
- Understanding of RESTful APIs, including designing, developing, and integrating APIs for seamless communication between systems.
- Familiarity with the power sector and grid scale energy storage.
- Exposure to operational technology (OT) or industrial control system (ICS) environments and the networks that support them.
Additional Details:
- Hybrid work. Primarily work-from-home, with in-office collaboration from time to time.
- Travel to customer sites required as needed based on project demands.
Pay: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Experience:
- Operations, Monitoring, or Control Room: 2 years (required)
- Azure, AWES or equivalent cloud-based: 1 year (preferred)
- Database management: 1 year (preferred)
- IT security or operations: 1 year (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5R 2E2
