Apprentice Power Plant Operator-Mechanic

Cloverland Electric Cooperative•Sault Ste. Marie, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Apprentice Power Plant Operator-Mechanic is an entry-level role which will train with and support the following classifications: Repairman, Welder, Machinist, Electrician, and Generator Operator. This position will require the Apprentice to complete online correspondence educational coursework annually, along with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training over a 4-year period. Responsibilities include assisting each classification with the upkeep of Hydro plant systems and diesel plants. Before progressing to a Journeyman Power Plant Operator-Mechanic position, the Apprentice must be able to successfully complete the apprenticeship and maintain the following nationally recognized certifications/licensures: Mobile Crane Operator-Telescopic Boom Crane-Swing Cab, Overhead Crane Operator-Cab Operated, Rigger and Signalperson Class A Commercial Driver's License, and State of Michigan Boater Safety Certificate.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED Equivalent.
Class A Commercial Driver's License, or the ability to obtain within the first year of employment.
Knowledge of methods, equipment and materials used in various trades professions.
Proficient knowledge of health and safety regulations.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
Demonstrated ability to work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches.
Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot.
Demonstrated ability to work independently with little direction.
Team player, high integrity, good personal habits, regular work attendance, courteous, friendly, tactful, persuasive, work well with diverse groups of people and gain and maintain respect of others, both within and outside of the Cooperative.

Nice To Haves

2-3 years of experience in a skilled trade, preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist other journeymen in identifying and fixing problems in the plant and with associated water passage structures.
Communicate findings with Maintenance Foreman and supervisor and assist in devising the workplan for repair.
Assist other classifications in operating various systems or machinery based on instructions or specifications, including operating equipment, leveling and aligning turbines and generators, adjusting wicket gates, and operating turbine control board panels.
Assist with inspection of the exterior and physical integrity of the hydropower facilities and dams.
Climb ladders to inspect, troubleshoot, or repair equipment.
Collect turbine data for testing or research and analysis.
Perform routine maintenance on hydropower plant machinery, as well as mechanical and hydraulic systems.
Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic or electrical malfunctions.
Replace worn or malfunctioning components.
Operate hydropower plant equipment in accordance with specifications and instructions.
Assist other classifications in performing general powerhouse mechanical equipment maintenance.
Identify and correct problems causing mechanical equipment malfunctions.
Perform periodic and unscheduled maintenance/repair of equipment common to hydroelectric facilities, such as turbines, generators, governors, spillway and intake hoist equipment, pneumatic devises, HVAC equipment, sewage and water treatment facilities, hydraulic equipment, etc.
Learn and operate a gate hoist, overhead cranes, hydraulic boom cranes, boat, fork lift, dump truck, tractor, aerial lifts, and canal head gates.
Complete assigned on-the-job training (OJT) hours, working with electricians, welders, machinists, and generator operators to apply knowledge obtained from educational coursework.
Assist all classifications with set-up and completion of jobs, ensuring tools and equipment are available for assigned work.
Responsible for clean-up, ensuring all tools and equipment are cleaned and returned to respective locations.
Promote and follow safety consciousness and compliance.
Participate in job hazard analyses, requests and holds, safe clearances, attend and participate in regularly scheduled safety meetings, and maintain and support a safe working environment for self and others.
Observe all traffic rules and regulations while operating cooperative vehicles.
Reasonably respond to after-hours calls as needed for immediate or emergent repairs within the hydro plant system or diesel facilities.
Complete cooperative safety training as assigned and directed.
Attend trainings and seminars to increase job knowledge.
Perform other related duties and assume other responsibilities as requested or directed.