Hydro Plant Operator

Oglethorpe Power Corporation • Rome, GA

4d

About The Position

The Operator will perform operating, regulating, adjusting, and inspecting duties for hydroelectric generating units, combustion turbine units, auxiliary equipment, and other station facilities. This position entails monitoring, controlling, and maintaining systems to ensure reliable and efficient electric power generation in compliance with corporate safety policies, mandatory electric reliability standards, and all applicable governmental regulations, including FERC, EPA, EPD, OSHA, and DOT. The Operator will also train and instruct assigned associates, participate in required training programs, and perform the above duties with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• High School Graduate - General Studies
• 0–2+ years of experience in the operation of a hydroelectric or thermal electric power station, preferred but not required.
• Strong comprehension of technical manuals, literature, drawings, and resources; effective oral and written communication skills in English.
• Sharp decision-making and analytical abilities.
• Ability to discern colors (red, green, amber, blue) for equipment operation.
• Capability to work in confined spaces and at heights; lift weights up to 75 pounds.
• Completion of the Turbine Operator Training Program and maintaining certification as a condition of employment.
• Basic supervisory and management skills.
• Passing the Basic Aptitude/Skills Exam.

Nice To Haves

• Two (2) years of college or technical school in a related technology and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a hydroelectric or thermal electric power station, with at least two (2) years at a Turbine Operator level.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical and electrical switching operations to remove or return station auxiliary equipment or substation equipment to service, following established tagging procedures and safety protocols.
• Operate turbines, generators, combustion turbines, hydraulic pump-turbines, electric generator-motors, auxiliary systems, circuit breakers, motor control centers, and common facilities in accordance with standard operating procedures, including start-up, shutdown, normal, emergency, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Monitor and inspect equipment performance by observing recordings, instruments, gauges, meters, temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and other variables. Make necessary adjustments, settings, replacements, and minor repairs to ensure optimal performance.
• Analyze causes of trouble in mechanical and electrical equipment, maintaining safe and efficient operations through troubleshooting and quick decision-making.
• Maintain protective tagging systems for safe equipment repair and maintenance, including confined space entry when needed and lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Assemble and record operational data, including electrical, water, air, and oil readings; update logs and prepare specified reports.
• Oversee plant gate security and remote combustion turbine plant security, with the capability for remote operation when required.
• Direct and train assigned associates; oversee and coordinate activities of other team members as necessary.
• Maintain work areas and equipment in a clean, orderly condition while observing corporate safety policies and participating in scheduled training and safety meetings.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees