Hydro System Operator

Northwestern Energy

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Hydro System Operator (HSO) is responsible for the safe operation of hydroelectric power plant equipment, including turbine generators, auxiliary and station ancillary equipment, associated transmission and distribution facilities, generation and river flows. This includes, but is not limited to issuing line clearances, understanding plant equipment clearances, communicating unit shutdowns and start up times, forecasting available generation according to unit availability and river flows, working with other business units pertaining to area load demands. This position is responsible for understanding and reacting to continuous changing river conditions and various plant alarms. The HSO will also be responsible for creating and updating reports and outage information daily.

Requirements

Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
High school diploma or equivalent
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
Have working knowledge of A.C. and D.C equipment

Nice To Haves

Power plant operations or power plant control room experience preferred
Possess a working knowledge of hydro plant operations
Have a working knowledge of plant relaying and metering; preferred
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Responsibilities

Perform all operations and maintain the GCC in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner
Calculate hourly, daily, and monthly accounting of generation and water flows
Issue switching orders for line clearances
Operate and monitor plants using computers/HMIs
Coordinate alarms and callouts
React and address alarms as necessary
Maintain good communication with operations, maintenance, engineering, and management
Comply and follow all site safety requirements and procedures, including documented procedures and guidelines of external agencies
Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
Respond to Control Center power generation requests
Maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment during emergency situations
Assist in Investigating and troubleshooting problems with plant power generation including turbine control equipment and electrical and mechanical systems; provide follow-up reports/analysis as needed
Represent NorthWestern Energy and interact effectively and responsibly with internal company employees and external agencies; provide feedback to production teams and operators
Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations related to the operation of the plants as well as safe work practices and public safety
Maintain accurate operating logs, reports, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents related to the power plants; complete any other required paperwork, computer work, and documentation
Maintain and update control room operating manuals and technical references.
Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties including sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, and shoveling snow
Work 12-hour shift rotation, including overtime, on-call availability for holidays, evenings and weekends
Safely perform lifting and carrying requirements of parts and tools up to 30 pounds occasionally, not to exceed 50 pounds
Maintain list of employees and vehicle radio numbers
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
Facilitate plant tours and monitor necessary sign in/out areas of control
Communicate with local law and fire enforcement agencies
May be required to fill-in for vacancies in the operator classification (GCC) when needed. (Available for overtime)
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives

Benefits

401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy, spouse, dependent insurance also available)
Continuing education reimbursement
Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
Paid parental leave
Paid bereavement leave
Paid training opportunities
Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays
Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.