Hydroelectric Electrician

San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority•Byron, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Electrical Foreman, the Hydroelectric Electrician performs installation, modification, maintenance, and repair of electrical and electromechanical systems, circuits, and fixtures at high-voltage substations, power circuit breakers, large pump/generating units and auxiliaries, and irrigation devices used to electrically control water-delivery systems. Related work may be required. The listed duties are illustrative and are not an exhaustive description of the classification. The position works as part of a crew maintaining, troubleshooting, repairing, and rebuilding hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment. It involves maintaining pump/generating units and auxiliary machinery, working with AC and DC controls and circuits, electrical devices and lighting systems, and troubleshooting excitation and industrial motor-control systems. The electrician interprets safety regulations and electrical codes, updates and verifies schematics and wiring diagrams, and analyzes electrical and electronic problems. Work may involve irregular hours, emergency response in all kinds of weather, travel, confined spaces, extreme temperatures, and wet areas.

Requirements

Three years of varied experience as a journeyman electrician maintaining and repairing facilities and equipment related to a hydroelectric generating or pumping plant, and satisfactory completion of all Electrician Critical Skills criteria; equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the necessary knowledge and abilities may qualify.
A valid California Class C Driver License may be required at appointment; the posting notes that individuals unable to meet the requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Proof of a good driving record, evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two consecutive years.
Ability to read and interpret equipment wiring diagrams, schematics, and technical manuals; anticipate problems; and develop new approaches and innovative changes in work methods, techniques, and procedures.
Ability to use a wide variety of electrical components, hand tools, and equipment.
Ability to apply job safety and lock-out/tag-out procedures.
Thorough knowledge of the National Electrical Code, motor-generator theory and repair procedures, electrical circuit troubleshooting, motor controllers, AC/DC control circuits, circuit breakers up to 13.8 kV, and ladder logic diagrams and theory.
Ability to use initiative and judgment to recognize unusual or dangerous conditions.
Ability to perform electrical and electronic testing procedures using state-of-the-art test equipment.
Ability to represent the Authority effectively with the public and other organizations.
Ability to operate computer systems and software packages in performing assignments.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
Ability to regularly and consistently meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
Ability to carry, push, pull, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds; perform work requiring frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and repetitive motor-function dexterity.
Visual acuity sufficient for color distinction, shade differentials, and depth perception, and hearing within normal ranges.

Responsibilities

Perform electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and rebuilding of hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment as part of a crew.
Perform annual maintenance on pump/generating units and maintain auxiliary machinery, support equipment, high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers, and disconnect switches.
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot AC and DC controls and circuits, including breakers, wiring, conduit, fixtures, and transformers, in accordance with local codes and regulations.
Maintain and repair electrical devices such as meters, gauges, pressure/temperature switches, and speed detectors, as well as lighting systems.
Troubleshoot and repair the main pumping unit static excitation control system and industrial motor-control systems, including relay-based and PLC-based systems.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local safety regulations and electrical codes.
Work irregular hours and respond to emergencies in all kinds of weather conditions.
Update and verify electrical schematics and wiring diagrams; analyze electrical and electronic problems using them.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Eleven paid holidays, including one floating holiday.
Vacation leave accrued at 80 hours per year through year four, increasing to 120 hours per year at year five, 140 hours per year at ten years of service, and a maximum of 160 hours per year at fifteen years of service.
Medical leave accrued at eight hours per month.
Authority-funded 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan contribution equal to 8% of gross base annual salary.
For exempt employees, a 401(a) Executive Plan requiring a 5% employee contribution matched by the Water Authority.
Optional voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with a Roth option.
Retirement Health Savings Plan available upon retirement.
Combined Authority contributions for the applicable 401(a), 401(a) Executive, or 457 plans may total up to 18% of gross base annual salary; contributions vest immediately.
Three medical plans: Anthem Blue Cross PPO, Anthem Blue Cross HMO, and Kaiser HMO. The Authority pays 100% of the employee premium and 75% of eligible family-member premiums.
The Authority pays 100% of dental and vision premiums for the employee and eligible family members.
Employee Assistance Program available to employees and household members.
Optional or voluntary benefits include life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, AFLAC, and credit union access.
Compressed work week may be available, contingent on individual work-group needs.