Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic

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

13d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Plant Mechanic Foreman, the Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic performs skilled mechanical maintenance and repair work on hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment. The position includes troubleshooting, repairing, rebuilding, and performing preventive maintenance on plant machinery and related systems. Duties may also include related work as required. The mechanic works as part of a crew and may operate material-handling and lifting equipment, perform rigging, overhaul turbines and other machinery, fabricate parts and tools, operate precision machine tools, and perform structural and pipe welding. The position may involve supervising apprentices in a lead capacity. Work conditions include confined spaces, extreme temperatures, wet areas, and exposure to potentially hazardous materials requiring specialized protective equipment. The role requires frequent travel by automobile while conducting Authority business and regular use of trucks, cranes, forklifts, and precision machine tools. The position requires carrying, pushing, pulling, and lifting equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds, as well as frequent climbing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching and repetitive motor-function dexterity.

Requirements

Completion of a mechanical apprenticeship program, or a qualifying combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge and abilities.
Three years of varied experience as a journeyman machinist or plant mechanic maintaining and repairing facilities and equipment related to a hydroelectric generating or pumping plant.
Knowledge of crane operations and rigging equipment for moving or placing heavy equipment during repair and installation work.
Knowledge of dismantling, assembling, overhauling, and repairing hydroelectric plant machinery and related equipment.
Knowledge of repairs and maintenance using hand or power tools, hydraulic presses, or welding equipment.
Ability to interpret blueprints, specifications, or diagrams.
Knowledge of plumbing materials and methods, including copper, steel, stainless steel, PVC, ABS, Victaulic, soldered, threaded, and glued connections.
Ability to perform journeyman-level mechanical work installing, maintaining, and repairing hydroelectric plant systems.
Ability to read and understand technical documents associated with mechanical equipment.
Ability to anticipate problems, develop new approaches, and make innovative changes in work methods, techniques, and procedures.
Ability to precisely align rotating machinery and use precision measuring tools.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; follow instructions; work independently and cooperatively; and regularly meet attendance and punctuality requirements.
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License may be required at appointment.
Possession and 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 carry, push, pull, and lift equipment and parts weighing up to 50 pounds.
Visual acuity sufficient for color distinction, shade differentiation, and depth perception; hearing within normal ranges.

Responsibilities

Perform mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and rebuilding of hydroelectric generating and pumping plant equipment as part of a crew.
Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment.
Operate forklifts, aerial lifts, overhead bridge cranes, and gantry cranes, and perform rigging related to maintenance work.
Overhaul and repair turbines, generators, motors, pumps, compressors, filters, eductors, valves, pipes, penstocks, and radial gate drive systems.
Perform finish grinding and install turbine runners and seals.
Design, fabricate, and manufacture tools, jigs, and fixtures; fabricate parts from stock material.
Operate precision lathes, milling, boring, radial arm, drill press, and grinding machines.
Perform finish structural and pipe welding using MIG, TIG, acetylene, and arc welders.
Apply lead and supervisory skills while supervising apprentices.
Perform other duties as required.

Benefits

Eleven paid holidays, including one floating holiday.
Vacation leave accrued at 80 hours per year through year four, increasing to 120 hours at year five, 140 hours at ten years of service, and up to 160 hours at fifteen years of service.
Medical leave accrues at eight hours per month.
Authority-funded 401(a) Defined Contribution Plan contribution equal to 8% of gross base annual salary.
401(a) Executive Plan for eligible exempt employees: employee contribution of 5% of gross base annual salary, matched by the Water Authority.
Optional voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan, including a Roth option.
Retirement Health Savings Plan available upon retirement.
Medical plans offered through 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.
Dental and vision premiums paid by the Authority for the employee and eligible family members.
Employee Assistance Program available to employees and household members.
Optional life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, AFLAC, and credit union.
Compressed work week may be available depending on individual work-group needs.
Combined Authority contributions to the 401(a), 401(a) Executive, or 457 Deferred Compensation plans are capped at 18% of gross base annual salary; contributions vest immediately.