Hydroelectric Plant Operator
About The Position
The Hydroelectric Plant Operator operates hydroelectric powerhouse and dam equipment in accordance with plant procedures, operating instructions, safety regulations, and industry practices. The position assists, instructs, and directs employees and contractors in duties for which the operator is qualified, performs work of lower classifications, and completes other assigned work. The role calls for extensive experience repairing and maintaining basic industrial equipment, with specialization in mechanical and hydraulic systems, as well as basic metal fabrication and welding abilities. The operator performs and directs powerhouse and dam operations, places equipment in and out of service, and releases equipment for maintenance. The role also involves inspecting plant conditions, troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical and electrical equipment, maintaining operating records, carrying out lockout/tagout procedures, and training and advising other employees. Work may take place in hot, noisy, dark, cramped, elevated, or isolated environments and around water. The operator must be able to work a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays and may be on call in certain situations.
Requirements
- Knowledge of the proper and safe use of hand and power tools, such as drills, drill presses, grinders, bandsaws, and die grinders.
- Knowledge of and experience with basic industrial maintenance activities.
- Basic welding, cutting, and fabrication skills.
- Knowledge of hydraulic and piping systems.
- Knowledge of measuring tools, including rulers, scales, squares, protractors, micrometers, and calipers, and ability to perform simple layout procedures on flat surfaces.
- Experience with lifting and rigging procedures.
- Ability to calculate weight and center of gravity for safe, accurate rigging and movement of plant equipment or heavy objects.
- Ability to use basic mathematics to calculate areas, volumes, and weights.
- Ability to work a rotating schedule covering weekends and holidays and to be on call in certain situations.
- Ability to operate hand and power tools and lift at least 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend and maneuver in tight, cramped spaces; work in hot, noisy, and dark environments, often alone and isolated; work at heights and around water; and wear respiratory protection.
- Ability to reach above and at shoulder level, and walk, stand, stoop, kneel, and bend for prolonged periods.
- Ability to grip and manually manipulate items such as hand tools and machine parts, often with repetitive motion.
- Ability to read and identify labels, gauges, dials, and indicators encountered while performing job duties.
- Clear and effective verbal communication in all circumstances, including emergencies and giving or receiving instructions over a radio.
- Ability to use the company email system.
Responsibilities
- Direct and perform duties required to operate the powerhouse and dam according to system or plant operating orders, making operational changes as necessary.
- Direct and perform duties to place equipment in service, remove it from service, and release it for maintenance work.
- Troubleshoot and perform corrective maintenance on low- to mid-voltage electrical systems using electrical test instruments, including measuring AC/DC voltage and interpreting electrical schematics.
- Inspect the powerhouse and dam, including equipment condition, gauges, and operating records.
- Instruct and train employees in operations duties and provide assistance and advice to support safety and efficient operation.
- Determine causes of unusual or improper operating conditions or equipment failures, and take action to correct or repair problems and prevent recurrence.
- Repair mechanical equipment and assist with electrical equipment repairs.
- Maintain records of operating conditions and changes during a shift, and use the company email system.
- Perform lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and assist with developing new LOTO procedures.
- Perform other assigned work, including work of a lower classification.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Health savings account (HSA)
- Flexible spending account (FSA)
- Commuter benefits
- Voluntary life insurance
- 401(k) match
- Competitive holiday and paid time off schedule, including time off for community volunteering
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
