Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher

Sitka, City and Borough of•Sitka, AK

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The primary purpose of this position is to operate and monitor hydroelectric and diesel generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems both within the community and remote locations. This position is responsible to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum costs by consideration of lake elevations, weather conditions, and load expectations to control the use of water resources and diesel fuel to provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective power to all consumers. Under the direct supervision of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, the employee works independently on the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Requirements

Principles, practices, and theory of hydro and diesel electrical generation, transmission, substations, and distribution, and ancillary mechanical equipment operation
Safety procedures and precautions due to occupational hazards of others working with or around high and low voltage electrical equipment
Switching procedures for an isolated, islanded, non-grid connected electric utility system
Computer spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications used in the electric utility operations
Operating a personal computer using standard software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and any other customized software
Operating and maintaining electrical mechanical equipment
Operating a radio, or other communication devices
Multi-tasking with strong attention to detail
Hear and analyze the proper mechanical and electrical functioning of equipment
Work under stressful situations which result from responding to emergency situations, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties
Make decisions as to the best course of action for responding to emergency situations
Accurately read multiple screens and record SCADA, gauge, and other system data
Read and interpret blueprints and single-line electrical diagrams related to electric generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems
Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge
High school diploma or GED
Two years of experience in electric utility operations or maintenance of an electric power system
Experience working with a SCADA system to monitor and operate an electrical system, preferred
Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work
Possession of a valid license issued by the State of Alaska
Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, a first aid and CPR certification
Within 90 days of hire, pass the Power Plant Operator/System Dispatch proficiency exam and test
Sit or stand for prolong periods of time
Visual acuity to differentiate colors and the details of screens or gauges when observing screens, gauges, and inspect mechanical equipment
Hearing acuity to recognize alarms and other equipment noises or sounds
Lift, bend, push, and pull up to 25 pounds, with or without the assistance of proper equipment
Climb up and down stairs, ladders, elevated structures, or steep inclines to observe and inspect mechanical equipment indoors or outdoors
Bend, reach, and kneeling to perform work in tight, confined spaces indoors or outdoors
Grasping, holding, pushing hand tools, small dials, and gauges
Quickly move
Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to hear specific equipment functioning in a noisy environment and allows the employee to communicate well with others
Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to observe small dials, gauges, and numeric displays to produce a variety of reports and related materials
Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate gauges, small dials, a keyboard, and produce hand-written materials and notations
Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to lift, bend, push, and pull, climb up and down stairs, ladders, or walk on steep inclines and to quickly move in case of an emergency

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a SCADA system to monitor and operate an electrical system

Responsibilities

Monitors, operates, and dispatch of electric generation, transmission, substation, and distribution systems to ensure adequate power delivery capacity and resources to its customers and safe reliable operations
Conducts constant surveillance of all instruments which indicate machine and system load conditions and makes required adjustments to maintain a balanced system and avoid overloading of equipment to ensure adequate electrical capacity and resources is delivered to customers
Operates and oversees the electrical system either manually or with the aid of a computerized Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
Dispatches and performs switching procedures for the entire electrical system to ensure safe and coordinated operation of the system via radio or other designated method
Maintains technology and physical protection to ensure electrical system security for isolated, non-grid connected power system by responding to SCADA system and camera alarms at all electrical utility facilities
Following partial or total power system collapse, directs and controls system restoration activities, including command and control of available generation resources and transmission facilities, to ensure a safe and expeditious return to normal operation
Implement Emergency Procedures, at the direction of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, such as load shedding when conditions deteriorate for the purpose of maintaining system integrity
Receives trouble calls, prepares work orders. and dispatches the proper personnel to respond
Issues safety clearances and gives switching instructions during outages and restores system after clearances
Performs mechanical adjustments when necessary to assure generating machines are maintained in optimum operating condition; troubleshoots minor SCADA problems or contacts appropriate personnel to resolve the more complex problems
Prepares a variety of reports, logs, and records by using various resources and data such as SCADA control and personal computers for such documents as special reports or historical records
Maintains a log of all operations during assigned shift
Performs routine maintenance and housekeeping duties in and around assigned work areas
Performs other duties as assigned