Description

Northern Wasco County PUD is looking for a Hydro Plant Operator or Trainee to join our growing utility. This non-exempt, full-time position offers (40 hours per week).

The Hydro Plant Operator under limited supervision or Hydro Plant Operator Trainee under close supervision installs, services, monitors, and operates power generation equipment and machinery such as turbines, generators, governors, pumps, compressors, valves, cranes, and hoists. Performs routine maintenance activities such as painting, welding, grinding, pipe fitting, gauge testing, carpentry, concrete work and similar activities. Operates overhead cranes, hoists, forklifts, trucks, winches, and rigging. In addition to maintenance-related activities, the employee will be trained to independently operate the hydropower facility and stand ready to respond after hours.

The specific job title and hourly wage will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications .

Hydro Plant Operator Trainee $41.86 – $56.64

Hydro Plant Operator $51.68 – $69.92

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: We are proud to offer a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Generous PTO Accruals
• 11 Paid Holidays
• 100% employer-paid premium for Medical/Rx/Dental for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer-paid premium for vision coverage for individual and/or family coverage
• 100% employer-paid Basic Life Insurance 2X annual salary
• 401(k) 7.5% base + 7.5% match = 15% total possible employer contribution
• 457(b)
• 100% Employer-paid Short Term Disability and Long Term Disability
• HRA VEBA
• Business Travel Insurance
• Voluntary benefits

Requirements

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

***For those in Trainee status, the following will be done under supervision until the supervisor has observed and signed off that the employee is competent to perform essential functions without observation.

• Inspects, adjusts, maintains, and installs mechanical and electrical equipment and systems located at the hydroelectric power plants, switchyards, and associated water control structures.
• Operates, maintains, and repairs hydroelectric generating equipment, including intake gates, penstocks, control and relief valves, pumps, compressors, hydraulic cylinders, and all associated equipment.
• Performs preventative maintenance; keeps accurate and up-to-date maintenance records and logs.
• Conducts scheduled and emergency repairs and overhauls on facility equipment.
• Performs manual startup and shutdown of hydroelectric generators.
• Achieves and maintains proficiency in plant operation and maintenance.
• Possesses complex critical thinking skills. Use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions to problems.
• Demonstrates advanced problem-solving abilities to identify complex problems and to develop and implement solutions.
• Performs welding, cutting, and fabrication of aluminum and steel; repairs, fabricates, or alters components, as necessary.
• Keeps relevant plant records such as generation output, outage duration, and relevant tool and supply records.
• Must perform the duties of this position in a safe and efficient manner and follow all safety regulations (Federal, State, NWCPUD, etc.). Must understand and utilize NWCPUD’s safety guidelines, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) safety manual, and OSHA standards.
• Coordinates plant operations and maintenance activities with USACE, the Bonneville Power Administration, and NWCPUD Power Resources Division.
• Operates and maintains fishway in accordance with both FERC license and USACE requirements.
• Keeps supervisor informed of job progress and accepts responsibility for the accuracy of work.
• Operators are required to take paid on-call rotation, generally on a two-week rotating basis, and must respond within 45 minutes.
• Supports the District’s mission to serve our customers and foster a safe and positive work environment by personally exhibiting behavior that aligns with the District’s Core Values & Beliefs.
• Demonstrate cultural competency through respectful, inclusive work habits and through the valuing and welcoming of cultural differences in all position responsibilities
• Other duties as assigned

Secondary Functions:

• All PUD employees are expected to work outside of normal business hours when required during emergency restoration activities and to accomplish other special projects.
• This position requires occasional after-hours work and/or overtime to accomplish outage-related tasks and ensure reliability of the facility.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities: PLEASE NOTE: This position requires the use of various tools/equipment that are related to performing the essential functions of this job.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards, standard safety practices, and personal protective equipment.
• Knowledge of all components that comprise the operating system of the hydro plant.
• Ability to use computer systems to record data, write reports, and complete clearance procedures. Able to learn any other computer skills necessary to perform duties required by the position.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Office Suite, in particular Word and Excel.
• Utilizes a variety of tools and equipment that are common in maintaining industrial facilities. Skillfully uses a variety of tools, including air compressors, welders, hand tools, drills, saws, electrical testers, torque wrenches, feeler gauges, micrometers, etc. Has used precision measuring instruments and performed calibration and testing functions.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow blueprints, electrical diagrams, technical manuals, code books, and other documents pertinent to plant operation and maintenance.
• Ability to work with hydraulic and pneumatic systems, plumbing, and valves.
• Keeps accurate and timely operational records.
• Communicates in a clear, concise, and professional manner, both orally and in writing, to both internal and external personnel and customers. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships.
• Exercises independent judgment in evaluating situations to make sound decisions and adjust work procedures to meet production schedules.
• Keeps supervisor informed of job progress and accepts responsibility for accuracy and timeliness of work.
• Works as a team player.
• Able to learn and implement lockout/tag-out clearance procedures.

Supervisory and/or Functional or Technical Responsibility or Oversight:

• Trainees have no supervisory responsibilities.
• Operators have no supervisory responsibilities but may train staff.

QUALIFICATIONS: Recommended Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications): Other combinations of education and/or experience demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to do the work will also be considered.

Education/Experience:

Operator Trainee

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• A Trainee must have at least one year of mechanical, industrial, maintenance or related experience, or completion of additional post-secondary training/certification related to work in industrial environments.
• Must have a valid, current driver’s license. Driving record must be acceptable and insurable by NWCPUD’s insurance carrier at standard group rates. An annual consent is also required for the release of one's driving record.
• Must be able to pass the NWCPUD’s background check as well as USACE’s badging requirements. The USACE requires a passport or a Real ID.
• Ability to get certified for First Aid and CPR within 90 days of hire.
• Candidate must live within 45 minutes of The Dalles facility. Position requires a timely response for emergencies.

Operator – Must meet the above Trainee criteria plus the following

• Training or advanced education in electrical and/or mechanical technology preferred and/or 3+ years of applicable experience in a power plant or industrial setting is required.
• Heavy equipment operator experience (e.g., tractor, backhoe, telehandlers, etc.) and demonstrated welding experience are desired.
• Preferred Experience (note: an applicant does not have to possess all these skills):
• Experience safely performing high and low voltage (AC and DC) electrical work in an industrial setting is preferred.
• Familiar with reading and evaluating Allen-Bradley Programmable Logic Controllers and querying SCADA/historian records.
• Familiar with principles of asset management, including using computerized asset management tools, conducting long-term work and budget planning, creating maintenance plans, researching supplier and contractor options, and creating associated asset management plans and reports.

Job Scope:

• Employee will be trained to independently operate the hydropower facility and stand ready to respond after hours.
• Works on assignments that are complex in nature where judgment and analysis are required.
• Must exercise judgment in selecting, using, and adjusting for correct body position, tools, or work aids to work, move, guide or place objects or materials.
• Must be able to work long hours in stressful conditions when restoring power during storms or other outages.
• Nature of work will require critical thinking and initiative to develop solutions for complex issues that may periodically arise.
• Self-accountable to manage workload effectively and efficiently
• Tasks and information related to this position are confidential and/or sensitive in nature, requiring strict confidentiality and professional conduct.

Mental or Visual Demand:  Concentrated mental and/or visual attention; the work involves performing complex tasks to very close accuracy and quality specifications; or a high degree of hand and eye coordination for sustained periods.

Working Conditions: The job is often performed under somewhat disagreeable working conditions; exposure to any or all of the above elements is likely, with at least one present to the extent of being disagreeable.

Physical Requirements: Physical demands include sitting, standing, walking/ability to be mobile, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bend at the waist, crouching/ bend at knees, twist, turn, climb stairs/ladders, balance, grasping/gripping, pinching, and be able to push up to 50lbs, and/or lift, pull, carry up to 50lbs . 

***Northern Wasco County PUD is an Equal Opportunity Employer