Join our team at Chelan County Public Utility District. As one of the largest hydroelectric generating utilities in the Northwest, our mission at Chelan PUD is to improve the quality of life for the thousands of people who call our pristine desert and mountain community home.
Overview
The Journeyman Operator works a regular scheduled shift and is qualified by capability and training to perform any operation of the District's generation equipment and associated facilities. The Journeyman Operator can test, troubleshoot, inspect and assist plant maintenance employees as directed by the Chief Operator or Operations Superintendent.
Responsibilities
- Control Room: Perform the switching and control functions for the regulation of water releases, electrical production, voltage regulation, station service, and auxiliary equipment. May be required to conduct tests, make adjustments, diagnose improper operations and take corrective action. Implement Emergency Action Plans as directed by the Chief Operator, System Operator or District management. Work with multiple computer systems and software packages for the control of equipment and systems and to perform general office record keeping. Monitor project security by observing video monitors and making periodic security patrols. Respond to security alarms and other unusual conditions to determine cause and assess situation.
- Inspections: Perform frequent and regular inspections of project equipment and facilities including but not limited to generators, turbines, transformers, switchgear, auxiliary systems, spillways, switchyards, substations and outbuildings to ensure proper operation and conditions. Correct abnormal conditions as appropriate and notes conditions in the Plant Log. Conduct periodic testing of equipment to ensure proper operation.
- Switching / configuration: Receive authorized high voltage switching orders and District safety clearances from the System operator or Chief Operator as appropriate. Perform high voltage switching functions in switchyards and substations as required. Perform in-plant electrical and mechanical clearances, switching orders and tag-outs for project personnel and contractors as authorized by the Chief Operator. Perform the switching, valving and equipment positioning required for the correct configuration of electrical and mechanical systems and equipment that provide safe working perimeters for clearances and reliable, efficient operation of the generating station.
- Communication: Keep informed of all plant operation and mechanical conditions by examining daily logs, status reports and communicating with other team members. Prepare accurate written or verbal reports as required to keep Chief Operator, supervisory personnel and maintenance crew members informed of plant operations.
- Training: Assist in the training of apprentices and other personnel. May be assigned to perform project and/or safety orientation training.
- Safety: Comply with safety instructions and regulations, ensuring personal safety, participating in safety programs and promptly reporting unsafe acts, unsafe conditions and accidents. Promote and maintain safe working conditions. Recognize and respond to, or report, emergency situations that could result in threats to the safety of people or damage to equipment or property. Attend monthly safety meetings or review safety meeting records.
- Clearances: May be directed to prepare, implement and perform Safety clearances, tag-out and caution orders in accordance with District Dispatching and Operating Safety Rules and Instructions.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
- As an essential function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.
Reports To
Superintendent - Hydro Operations
Overtime exemption
Non-Exempt
Qualifications
Education
Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.
- No post-secondary education is required.
Experience
- Completion of a recognized operator apprentice program (journeyman status) or equivalent cross craft operator-in-training experience is required. or
- 3+ years of documented, relevant power plant operator experience (journeyman status) is required.
Licenses and Certifications
- Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire within 30 days
- CPR – Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation with Valid First Aid Card within 90 days
Skills and Abilities
A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities:
- Must be knowledgeable in the function and operation of control, regulating, indicating, recording and protective devices common to electric power plant operation.
- Requires knowledge and proficiency in the operation of all electrical and mechanical equipment and systems in the generating facility.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Washington Electrical Workers safety rules and regulations (or equivalent) and knowledge and understanding of the CCPUD Dispatching and Operating Safety Rules and Instructions (or equivalent).
- Must be knowledgeable in the function and operation of control, regulating, indicating, recording and protective devices common to electric power plant operation.
- Requires ability to understand pertinent computer software, general understanding of mathematics, legible writing and the ability to maintain records, files and forms.
- Ability to work near energized lines and equipment, using proper safety precautions including the use of personal protective equipment.
- Requires the ability to understand and operate electromechanical systems.
- Ability to understand the function of plant equipment by studying drawings and instruction manuals, and ability to read and understand wiring diagrams and various schemes used by different vendors of equipment, and read and interpret instruction books, blue prints, and schematic diagrams.
- Must be qualified and capable of performing any operation in the generating station, switchyards, substations, their operating nodes or other locations as assigned. This includes but is not limited to, switching, maintaining load, voltage regulation and river flow; starting/stopping, control, inspection and troubleshooting of generating units including related auxiliary equipment and systems.
- Requires good oral and written communication skills.
- Strong ability to work with people effectively and maintain an atmosphere of cooperation among personnel.
- Requires ability to assist in the training of apprentices and personnel.
- To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of PeopleSoft Timekeeping/HR; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; General Office Equipment; Maximo Order Processing; Internet Explorer; Internet software; Maximo Asset Management & Maintenance systems; and IFix.
- Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
- Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals and to effectively present information and respond to questions from peers, engineers, supervisors, and craft workers.
- Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.
Drug Screening
Drug screening prior to position entry is required for the following reason(s):
- Drives or operates motorized vehicles for purposes of transporting passengers, including other employees (occasional driving of a District passenger vehicle is not a Safety Sensitive job duty)
- Works with, in, on, or near distribution or transmission lines or equipment in a manner that can impact the safe flow or distribution of electricity or water, or otherwise create imminent harm to the public or other employees, such as flooding, fire or explosions
Physical Demands & Working Conditions: See full posting at www.chelanpud.org/careers
District Values
- Safety - Protect public and employee health and safety
- Stewardship - Acting on behalf of customer-owners, protecting public resources entrusted to us
- Trustworthy - Competence, integrity, respect
- Operational Excellence - High-quality innovative work execution
Equal Opportunity/ADA
Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.
EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers (chelanpud.org) page in English and Spanish.
The job functions and physical requirements described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
