Position Overview

The Lilliwaup Falls Generating Company is seeking a dedicated and self-motivated Plant Manager to oversee the operations of a small hydroelectric facility. This position offers the unique opportunity to manage the plant primarily independently, with the support of outside contractors for technical work and larger projects. The ideal candidate will live on-site in provided housing, ensuring quick access and responsiveness to the plant’s needs.

Job Type and Compensation

• Position is full-time and exempt
• Salary for this position is $60,000-70,000 per year, depending on experience, plus provided housing.
• Opportunity to earn production-based bonuses, incentivizing efficiency and effectiveness in plant operations.
• Health Benefits: 100% of medical insurance premiums covered by employer.
• Housing: Cost of housing for employee and dependent(s) (i.e., rent and utilities) paid by employer.
• The Plant Manager is supervised by the Owner and/or his designate (likely a family member). On-site visits occur between monthly and quarterly (potentially more frequently during employee ramp up), with weekly telephone contact in between.

Company Overview     

• Lilliwaup Falls Generating Company is a 1.6 MW capacity, small run-of-river hydroelectric facility located on Lilliwaup Creek, which empties into Hood Canal.
• The company is family owned.
• All power is sold to the Mason County Public Utility District No. 1.
• The position is also responsible for oversight and light maintenance for several hundred acres surrounding the plant.
• Additional duties at the plant site could be discussed as additions to the job (e.g., related to the on-site owners’ house or independently operated hatchery) if desirable for the owners and candidate, but should be considered excluded at this time.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the hydroelectric facility.
• Ensure continuous and efficient power generation.
• Maintain and repair plant equipment as needed.
• Monitor and analyze plant performance and solve technical issues independently.
• Coordinate with outside contractors for specialized technical work and large-scale projects.
• Adhere to safety and environmental regulations set forth by Washington State.
• Prepare reports and maintain records of plant operations.
• Perform basic administrative tasks and use a computer for reporting and communication purposes.

Living Arrangements

The ideal candidate will live on-site in Lilliwaup, WA, in provided housing (including utilities). The housing is a two-bedroom, detached house, offering comfort and convenience for the Plant Manager, allowing for quick access to the facility and the ability to respond promptly to any operational needs.

Work Schedule

The work week is most demanding during the fall through spring seasons, with more flexibility in the summer months. The Plant Manager will primarily work alone, emphasizing the need for self-motivation and independent problem-solving skills.

Required Skills

• Self-motivated/self-starter.
• Mechanically inclined with an aptitude for understanding and managing machinery.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility in working hours, especially during high-demand seasons (fall-spring).
• Basic computer skills for administrative tasks.

Desirable but Not Required Skills

• Knowledge of hydrology.
• Experience operating heavy equipment.
• Experience with fisheries.
• Project management skills.
• Understanding of Washington State environmental regulations.

Potentially Useful Additional Skills

• Engineering background.
• Experience with hydroelectric operations.
• Welding skills.
• Programming knowledge.

Experience Requirements

Required:

• Demonstrated history of independent work without direct supervision.
• At least five years of experience in a related field.

Desirable but Not Required Experience:

• Work around watercourses and/or hydroelectric facilities.
• Experience in regulated industries.
• Any work in power generation or the power sector generally.

Potentially Applicable Fields:

• Heavy construction.
• Power generation.