Hydro Operations / Maintenance Manager
HYDRO OPERATIONS/MAINTENANCE MANAGER
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the General Manager, manage the Operations and Maintenance Departments of the Tri-Dam Project and Tri-Dam Power Authority. Incumbent will plan and assign work, and supervise staff in the operations and maintenance of hydroelectric generating plants, dams, reservoirs, rivers, communications sites, and appurtenant facilities.
This is a managerial level classification with functional and procedural responsibility for the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric plants on a 24 hours per day, 7 days per week basis, in accordance with Tri-Dam needs. Duties of this classification include managing emergencies or urgent matters after normal working hours or on holidays.
REPORTS TO General Manager
PERSONNEL SUPERVISED
Approximately 22 employees, including the following classifications: Operation Center Dispatch Operator, Roving Power Plant Operator, Relief Operator, Lead Operator, Crew Lead, Technician, Technician Apprentice, Electrician, Electrical Machinist, Hydro Mechanic, Equipment Operator, Mechanic, Welder, and Laborer, and may provide some direction for temporary work staff as well.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
- Supervise a staff of operations and maintenance personnel to safely operate and maintain hydroelectric plants, dams, and related facilities.
- Lead Project personnel in establishing and maintaining a safe work environment and complying with Cal/OSHA regulations.
- Coordinate planned generation and water management.
- Ensure compliance with FERC, DSOD and WECC/NERC regulatory requirements, and prepare and file associated reports.
- Plan, schedule, assign, and supervise the work of operations and maintenance staff, providing instructions and technical oversight.
- Compile and calculate data on water flow and power generation.
- Assist with forecasting annual water supply in the watershed.
- Develop procedures for plant inspections, testing, clearances, and assessments.
- Represent Tri-Dam on safety inspections of facilities by state and federal regulatory inspectors.
- Assist in the identification of maintenance and operational issues and recommend solutions.
- Assist in developing and maintaining the Tri-Dam Project operations and maintenance budget.
- Estimate and order equipment and materials for assigned projects.
- Develop and provide safety training.
- Consult with the General Manager in planning and managing projects.
- Respond to and deal with the public at the General Manager’s direction.
- Supervise the testing and repair of various electrical circuits, breakers, controllers, meters, transformers, microwave, and SCADA system panel boards and relaying.
- Oversee the repair and maintenance of generators, turbines, governors, valves, wicket gates, pumps, cooling water systems, and auxiliary plant equipment.
- Completes and maintains a variety of records and reports.
- Implements and maintains a preventative maintenance program, and maintains a computerized maintenance tracking and asset management program
- Other duties as assigned.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Frequently stand, sit, or walk on steep and uneven surfaces; stoop, kneel, bend to pick up or move objects; physical ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds; normal manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment such as personal computers and applicable software platforms, copy and facsimile machines, radios, and ability to drive vehicles over rough roads for extended periods of time.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed both in office and outdoor environments; exposure to varying temperatures; exposure to smoke, gasses, dust, and chemicals; tunnels, uneven terrain, heights, and working around high voltage electrical equipment and moving machinery; regular contact with staff and the public.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Operation, maintenance, and surveillance of hydroelectric turbines, generators, gates, valves, and auxiliary equipment.
- Safe work practices around hazardous equipment.
- Governmental and contractual generation and water data reporting requirements and procedures.
- Applicable federal and state regulations related to dam safety and energy regulation, e.g., FERC, DSOD, CAISO, USBR, USACE, and WECC/NERC
- Hydro industry standards and procedures for the operation and routine servicing of hydro generation plants.
- Principles and techniques of supervision, including planning, scheduling, and assigning work, performance appraisals, employee counseling, discipline, and training.
- Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in maintenance work.
- Applicable provisions of electrical code.
- Operation and routine maintenance of construction equipment including loaders, graders, trucks, and other heavy equipment.
Ability to:
- Train, supervise, and plan work for a highly skilled staff in the operations and maintenance of hydroelectric plant generators, water systems and conveyance facilities, and cooling water systems.
- Assess plant and equipment system operations and conditions, and make recommendations regarding limitations on operations.
- Calculate water flow and power generation data.
- Establish work priorities and direct the activities of assigned work projects.
- Determine courses of action for emergencies in the hydro systems and associated water facilities.
- Strongly communicate both verbally and in writing.
- Prepare clear, concise, and accurate records and reports.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other utilities and contractors.
- Perform work in stressful and in emergency situations.
- Read and interpret specifications, technical drawings, schematics, blueprints, and diagrams.
- Estimate cost, time, equipment, and material required for projects.
- Perform basic computer skills including word processing and data development.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:
A minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience in the operations and/or maintenance of hydroelectric facilities, including three (3) years of supervisory experience, providing direction to other staff.
WECC/NERC training and or certification is desirable.
A Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering, science, or business field is preferred.
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver’s license. Ability to drive
in snow and icy conditions.