Hydro Operator
This job posting aims to create an eligibility list for current and future vacancies. To be considered, please ensure your resume clearly demonstrates that you meet the knowledge, skills, and experience outlined in the minimum qualifications of this posting.
At SMUD, we proudly deliver power to over 1.4 million customers in the Sacramento area. As a community-owned, not-for-profit electric service provider, we have been offering low-cost, reliable electricity for more than 70 years. We are recognized as an industry leader and have received numerous awards for our innovative energy efficiency programs, renewable power technologies, and sustainable solutions that promote a healthier environment. Our dedicated team of 2,200 employees works around the clock to ensure reliable service and to develop cutting-edge energy solutions. As one of the region's largest employers, we are known for attracting, developing, and retaining top talent.
We are currently seeking a Hydro Operator to join our Power Generation team at the Hydro Generation Operation Facility in Fresh Pond, located about 60 miles east of Sacramento and 15 miles east of Placerville.
**COVER LETTER REQUIREMENT**
To advance in the selection process for this position, please address the following questions in the cover letter section of your application. Please note that if you do not submit a cover letter with responses to these questions, you may not be considered for further evaluation.
- Please describe your experience with hydro generation units. Specify the types of units you have worked with, such as Kaplan, Francis, or Pelton turbines, and detail the facilities or power plants where you gained this experience. Highlight any specific roles or responsibilities you had in operating these units and mention any notable achievements or challenges you encountered.
- Please describe a specific instance where you performed high voltage switching, including the context and location of the task. Detail the voltage levels you worked with, the equipment involved, and any safety protocols you followed.
- Please describe your experience with using automation interfaces, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), or computer operator displays. Describe the types of systems you have interacted with and the specific tasks you performed using these interfaces. Mention the facilities or projects where you gained this experience and highlight any particular software or technologies you are proficient with.
Written Exam Details:
- The most qualified candidates will be invited to the written exam.
- The examination is tentatively scheduled to be held the first week of May 2025.
- Candidates selected to take the exam will be notified via email.
- Exams are strictly PASS/FAIL, results will be sent to each applicant approximately two weeks from the exam date.
Please Note: All communications regarding this hiring process will be via email. SMUD is not responsible for mail that is directed to your junk mail inbox so please be sure to add SMUD to your safe senders list.
SMUD offers testing accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)/California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). An individual with a disability under applicable laws is defined as someone who has a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity, such as working, or who suffers from certain medical illnesses. To substantiate eligibility, a candidate may be required to provide medical certification of having a disability. If you are requesting a reasonable accommodation that will allow you to complete the examination and/or interview process, please reach out directly to [email protected] at your earliest convenience. All requests must be received at least three (3) business days prior to the examination date.
Purpose
Under typically general supervision, performs work related to the operation of hydroelectric generation plant facilities and related equipment within a multi-facility, remotely controlled, unattended hydroelectric system. The Hydroelectric Operator inspects equipment to ensure that the plant operates properly and safely and coordinates activities affecting the operation of a variety of plant facilities and personnel.
Nature and Scope
Incumbents in this classification serve as the “first alert” of impending problems at all of SMUD’s hydro generation facilities by inspecting equipment to ensure that the plant operates properly and safely, coordinating activities affecting the operation of a variety problems or abnormalities.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Answers trouble call during system or plant disturbances to restore or maintain electric generation.
- Stands rotating shifts as required by system demands to ensure generating units are performing at maximum efficiency.
- Performs high voltage switching for transmission or generator clearances.
- Inspects dams, penstocks, and switchyards and tests control devices of power plants and related facilities.
- Serves as “Clearance Coordinator” during overhauls to ensure that all crafts involved act as a unit in safety and efficiency; trains SMUD employees Clearance Procedures and maintains training records.
- Prepares operating reports and summarizes reservoir conditions, generator runs or system disturbances.
- Prepares, reviews and issues operating and clearance procedures.
- Directs normal start-up testing following overhauls; coordinates within electrical technicians to correctly adjust plant, unit, or transmission protective devices.
- Regulates fish water releases, make precipitation or snow pack measurements.
- Initiates spill containment procedures.
- Operates powerhouse cranes and gasoline and diesel driven emergency generators and makes minor adjustments to plant equipment.
Knowledge Of
Power purchase arrangement and tie-line interconnections; safety procedures, safe clearance procedures, electrical and mechanical blueprint reading, safer powerhouse crane operation; and, Skill/Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to system generation and water usage; maintain internal equipment, instrumentation and the ability to test and calibrate those systems; and, interact with knowledge and cordiality with a public not familiar with power projects.
Skills To
Maintain internal equipment and instrumentation and test and calibrate those systems; recognize unit, plant or system abnormalities and make sound independent decisions; work alone under extreme weather conditions; effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers and supervisors; keep accurate and timely records; and, use test equipment such as volt, ohm, and amp meters and correctly interpret the results.
Required Experience Qualifications
- The above knowledge, skills and abilities would typically be acquired through the following, or its equivalent: HYDROELECTRIC OPERATOR: Typically three (3) years experience in the operation of main unit hydroelectric generators, power circuit breakers, transformers, switchyard and related equipment. Completion of a Hydro Operator Apprenticeship Program.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience operating, maintaining, or supervising hydro generation units in power plants.
- Experience with high voltage switching operations.
- Experience in monitoring, controlling, and optimizing plant operations using automation systems and HMIs, such as SCADA, PLCs, or DCS systems.
Physical Requirements
On-site Work
This role will be an on-site role that will require being in person at one of SMUD's campuses daily to complete work tasks.
Please apply for this position using this link: https://careers.smud.org/job/Pollock-Pines-Hydro-Operator-CA-95726-1500/1276808700/
