Operator​/Maintance Hydro Craftworker

Operator/Maintenance Craft Worker

Located at Columbia Basin Hydropower (CBHP) in Ephrata, this position requires a valid Washington driver’s license. Hourly pay ranges from $47.29 to $63.71, depending on qualifications.

A Hydro Craft worker at CBHP has thorough knowledge of the operation, maintenance, repair, and installation of equipment associated with a hydro generating station and its appurtenances. The role involves machine shop practices, operation and maintenance of heavy equipment, rotating and non‑rotating equipment repair, switching, and meticulous recordkeeping.

• Identify or address malfunctions of hydroelectric plant operational equipment such as generators, transformers, or turbines.
• Monitor plant equipment operation and performance, adjusting to specifications as needed.
• Communicate status of operating equipment to operators, engineers, or supervisors.
• Inspect generators or auxiliary equipment to verify proper operation or determine maintenance/repair needs.
• Install or service electrical or mechanical equipment, including motors, engines, pumps, and hydraulics.
• Maintain logs, reports, and work requests for all work performed.
• Maintain or repair plant electrical, mechanical, or electronic equipment such as motors, generators, air compressors, sump pumps, gates, or valves.
• Operate plant equipment such as turbines, pumps, valves, gates, and fans.
• Take readings and record data such as water levels, temperatures, or flow rates.
• Change oil, hydraulic fluid, or lubricants to maintain equipment condition.
• Connect metal parts or components by welding, soldering, riveting, tapping, bolting, bonding, or screwing.
• Cut, bend, or shape metal using hydraulic benders or pipe threaders.
• Erect scaffolds, platforms, or hoisting frames to access machinery or infrastructure for repair or replacement.
• Lift and move loads using cranes, hoists, and rigging to install or repair equipment.
• Perform preventive or corrective containment or cleanup measures to prevent environmental contamination.
• Perform tunnel or field inspections of plant facilities or resources.
• Maintain tools and equipment clean and orderly, securing repairs and maintenance as required.
• Assist in training apprentices as needed.
• Maintain regular attendance and perform all duties and responsibilities as required.
• Execute other duties as assigned.

High school diploma, GED, or comparable education required. Two or more years of technical training in mechanics, electricity, or computer science desired. IBEW journey level card in a major craft or ability to obtain it within a specified time period based on prior experience. Valid Washington Driver License required;
Commercial Driver’s License preferred and may become required. First Aid card including CPR training (equivalent to Washington state requirements) is required.

Two or more years of power generation operation and maintenance or five or more years of other industry electrical and mechanical equipment operation and maintenance is preferred.

• Basic electrical and mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of Washington Electrical Workers safety rules and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret instruction books, Maintenance Management program sheets, blueprints, schematic diagrams, and engineering sketches.
• Competence in safely operating equipment associated with generating electricity.
• Asbestos Abatement Certification preferred and may become required.

• Independent, self‑motivated, and exercises sound judgment.
• Ability to keep accurate records, files, and reports.
• Strong reasoning skills and responsibility for own work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse constituencies.
• Background check required; may work rotating shiftwork and weekends.

Exposure to indoor and outdoor environmental conditions. Hazards include water, rotating blades, electrical current, working at heights, confined spaces, dust, fumes, vapors, loud environments, vibrations, caustic chemicals, extreme temperature, weather, and other hazardous situations.

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