Hydro Plant Technician

About Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri has been providing electric and gas service for more than 100 years, and our electric rates are among the lowest in the nation. Ameren Missouri's mission is to power the quality of life for our 1.2 million electric and 132,000 natural gas customers in central and eastern Missouri. Our service area covers 64 counties and more than 500 communities including the greater St.

Louis area

Position(s): 1

Hourly Rate Range: $60.69

Area/Div: 0308

Revision Date: 7/19/01

Often working alone or under indirect supervision, working on a rotating shift or day schedule as required, to do a general range of power plant operation, electrical, mechanical and control systems work. Operating work includes items such as: (not all duties apply to all plants)
* Operating the main electrical control system of the Hydro generating stations and associated substations, together with their auxiliary equipment
* To start, stop, load and unload the various items of electrical equipment in accordance with directions from the Power and Transmission Dispatcher's offices
* To perform or direct switching and other corrective operations, in the event of emergency conditions affecting the Plant or Sub Stations
* Immediate responsibility at times for the working direction of an apprentice or trainee.
* Monitor remote indications and displays of operating equipment and initiate actions in response to abnormal conditions.
* Initiate emergency response procedures. Electrical work includes items such as generators, voltage regulator rheostats, exciters, buses and bus duct, transformers, circuit breakers, switches, power circuits, magnetic contractors, motors, motor starters, batteries, plant lighting, conduit, wiring, boxes, supports, and hangers. Mechanical work includes items such as machine work, welding, plumbing, rigging, sheet metal, carpentry work, metal spray, manipulating spill gates, head gates and stop logs.

Control system work includes items such such as calibration and adjustment of transmitters and transducers, troubleshooting using programmable logic controllers (PLC), and using the SCADA system. In this connection, to perform or direct the performance of details of work, such as:
* Apprise Management of any irregular conditions having been reported or observed.
* Through SCADA or from the VCC's, control, monitor, load and unload the main and house generator units and associated auxiliary equipment, in accordance with plant operating conditions and procedures, also in accordance with system requirements received from the Power and Transmission Dispatchers.
* Control, monitor, start and stop various plant equipment and systems in accordance with plant procedures and requirements.
* Monitor, start and stop Hydro Units and keep Management informed of any irregular conditions that may develop.
* Automatic or manual synchronization of generators and lines.
* Write switching orders and issue protection for WPA on all equipment of the assigned unit, and give directions to insure that proper safety measures are observed.
* Perform switching, or direct others to perform switching, under written and verbal orders, on all equipment of the assigned unit, including disconnect switching in the 138 and 34.5KV substations, 13.8KV electric bay, 2.3KV switch gear, 460V switch gear, 125v AC and DC circuits and other primary and secondary switching as required.
* Control system voltage as directed by the Transmission Dispatcher.
* Accurately and legibly record all required operating data including totaling generation, utilizing this data as needed to operate the equipment properly.
* Make regular and special inspections of operating equipment in accordance with plant procedures or as required.
* Record and reset relay targets in the event of automatic trip-out of equipment.
* Periodically or occasionally compile special operating data, and take special readings as required.
* Maintain all required logbooks and forms.
* Perform general housekeeping throughout the plant.
* In absence of supervision, direct efforts to restore service and equipment in emergencies.
* Maintain proper oil levels in bearings and governor oil tanks.
* Correct, or report for correction, any faulty operation of equipment.
* Operate pumps, compressors, unwatering valves, and oil, water, grease and air valves as needed or required.
* Inspect and refill first aid kits and supplies.
* Take water samples.
* Activate the fire suppression systems when needed.
* Monitor and maintain proper record keeping for lake and river elevations.
* Work from schematics, other drawings, and sketches.
* Use portable tools and instruments including but not limited to voltmeters, ammeter, phase meter, ohmmeter, megger, strobe lights, tachometer, fluke, oscilloscope, lap top computer, etc.
* Troubleshoot energized electrical and control systems.
* Install electrical instruments, controls, conduit, wiring, hangers, supports, boxes, breakers, motors, and motor controls.
*…