Hydroelectric Operator

THIS IS AN INTERNAL JOB POSTING. ONLY CURRENT CITY OF HAMILTON EMPLOYEES WHO ARE IUOE MEMBERS ARE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY. This position is located at the Greenup Hydroelectric Plant, 3263 Kenyon Road, Franklin Furnace, Ohio 45629.

This is skilled work in the operation and control of equipment associated with a hydroelectric power generation plant and in maintenance of such a facility. Work in this class primarily involves the operation, inspection, tending and maintenance of power generating and auxiliary equipment associated with the hydroelectric generating plant in order to achieve maximum output rate consistent with permitted discharge rate.

Removal of trash from plant intakes, a variety of maintenance tasks, and record keeping are on-going part of each Operator's responsibility.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Plant Supervisor who reviews the employee's work through observation, conferences and plant records and reports. The employee, however, is expected to be able to work with a considerable degree of independence, resourcefulness and initiative. In accordance with established procedures, the employee coordinates assigned duties with related functions of other Operators.

Work is characterized by employment on rotating shifts.

• Functions as Control Room Operator, starting and stopping units, coordinating unit discharge rates, monitoring and maintaining upstream pool, taking and reporting hourly readings of distribution metering, unit blade positions, unit temperatures and D.O. monitoring equipment.
• Makes reports to plant logs, to Hamilton Power Plant and to Locks personnel dealing with status of plant and river status
• Acknowledges, and responds to faults or alarms on an annunciator board, fire alarm, or other monitoring systems; uses learned knowledge of plant operations to take corrective action and/or notify other agencies as appropriate.
• Cleans debris from intake screens trash racks on plant intake side; uses Log Handling equipment and other devices as needed to keep intake area clear.
• Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including inspection and routine preventive maintenance on the units, auxiliaries, trash cleaning equipment and plant facility.
• Performs maintenance or installation tasks, consistent with skill and ability, to repair or replace failed equipment or components.
• Performs grounds care tasks such as mowing grass, weed eating, snow removal, cleaning & clearing plant grounds, trash removal, fence repair and custodial jobs such as cleaning restrooms, mopping & waxing floors, changing light bulbs and similar jobs.
• Drives light truck or automobile to purchase or pick up equipment or supplies needed by plant.
• Does related work as required.

• Considerable knowledge of the procedures and techniques essential to the operation of hydroelectric generation equipment with the ability to make appropriate operating decisions as a member of a small crew.
• Considerable knowledge of the hazards and applicable safety precautions of the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the operation, adjustment and maintenance of control, indicating, recording and metering devices common to hydroelectric power plants.
• Ability to analyze working conditions of equipment, to detect flaws or defects in operation, and to take appropriate steps to correct defective equipment or hazardous working conditions.
• Ability to read and interpret measuring and testing devices connected with plant operation, and to keep proper log records of such readings.
• Ability to follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Skill in the use and adjustment of appropriate electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with the public, subordinates and superiors and with individuals from other agencies such as lock staff, persons from regulatory groups and the public.
• Excellent physical condition to work effectively in work conditions which include: exposure to adverse weather, relatively constant vibration and the confines of a plant system which is largely under water level.

• Basic understanding of mechanical & electrical systems and devices, heat transfer, general mathematical skills, basic computer user skills, oral & written communication skills and basic planning skills.

• One (1) year experience in operation or maintenance of power plant equipment such as turbines, pumps and auxiliary equipment, electric transmission equipment & general welding skills would be valuable although not mandatory.