Associate Dam Operator

United Water Conservation District; Piru (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

United Water Conservation District seeks an Associate Dam Operator to assist in the operation of the Santa Felicia Dam, hydroelectric power plant, and Lake Piru water distribution pipelines. The role includes daily inspections, dam releases, data collection and recordkeeping, and coordination with the Chief Operations Officer or designee.

Rotating shift duties with on-call responsiveness are required. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, with construction or water-system training

Qualifications

• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required; college coursework in water science or construction is desirable.
• Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment such as graders and tractors is expected.
• Ability to read meters and gauges, and maintain accurate records for regulatory purposes.

Responsibilities

• Operate a hydroelectric power plant and manage dam releases with proper safety measures.
• Conduct daily inspections, enforce access rules, and monitor facility security.
• Prepare and maintain logs, reports and data on rainfall, lake elevations and plant production.
• Coordinate with supervisors and contractors; oversee repairs at Lake Piru distribution system when needed.
• Participate in emergency action plans and routine safety training (HAZWOPER, confined space).

Skills

Dam operations

Recordkeeping

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Related vocational training in construction/water systems

Tools

Pumps and generators

Heavy equipment operation

Vehicle maintenance

Job description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Dam Operator and Operations Supervisor, the Associate Dam Operator participates in: operating the Santa Felicia Dam, hydroelectric power plant and Lake Piru water distribution pipelines; performing a variety of skilled tasks required as part of the operation and maintenance of District facilities, including water diversion and recharge basins, and pipelines; operating and maintaining vehicles and construction equipment; performing related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily assigned to the Santa Felicia Dam Facility. This single-position class differs from the Dam Operator in that the latter is primarily responsible for daily operations of the Santa Felicia Dam, hydroelectric plant, Lake Piru Recreation Area Water Treatment Plant, and Lake Piru water distribution pipelines.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

• Ensures structural soundness and security of the dam by making daily visual checks, conducting special inspections when required, and enforcing rules that restrict access to certain areas.
• Performs releases from the dam and ensures that flows are increased, maintained, and decreased appropriately.
• Operates a hydroelectric power plant.
• Implements and assumes secondary responsibility for the emergency action plan for the dam, including conducting practice drills; maintaining necessary emergency supplies; and testing and activating early warning devices for nearby residents who would be affected in the event of a dam-related emergency.
• Keeps records required by regulatory agencies, such as those related to dam inspections and maintenance; interacts with representatives of regulatory agencies during inspections, site visits, and related activities, and engages with other contacts visiting the facility.
• Assists in the annual budget process by estimating the cost of operating and maintaining the facility; o rders or approves purchases of materials, supplies, and equipment; compiles supporting documentation for requisitions and purchases.
• Monitors and reviews the work of contractors and vendors to ensure it meets District requirements and specifications.
• Takes readings and collects data on items such as rainfall, evaporation, lake elevations, inflows and outflows, hydro-plant production, movement pins and crack monitors; records information in written logs or reports or computer databases.
• Operates and services: vehicles and equipment such as tractors, graders, scrapers, cranes, and bulldozers; machinery such as pumps, motors, generators, and compressors; performs routine maintenance, such as changing oil and filters, and may perform more complex repairs, including welding or fabricating parts.
• Performs a variety of skilled general construction work, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding, electrical, concrete, and masonry; participates in District construction projects; performs landscaping duties such as weed abatement, tree trimming, and spraying of herbicide; operates and maintains tools such as drills and chainsaws.
• Completes a wide range of safety-related training, including confined space, HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response), and incident command system.
• In the absence of the Dam Operator, the associate dam operator schedules and coordinates the installation and repairs at the Lake Piru distribution system under the supervision of the Chief Operations Officer or designee (Supervisor).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Separate from normal shift operator on call duties, the incumbent may be called upon to respond to District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of

• Methods, materials, and tools used to maintain mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in general construction, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and other trades;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment;
• Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in District facilities;
• Safety practices related to chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations;
• Safety and security practices related to dam operations;
• Mathematics and computers sufficient for effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks;
• Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and keep a variety of records.

Ability to

• Learn and apply relevant federal and state regulations, such as those relating to energy production and dam safety;
• Learn to operate a hydroelectric power plant;
• Plan, organize, assign, and prioritize the work of self;
• Communicate priorities, rules, practices, procedures, technical information, and feedback on work performance to other staff for purposes of training
• Promote a positive and productive work environment;
• Estimate time and materials needed to complete a repair or construction job;
• Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
• Follow written and verbal instructions;
• Read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information;
• Read and interpret drawings and diagrams;
• Use hand and power tools;
• Operate vehicles and equipment;
• Maintain complete and accurate records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors, regulators, and vendors;
• Work independently and make sound decisions;
• Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completionofcollege-level course work in water science, or vocational education or training in construction technology, automotive/equipment repair, or related field, is highly desired.

EXPERIENCE

At least three years of experience in general construction, including plumbing, and operation as well as maintenance of equipment such as graders and tractors.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Possession of a valid T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is desirable.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire. Incumbent must obtain a Class A Driver’s License within the first two years of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling and crouching.
• Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
• Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels, but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas. Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.

The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Class A Hazardous Materials suit.