Hydro Operator - Williams Fork Reservoir

Denver Water; Parshall (CO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Water’s Williams Fork Reservoir operates as a hydro-electric dam facility in Grand County. Hydro Operators manage water flows through hydro turbines, valves, and gates, respond to power plant outages, record weather, water, and equipment data, and perform maintenance outdoors year-round in varying conditions.

This on-site position in Parshall, CO, requires safety awareness and the ability to work outdoors in all seasons.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 4 years of related work experience.
• Hydroelectric certification within 12 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Take and record reservoir elevations, stream flow readings, and weather data.
• Maintain patrol of departmental property and cooperate with local agencies.
• Maintain liaison with visitors and local agencies regarding recreational opportunities at facilities.
• Operate and maintain hydro power plant operations and associated structures.

Skills

Hydro power operations

Safety procedures

Recordkeeping/data entry

Interpersonal relations

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer software skills

Job description

Employee is required to live in Denver Water provided housing on site at Williams Fork Reservoir.

Position Summary

Denver Water’s Williams Fork Reservoir is a hydro-electric dam facility operating in Grand County. The reservoir and surrounding property encompass approximately 3500 acres. Hydro Operators manage water flows through hydro turbines, valves, and gates, respond to power plant outages, record weather, water, and equipment data, perform maintenance, work on computers to create documents and manage communications, and work outdoors year-round in varying conditions.

Spring runoff brings the busy season requiring operators to make frequent flow adjustments and increased monitoring of infrastructure. Summer and fall bring additional responsibilities, such as road grading and improvements, concrete patching, painting, property maintenance and facility repairs.

In winter, Operators focus on equipment upkeep, snow removal, and system monitoring while also working toward certifications. The facility passes water and generates electricity year-round.

Location of Position

Parshall, CO

Onsite or Hybrid

On-site

Hiring Range

$31.49 - $35.69 hourly

Full Pay Range

$27.11 - $42.87 hourly

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Take and record a variety of information which include reservoir elevations, stream flow readings and weather data.
• Maintain patrol of departmental property to prevent vandalism, trespassing, and fires. Cooperate with various local public and private agencies.
• Maintain liaison with visitors to department facilities and work with local agencies concerning recreational opportunities at these facilities.
• Operate and maintain hydro power plant operations. Operate and maintain dams, valve houses, intakes, canals, ditches, conduits, flumes, and associated properties.
• Provide recordkeeping, documentation, reporting, and data entry from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure safe working conditions and practices through inspection.
• Assist with public relations and recreation activities including tours and orientations.
• Must be able to perform safety sensitive functions.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 4 years of related work experience.
• Any equivalent combination of certifications, education, or experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and abilities for the position.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

• Hydroelectric Certification required within 12 months of hire.
• Must be able to possess and maintain a valid Class 'R' Colorado driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record.
• Must possess a valid Class 'B' Colorado Commercial Driver's License within 12 months of appointment.
• May be required to possess a valid Class 'A' Colorado Commercials Driver's License within 12 months of appointment.
• The use of power and hand tools, operation of heavy equipment, pumps, generators, recording devices, hoisting equipment and snow blowers.
• Computer and applicable software skills.
• Interpersonal relations.
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Safety Sensitive Requirements

• This is a safety sensitive job where an employee's direct action/inaction may lead to immediate harm to self, team, or the public and/or will have significant risk to the mission of Denver Water. To promote the safety, employees in this job must possess English proficiency adequate to effectively communicate with customers and coworkers, including proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

Respiratory Protection Testing

• This position is subject to respiratory protection testing as directed per Denver Water Physician.

An offer of employment may be contingent upon satisfactory results of a post-offer drug test and alcohol. Denver Water tests for the following: amphetamines, cocaine, marijuana (THC), opioids, and phencyclidine (PCP). A strength test may also be conducted due to the physical requirements of the position. This strength test may include lifting, pushing, and pulling various amounts of weight as well as crouching, squatting, and lifting one’s own body weight from various positions. If the position is deemed safety-sensitive or requires a CDL, you will be placed on the random drug and alcohol testing list, which means you may be tested if your name is selected while employed at Denver Water.

Applicants for employment at Denver Water must be authorized to work in the U.S. Denver Water will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Contact Us

Denver Water is committed to creating a diverse work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number is received. Denver Water reserves the right to either close or extend a posting.

We are committed to the health and well-being of our employees. Smoking, including e-cigarettes, is prohibited on all Denver Water property.

Denver Water is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are dedicated to building a culturally diverse workforce. We encourage applications from women, People of Color, veterans, and people with disabilities.