Hydro Plant Operator

Oglethorpe Power Corp.; Rome (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Oglethorpe Power Corp. in the United States seeks a Hydro Operator to perform operating, regulating, and inspecting duties for hydroelectric generating units and related facilities.

The role involves monitoring systems to ensure reliable power generation in compliance with safety policies and governmental regulations, including training and supervising assigned associates. Responsibilities include switching operations, turbine and generator control, data logging, and plant security oversight

Qualifications

• Strong reading and interpretation of technical manuals, drawings and resources.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.
• Ability to make quick decisions for safe operation.
• Must be able to discern colors for equipment operation.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical and electrical switching to remove or return station equipment to service per tagging procedures and safety protocols.
• Operate turbines, generators, combustion turbines, and associated systems per SOPs across start-up, normal, and emergency conditions.
• Monitor equipment performance via gauges, meters, temperatures, and pressures; adjust settings and perform minor repairs.
• Analyze trouble causes to maintain safe, efficient operations.
• Maintain tagging systems and perform confined space entry when needed; lift up to 75 pounds.
• Assemble and record operational data; update logs and prepare reports.
• Oversee plant security and remote operation capability when required.
• Direct and train assigned associates; supervise team activities as necessary.
• Maintain clean, safe work areas and participate in safety trainings.

Skills

Technical manuals

Communication (written)

Color vision

Decision making

Confined spaces

Turbine operator training

Supervisory basics

Education

High School Diploma

Related college/technical courses

Job description

Hydro Operator Job Summary

The Operator will perform operating, regulating, adjusting, and inspecting duties for hydroelectric generating units, combustion turbine units, auxiliary equipment, and other station facilities. This position entails monitoring, controlling, and maintaining systems to ensure reliable and efficient electric power generation in compliance with corporate safety policies, mandatory electric reliability standards, and all applicable governmental regulations including FERC, EPA, EPD, OSHA, and DOT. The Operator will also train and instruct assigned associates, participate in required training programs, and perform the above duties with minimal supervision.

Job Duties

• Perform mechanical and electrical switching operations to remove or return station auxiliary equipment or substation equipment to service, following established tagging procedures and safety protocols.
• Operate turbines, generators, combustion turbines, hydraulic pump-turbines, electric generator-motors, auxiliary systems, circuit breakers, motor control centers, and common facilities in accordance with standard operating procedures, including start-up, shutdown, normal, emergency, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Monitor and inspect equipment performance by observing recordings, instruments, gauges, meters, temperatures, pressures, flow rates, and other variables. Make necessary adjustments, settings, replacements, and minor repairs to ensure optimal performance.
• Analyze causes of trouble in mechanical and electrical equipment, maintaining safe and efficient operations through troubleshooting and quick decision-making.
• Maintain protective tagging systems for safe equipment repair and maintenance, including confined space entry when needed and lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Assemble and record operational data, including electrical, water, air, and oil readings; update logs and prepare specified reports.
• Oversee plant gate security and remote combustion turbine plant security, with capability for remote operation when required.
• Direct and train assigned associates; oversee and coordinate activities of other team members as necessary.
• Maintain work areas and equipment in a clean, orderly condition while observing corporate safety policies and participating in scheduled training and safety meetings.

Education

High School Graduate - General Studies

Experience

• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a hydroelectric or thermal electric power station, with at least two (2) years at a Turbine Operator level.
• Equivalent: Two (2) years of college or technical school in a related technology and four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in the operation of a hydroelectric or thermal electric power station, with at least two (2) years at a Turbine Operator level.

Specialized Skills

• Strong comprehension of technical manuals, literature, drawings, and resources; effective oral and written communication skills in English.
• Sharp decision-making and analytical abilities.
• Ability to discern colors (red, green, amber, blue) for equipment operation.
• Capability to work in confined spaces and at heights; lift weights up to 75 pounds.
• Completion of the Turbine Operator Training Program and maintaining certification as a condition of employment.
• Basic supervisory and management skills.
• Passing the Basic Aptitude/Skills Exam.