Hydroelectric Operator (Skagit)

City-of-Seattle; Rockport (TX); On-site; USD 93,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is recruiting Hydroelectric Operators for the Skagit Hydroelectric Project. You will operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment, coordinating activities affecting the operation and safety of the hydroelectric plant, dams, waterways, and workers.

Qualified candidates will have experience in electrical trades or hydroelectric operations, and must meet safety and licensing requirements.

Qualifications

• Proficient computer skills and ability to learn new software.
• Experience operating a hydroelectric power plant.
• Familiarity with WECC, FERC and NERC standards.

Responsibilities

• Operates and monitors electric, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment in a hydroelectric plant.
• Ensures worker safety when malfunctions occur.
• Safely operate a boat in day or night and in poor weather.

Skills

Strong computer skills

Hydroelectric operations

WECC/FERC/NERC standards

Job description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle’s electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Generation Operations is recruiting Hydroelectric Operators for its Skagit Hydroelectric Project. The Hydroelectric Operator will operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment and coordinates activities affecting the operation and safety of the hydroelectric plant, dams, waterways, and workers. You will need knowledge of generation, transmission and distribution systems, the operation of equipment used in these systems, emergency action plans, safety procedures, and the hazards of working in dams and powerhouses.

What you’ll be doing:

• Operates and monitors electric, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment which includes valves, spill gates, generators, and other equipment related to operating a hydroelectric plant.
• Ensures worker safety when malfunctions occur.
• Safely operate a boats day or night and in poor weather conditions
• Receives switching orders, clearances, keep opens and hold opens for Generators, High voltage transmission systems and local distribution systems. Recommends when plant equipment may be taken out of service.
• Receives instructions for power plant operations from dispatchers at the System Operations Center in Seattle, WA.
• Inspects powerhouses, dams, switchyards and equipment; notifies appropriate personnel when abnormal conditions exist or when equipment needs repairs, maintenance, and/or replacement.
• Inspects and operates high voltage equipment.
• Maintains logs pertaining to installation, maintenance activities, operations, metering, and instrumentation status activities.
• Prepares and updates reports such as the Daily Visual Dam Surveillance Report, National Weather Service Daily Observation Reports, and Powerhouse Inspection Reports.
• Participate and contribute to assigned special projects.
• Hydroelectric Operator II’s train Hydroelectric Operator I’s to operate a hydroelectric plant and related equipment as well as coordinating activities affecting the operation and safety of the hydroelectric plant, dams, waterways, and workers.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Required Qualifications

In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

Education/Experience

Two years’ experience in the electrical trade or as a Hydroelectric Operator (or a combination of education, and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Certification/License/Other Requirements

• Current Washington State Driver’s License
• Obtain a boater safety card.
• Normal sense of smell, hearing and color vision
• In emergency situations, may be required to be on call 24 hours/day.
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, holidays and/or rotating shifts.
• Required to stand, walk or bend for extended periods of time and work at heights in confined areas
• Required to lift objects weighing in excess of 50 pounds
• Required to handle or work with toxic/hazardous substances, operate and work around energized equipment
• Required to work outdoors in remote locations and travel in all types of weather
• Required to work in a noisy environment.

Desired Qualifications

You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• 3-5 years’ work experience as a journey-level Hydroelectric Operator or equivalent
• First-hand knowledge of electrical/utility industry
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new software
• Experience operating a hydroelectric power plant
• Familiarity with WECC, FERC and NERC standards
• Team focused with problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• The ability to maintain high performance in stressful situations.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $67.39 to $79.09 per hour.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.