Journey Powerplant Operator

Ncwlife; Washington; On-site; USD 126,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid holidays

PERS retirement

Job summary

Douglas County PUD seeks a Journeyman Power Plant Operator to rove among generating units under the guidance of chief and senior operators. The position follows a union contract and requires on-site attendance at Wells Dam, with a $61.06 hourly rate and a one-year probation.

Preference is given to candidates within 30 miles of Wells Dam. The role demands strong safety discipline, teamwork, and the ability to operate SCADA and related data systems in a dynamic hydro facility.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of a 3-year apprenticeship as Power Plant Operator or 5 years of experience.
• Proficiency in reading, writing and speaking English.

Responsibilities

• Start, stop, synchronize and control generation units.
• Inspect power plant and embankments.
• Inspect and control auxiliary and miscellaneous equipment.
• Regulate spillway gates and fish facility equipment.
• Operate high-voltage equipment and follow LO/TO safety rules.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Following directions

SCADA/computers

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

3-year apprenticeship OR 5 years experience

Tools

SCADA systems

Data processing tools

Job description

# Journey Powerplant OperatorDouglas County P.U.D Pateros, WA Full-time OtherPosted on September 10, 2026Apply Now**Salary:** $61.06 per hour**Note: Douglas County PUD will use the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) POSS assessment as part of the qualification evaluation process for this position. This computer-based assessment is specifically validated for Powerplant Operator positions and is designed to evaluate skills and abilities relevant to the role.****Department:** Wells Dam**Job Status:**Regular/Full-Time**Work Headquarters:** Wells Dam**FLSA:** Non-Exempt**Posting Date:**09/09/2026**Closing Date:** 09/28/2026**Work Authorization Requirement:** This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship from Douglas PUD.Douglas PUD offers excellent working conditions and a competitive salary and benefit package. Employee benefits include: medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, personal leave plan, paid holidays, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), deferred compensation programs with employer matching, Health Reimbursement Accounts with employer contributions, Wellness Program, and training opportunities. Full benefit package may be viewed at https://www.uip-wa.org/douglas-pud.**Position Summary:**The Journeyman Power Plant Operator is responsible for working as a roving operator under the direction of the chief and/or senior operators. Work shifts will be as necessary to fulfill work schedule requirements and may be on regular scheduled shift or on relief with no regular scheduled shift or workweek. Preference will be given to candidates who reside within a 30-mile radius of Wells Dam.*This position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement and is subject to a one-year probationary period.*The successful incumbent for this position will be hired at the hourly rate of $61.06.**Essential Functions:*** Perform all duties in a safe and proficient manner in accordance with policy and procedure.* Start, stop, synchronize and control operation of generating units.* Inspect power plant and embankments.* Inspect and control auxiliary equipment, ancillary equipment, and miscellaneous power plant equipment.* Regulate spillway gates and fish facility equipment.* Switch high-voltage equipment.* Must comply with safety rules and safe clearance (LOTO--WAC 296-45) procedures, place protection clearance tags, initiate corrective measures in the event of emergency conditions affecting power plant operations unless relieved of portions of these responsibilities by the Chief or Senior Operator.* Respond to emergency call out.* Support the District’s mission and value statements in the performance of job duties.* Work respectfully and cooperatively with diverse groups of people and maintain professional interactions at all times in the workplace.* Ensure compliance with all District policies.* Adhere to the District’s Safety Policy and Procedures.* Operate District vehicles that may be equipped with a GPS device that monitors vehicle location while conducting business on behalf of the District.*Due to the nature and scope of the essential functions, the importance of personal interactions between this position, employees, contractors, and members of the public, and the availability of job-related tools, equipment and resources at work, performance of the essential functions requires regular, consistent, on-site attendance while working independently and with others.*This position is designated as safety sensitive.**Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:*** The ability to communicate with co-workers in a clear, concise, courteous manner.* The ability to function cooperatively and work well in a team environment.* Capability of following directions and working in compliance with established guidelines.* Aptitude with computers, communications systems, SCADA and data processing equipment.* Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.**Education and Experience:*** Satisfactorily completed a high school education or equivalent.* Completed a three-year apprenticeship as a Power Plant Operator OR have five years previous job experience as a Power Plant Operator OR have an equivalent combination of training and experience in a hydro facility.**Competency Requirements:**Safety: Demonstrates that safety is the top priority when performing any job duty or task; prioritizes personal safety and the safety of co-workers and the public.Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.Productivity: Is able to demonstrate completion of assigned tasks through work product and documentation. This will include evidence that clearly shows work was completed on time and with above average quality.Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual respect with all co-workers.Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts when redirected and develops methods to achieve results and remain accountableProfessionalism: Interact daily with others in a professional manner. Treat others and be treated with respect; perform with integrity, honesty and professionalism; participate constructively in open communication; help to resolve issues and difficult situations in ways that reduce conflict and maintain good working relationships; improve work performance and take an active part in generating a mutually supportive environment. Recognize that diversity is an asset and value cultural, physical and professional differences**Certifications:***Must possess or obtain and maintain:** Current First Aid/CPR Card.* A valid driver's license and proof of good driving record is required for this position (will be verified upon job offer). Out-of-state candidates must acquire a Washington State driver's license within 30 days of employment.* Must obtain a Washington State Boaters Education Card within the first six months of employment.* Must pass the IBEW Journeyman Hydro Operator exam within one year of employment.**Physical Requirements:*** Occasionally lifts and carries objects up to 70lbs.* Frequently stands and walks throughout the workday, including on uneven terrain.* Occasionally climbs ladders, stairs, or fixed structures.* Frequently reaches overhead and at or below shoulder level.* Frequently grasps, handles, or manipulates tools and equipment.* Occasionally uses hands for repetitive motions, including keyboarding and data entry.* Occasionally balances on ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces.* Occasionally kneels, crouches, or crawls to access equipment in confined spaces.* Frequently bends and twists at the waist to perform job tasks.* Requires vision sufficient to read gauges, displays, and written specifications, with or without corrective lenses.* Requires color vision sufficient to distinguish wiring or coded components.* Requires hearing sufficient to detect alarms, warning signals, or verbal instructions in a field environment, with or without corrective hearing devices* Frequently works outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold.* Frequently exposed to noise, vibration, or moving mechanical parts* Constantly exposed to ambient mechanical noise from operating generating units, including in office or administrative areas located within the hydrocombine structure.* Occasionally boards and exits boats from uneven terrain, shorelines, docks, or slippery surfaces, in a variety of weather conditions.**Background screening***In accordance with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Douglas County Public Utility District #1 conducts post-offer background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.*