Superintendent - Hydro Maintenance

Quest Oracle Community; Wenatchee (WA); On-site; USD 143,000 - 179,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Zero cost employer funded medical, eye

PERS retirement participation

Paid leave and holidays

Job summary

Chelan County Public Utility District #1 is seeking a seasoned maintenance leader to oversee power plant maintenance and reliability across Rocky Reach, Rock Island, Lake Chelan, and Stehekin facilities. You will drive data‑driven decisions to improve efficiency, safety, and economics of plant equipment.

Responsibilities include supervising crews, coordinating with operations and planning teams, and managing budgets and spares.

Qualifications

• Journeyman Certification or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration or closely related field.
• Equivalent experience may substitute for required education.
• 5+ years of skilled trade, professional, and/or supervisory work experience in power plant or power system engineering, operations and/or maintenance.
• 2+ years of successful supervisory experience preferred.
• Power plant maintenance experience strongly preferred.
• Leadership roles such as planner, project leader, foreman or safety representative desired.

Responsibilities

• Supervise plant maintenance crews and utility personnel to meet plans and District goals.
• Oversee maintenance, preventive maintenance and spares for plants and fish systems.
• Coordinate with District departments and regulators on projects and compliance.
• Develop master work schedules and detailed project plans for plant work.
• Develop and manage project budgets and procurement, ensuring financial accountability.

Skills

Hydro plant operations

Leadership

Communication skills

Problem solving

Planning & scheduling

Computer literacy

Education

Journeyman Certification

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Maximo Asset Management

Primavera

Excel

Word

Outlook

Job description

LIVE, WORK AND PLAY! Chelan County PUD is located in central Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee Rivers. As a public power leader, we embrace the challenges and opportunities of our dynamic operations.

Powered by the Columbia River, we generate hydropower while prioritizing environmental stewardship. Each year, we invest millions of dollars and countless hours to protect fish, wildlife, and plant ecosystems. Our efforts also include creating 14 parks, welcoming over 3 million visitors annually.

Wenatchee, home to Chelan PUD, is a recreational paradise, recognized by Forbes as a top place to retire. The Wenatchee Valley offers scenic beauty, a thriving economy, and a high quality of life with over 200 days of sunshine each year. Here, small-town charm meets big-city amenities, with abundant outdoor activities like water sports, hiking, biking, skiing, and golfing. The region is also known for its excellent wines. Consider Chelan PUD for your next career move and join a welcoming community with an exceptional lifestyle.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Chelan PUD does not sponsor work visas such as H-1B, E-3, F-1, OPT, student visas, TN, or any other visas. Candidates and employees must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Interested parties are also invited to contact Human Resources at [e-mail] to discuss the position.

SALARY RANGE

Range: The advertised hiring range will be $142,800 - $178,500, with a maximum opportunity of up to $214,200 with tenure and strong performance in this role.

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

BENEFITS EPOA

In addition to competitive wages Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include zero cost employer funded medical, dental, and vision healthcare benefits, access to the employee assistance program, and a VEBA health reimbursement account.

Washington state retirement PERS participation and optional 457 plan participation with an employer matching 401(a) plan.

Leave, life & disability benefits including paid leave starting at 21 days per calendar year up to 35 with tenure, 12 paid holidays per calendar year, paid jury duty, short-term disability & long-term disability, and basic life, AD&D, and optional voluntary life.

The work life benefits include optional flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care, educational assistance, various rewards and recognition programs and position specific stipends.

For more explanation of the district benefits please visit our benefits website www.mychelanpudbenefits.org.

JOB POSTING

Manage power plant generation maintenance and reliability for Rocky Reach, Rock Island, Lake Chelan, and/or Stehekin power plants. Optimize the efficiency and economics of maintaining plant equipment in a data driven business environment. Collaborate with plant operations, central maintenance, planning, asset management and engineering departments on achieving reliability goals and planning for keeping low cost, reliable and safe power. This position directs and supervises the activities of the maintenance staff in alignment with District policies and strategic objectives. The Superintendent oversees overhaul, preventive and corrective maintenance efforts across all hydroelectric systems and structures—including turbines, generators, gates, spillways, fish ladders, juvenile fish bypass (JFB) systems, and other supporting infrastructure. Manages efficient and economical construction and maintenance of the District's Generation facilities and support systems and associated budgets. Act as duty supervisor and handle after hours emergencies as required.

Responsibilities

• Manage and supervise the activities of plant maintenance crews and utility personnel to ensure that assigned work is completed in alignment with work plans and business unit and District goals. The incumbent is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and cost-effective, maintenance of the District’s generation facilities. Provide counseling, coaching, and development opportunities, and evaluate work performance in accordance with established procedures and written expectations. Administer the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and participate in labor management meetings and discussions. Identify staffing needs to effectively meet plant maintenance requirements.
• Manage maintenance, preventive maintenance, and critical spares of assigned power plants, fish systems and ancillary systems and equipment. Visit all assigned projects and crew sites. Inspect work and monitor project status, estimates vs. actual, resource allocation and project requirements. Identify scope, schedule or budget issues, and provide appropriate leadership to resolve. Identify and manage the resolution of mechanical/electrical maintenance or project issues, personnel issues, safety issues, or other issues impacting workers, plant operations, the work environment and/or work productivity.
• Interact and coordinate with other District departments, outside agencies, and/or regulatory agencies. Monitor, direct, and participate in special projects such as District initiatives, RFAs feasibility studies, and capital and O&M projects.
• Manage power plant maintenance coordination and scheduling to establish work priorities aligned with business unit and District goals. Oversee the development of the master work schedule, work activities, and detailed project plans for assigned plant work.
• Develop and administer project budgets that support facility maintenance activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial accountability. Oversee and approve purchases for equipment, tools, and spare parts, maintaining control over procurement processes. Contribute to the development of maintenance plans and budgets by collecting and evaluating operational data to support informed decision‑making. Monitor and control costs within assigned areas to ensure efficient use of resources and materials. Provide substantial input into asset management strategies, including replacement and improvement planning, to meet District objectives as well as agency and licensing requirements.
• Manage the development of accurate and thorough equipment and materials records, standards, work procedures, and work histories for the District's electrical and mechanical equipment. Monitor operational employee contributions to equipment and materials records, work procedures, work notes, histories and asset records to verify accuracy, completeness, and conformance with regulatory compliance requirements. Contribute to, support and/or lead change management and process improvement projects to enhance systematic and efficient methods of capturing, developing and maintaining plant information.
• Maintain regular and predictable attendance: Perform related duties and responsibilities as required. Comply with District policies. Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).
• As an essential function, drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

People Management:This position manages/supervises people. Direct Resources Managed: 20+. Indirect Resources Managed: 1-10.

Reports To:Director - Generation & Transmission Maintenance

Overtime exemption:Exempt

Education

• Journeyman Certification or Bachelor's Degree (B.S., B.A.) in Engineering, Business Administration or closely related field from a four-year college or university is required.
• Equivalent experience (year for year) may substitute for required education.

Experience

• 5+ years of skilled trade, professional, and/or supervisory work experience in power plant or power system engineering, operations and/or maintenance is required.
• Two (2) years of successful supervisory experience is preferred.
• Candidates with power plant maintenance experience are strongly preferred.
• Candidates demonstrating initiative in leadership roles such as a planner, project leader, temporary superintendent, foreman, shop steward, or safety representative are desired.

Licenses and Certifications:Valid Driver's License at hire and WA Driver's License within 30 days of hire

Skills and Abilities

A fully skilled incumbent will have the following knowledge skills & abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of hydro plant operations and maintenance including, but not limited to, turbine/generator units, plant auxiliary equipment, transmission systems and equipment, fish ladders and hatcheries, control systems, PLCs
• General knowledge of the electrical utility industry
• General knowledge of District business operations
• Working knowledge of the Collective Bargaining AgreementPlanning & scheduling principles
• Knowledge of other District departments and operational groups
• Knowledge of all applicable District, State, and Federal policies, standards and regulations pertaining to safety and the environment
• Proficiency with computers
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Well-developed critical thinking, logic and reasoning skills
• Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with all levels of management and staff
• Ability to elicit cooperation and support from others, and coordinate the work and efforts of others (team building).Ability to use analytical skills to evaluate complex issues quickly and effectively
• Able to draw valid conclusions from complex research and analysis
• Able to grant autonomy and trust
• Able to be a strong advocate for their direct reports
• Able to hold employees accountable as needed
• Able to recognize accomplishments and thank employees
• Able to be consistent, objective, and equitable
• Able to be open and approachable
• Able to be responsive and follow-up
• Able to make expectations clear
• Able to be flexible and resilient
• Able to solve problems, take action, take ownership
• Able to demonstrate empathy and care
• To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Primavera; and Maximo Order Processing. Basic knowledge is required in PeopleSoft Time Entry/HRIS; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft PowerPoint; Microsoft Project; Maximo Asset Management; General Office Equipment including printers, computers, fax machines and phones; Hydra Amp Asset Management & Maintenance systems; and Internet Explorer.
• Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

Background Screening

Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.

• District Values Trust - We act with integrity, empathy, competence, and transparency, earning the confidence and respect of each other and the public we serve.
• Safety - We protect what matters most through the choices we make.
• Stewardship - We responsibly manage and thoughtfully oversee all resources entrusted to us for the benefit of future generations.
• Collaboration - We transform our deep expertise from individual advantage into shared power - partnering across teams to maximize our impact and secure our future.
• Courage - We boldly step into the unknown to do what matters, seeking opportunities to grow and lead.

EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers (chelanpud.org) page in English and Spanish.

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

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

As part of its recruiting process, Chelan PUD may engage a third-party vendor to perform previous employment verification, education verification, and reference checking.