Power Plant Operator

Closing Date to Apply: Open Until Filled

Wage Rate: $60.62 Hourly

Benefits: This link below will provide you with Grant PUD’s benefit that may be available if hired, different employee types are eligible for different benefits.

Grant PUD — Unified Insurance Program (uip-wa.org)

Grant County PUD is a drug free workplace. A pre-employment drug screen and background check will be administered as part of the hiring process.

Basic Function

• The Powerplant Operator is a bargaining unit operator responsible for the safe, efficient and correct operation of District power plant equipment while working under the general direction of a Chief Powerplant Operator and / or Senior Powerplant Operator.  This position needs to work independently, be self-motivated, and exercise sound judgment.
• The Powerplant Operator may perform functions individually, or with assistance of other operators, mechanics, electricians, technicians, apprentices, fish counters, security guards, etc.  The Powerplant Operator is directly responsible for creating and maintaining operating reports and records at District Projects.  The Powerplant Operator is responsible for ensuring operations are conducted in an environmentally sound manner.
• The Powerplant Operator shall perform all safety regulations and safe clearance procedures in a professional manner.
• The Power plant Operator shall be qualified by experience and training to operate, in accordance with standard operating procedures, the District’s generating plants, switchyards, substations, and their appurtenances.
• This position is required to pass a CIP Security Background Check.

Essential Function

• Initiate and monitor operations maximizing power generation.
• Supervise Journeyman Operators, Apprentice Operators and Security Personnel.
• Assist Incident Commander during outages and accidents and log details of event.
• Effectively communicate plant conditions at shift change and to the Chief Operator.
• Assist Foremen and Contractors with clearance requests.
• Assist with troubleshooting problems and take lead role when necessary.
• Ensure new and completed projects are reviewed, tested, and checked for proper operation. Check for proper completion, including SOP’s, turnover packages, corrected prints and test alarm circuits.
• Assist Engineering with design problems.
• Monitor plant security and take appropriate action when required.
• Ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
• Report safety, project integrity or security issues to Chief Operator while addressing the problem as appropriate.
• Ensure Journeyman are aware of expectations when delegated work by communicating effectively.
• Responsible to ensure accurate communication both to their Chief Operator, crews, foremen and dispatchers regarding decisions, issues and activity updates that might affect them.
• Responsible to embrace change, actively search out and follow up on new and better ways to improve the work environment and improve service to District customers and assist in promoting change throughout the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrate positive support for and implementation of District decisions.
• Actively promote adherence to and enforce District policies and procedures including safety rules.
• Understand and promote team concept and encourage participation in decisions and improvements.
• Responsible for personal development of employees by training, coaching, and evaluating work performance and behaviors. This includes completing written formal evaluations of employees temporarily upgraded to senior position.

Education

• Perform daily functions under general direction of the Chief Operator and/or Senior Powerplant Operator.
• Assist Incident Commander during outages and accidents.
• Effectively communicate plant conditions at shift change or when relieved of duty.
• Assist Foremen and Contractors with clearance requests.
• Assist with troubleshooting problems and take lead role when necessary.
• Review new and completed projects, test, check for proper operation. Check for proper completion, including SOP’s, turnover packages, corrected prints and test alarm circuits.
• Assist Engineering with design problems.
• Implement and monitor plant security.
• Ensure a safe work environment for all employees.
• Report safety, project integrity or security issues to Chief Operator while addressing the problem as appropriate.
• Ensure co-workers are aware of expectations when delegated work by communicating effectively.
• Responsible to ensure accurate communication both to their Chief Operator, Senior Operator, co-workers, foremen and dispatchers regarding decisions, issues and activity updates that might affect them.
• Responsible to embrace change, actively search out and follow up on new and better ways to improve the work environment and improve service to District customers, and to promote/implement change.
• Demonstrate positive support for and implementation of District decisions.
• Actively promote adherence to and enforce District policies and procedures including safety rules.
• Understand and promote team concept and encourage participation in decisions and improvements.
• Responsible for personal development of apprentices and new employees by training, coaching, and evaluating work performance and behaviors. This includes completing written formal evaluations of employees being trained for Power Plant Operator positions.

Education

• High school diploma or GED from accredited institution.
• Journeyman operator card/status recognized by the District and Union.

Experience

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• Valid First Aid card including CPR training, requirements for Industrial First Aid.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of Washington State Electrical Workers Safety Rules and Regulations.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal and State regulations.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of District Policies and Procedures for employees including personnel and safety policies.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of Safe Clearance Procedures and SOPs.
• General knowledge of District’s Strategic Plan.
• Thorough knowledge of District’s powerplants, switchyards, associated equipment and its operation.
• Knowledge of maintenance tracking system (Maximo) and process for preventive and corrective work.
• Have the ability to read and interpret instruction books, maintenance management program sheets, blue prints and schematic diagrams.
• Thorough knowledge of Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Ability to adjust to varying workload demand.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and cooperate with all levels of District personnel, contractors and customers.
  • Ability to perform, delegate or provide instruction of operational duties at all District facilities within Hydro jurisdiction.
  • Demonstrate ability to give, follow and understand oral and written instructions.
  • Ability to operate and train in proper operation of project equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
  • Demonstrate ability to problem solve.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment especially in stressful or crisis situations.
  • Knowledge of applicable District computer systems and programs.
• Write legibly and be able to maintain records, station log, files and fill out forms.

Physical Requirements

• Must be mentally and physically fit for duty.
• Ability to work irregular hours under isolated conditions.
• Duties are performed at District powerplants and switchyards in varying weather conditions.
• Must be medically qualified, successfully pass respirator fit testing and training, and demonstrate and maintain ability to use SCBA.
• Ability to perform activities at unprotected height of less than 10 feet.
• Ability to work in high noise/vibration areas.
• Work in confined space or areas restricting movement.
• Work in close proximity of rotating and high voltage equipment
• Ability to work in extreme heat or cold both inside and outside the powerplant.
• Ability to ascend/descend stairs and ladders.
• Ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to reach above shoulder level.
• Ability to differentiate colors and utilize senses (sight, hearing, touch, feel, and smell) to monitor plant operation.
• Use computers and write legibly.

*For a full list of requirements, the applicant/incumbent should refer to the Physical Capacity Evaluation (PCE).

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, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas.