Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher

Hydroelectric And Diesel Generation Operator

The primary purpose of this position is to operate and monitor hydroelectric and diesel generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems both within the community and remote locations. This position is responsible to ensure maximum efficiency and minimum costs by consideration of lake elevations, weather conditions, and load expectations to control the use of water resources and diesel fuel to provide reliable, safe, and cost-effective power to all consumers. Under the direct supervision of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, the employee works independently on the assigned duties and responsibilities.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• Monitors, operates, and dispatch of electric generation, transmission, substation, and distribution systems to ensure adequate power delivery capacity and resources to its customers and safe reliable operations
• Conducts constant surveillance of all instruments which indicate machine and system load conditions and makes required adjustments to maintain a balanced system and avoid overloading of equipment to ensure adequate electrical capacity and resources is delivered to customers
• Operates and oversees the electrical system either manually or with the aid of a computerized Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition (SCADA) system
• Dispatches and performs switching procedures for the entire electrical system to ensure safe and coordinated operation of the system via radio or other designated method
• Maintains technology and physical protection to ensure electrical system security for isolated, non-grid connected power system by responding to SCADA system and camera alarms at all electrical utility facilities
• Following partial or total power system collapse, directs and controls system restoration activities, including command and control of available generation resources and transmission facilities, to ensure a safe and expeditious return to normal operation
• Implement Emergency Procedures, at the direction of the Lead Power Plant Operator/System Dispatcher, such as load shedding when conditions deteriorate for the purpose of maintaining system integrity
• Receives trouble calls, prepares work orders, and dispatches the proper personnel to respond
• Issues safety clearances and gives switching instructions during outages and restores system after clearances
• Performs mechanical adjustments when necessary to assure generating machines are maintained in optimum operating condition; troubleshoots minor SCADA problems or contacts appropriate personnel to resolve the more complex problems
• Prepares a variety of reports, logs, and records by using various resources and data such as SCADA control and personal computers for such documents as special reports or historical records
• Maintains a log of all operations during assigned shift
• Performs routine maintenance and housekeeping duties in and around assigned work areas

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and theory of hydro and diesel electrical generation, transmission, substations, and distribution, and ancillary mechanical equipment operation
• Safety procedures and precautions due to occupational hazards of others working with or around high and low voltage electrical equipment
• Switching procedures for an isolated, islanded, non-grid connected electric utility system
• Computer spreadsheet, word processing, and database applications used in the electric utility operations

Skills in:

• Operating a personal computer using standard software applications appropriate to assigned tasks, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and any other customized software
• Operating and maintaining electrical mechanical equipment
• Operating a radio, or other communication devices
• Multi-tasking with strong attention to detail

Ability to:

• Hear and analyze the proper mechanical and electrical functioning of equipment
• Work under stressful situations which result from responding to emergency situations, including the responsibility for remaining calm and carrying out all duties
• Make decisions as to the best course of action for responding to emergency situations
• Accurately read multiple screens and record SCADA, gauge, and other system data
• Read and interpret blueprints and single-line electrical diagrams related to electric generation, transmission, substations, and distribution systems
• Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learn and put to use newly acquired skills and knowledge

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED; and
• Two years of experience in electric utility operations or maintenance of an electric power system; and
• Experience working with a SCADA system to monitor and operate an electrical system, preferred; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Other job requirements or expectations:

• Possession of a valid license issued by the State of Alaska
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire, a first aid and CPR certification
• Within 90 days of hire, pass the Power Plant Operator/System Dispatch proficiency exam and test
• May be expected to work up to 12-hour regular shifts in a 24/7 operation and be available for emergency call-outs
• Hearing and vision testing on a regular basis
• Employees are expected to wear right attire and Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE") for safety purposes for the work assigned

Working conditions:

• Work is primarily done indoors in a hydroelectric plant environment
• Some work is required in an outdoors, often in inclement weather with related hazards

Specific physical requirements:

• Sit or stand for prolong periods of time
• Visual acuity to differentiate colors and the details of screens or gauges when observing screens, gauges, and inspect mechanical equipment
• Hearing acuity to recognize alarms and other equipment noises or sounds
• Lift, bend, push, and pull up to 25 pounds, with or without the assistance of proper equipment
• Climb up and down stairs, ladders, elevated structures, or steep inclines to observe and inspect mechanical equipment indoors or outdoors
• Bend, reach, and kneeling to perform work in tight, confined spaces indoors or outdoors
• Grasping, holding, pushing hand tools, small dials, and gauges
• Quickly move

General physical requirements:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to hear specific equipment functioning in a noisy environment and allows the employee to communicate well with others
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to observe small dials, gauges, and numeric displays to produce a variety of reports and related materials
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate gauges, small dials, a keyboard, and produce hand-written materials and notations
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to lift, bend, push, and pull, climb up and down stairs, ladders, or walk on steep inclines and to quickly move in case of an emergency

Benefits

The City and Borough of Sitka (CBS) offers a competitive benefits package to eligible employees that may include:

• Health / Medical Benefits:
• Medical/Dental/Vision (90% employer, 10% employee for full-time employees)
• Health Savings Account eligible plan option
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts Health and Dependent Care
• Retirement:
• Mandatory employee/employer contributions to State of Alaska Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
• Mandatory employee/employer SBS contributions
• 45