HYDROELECTRIC PLANT OPERATOR

Job Description and Duties

Operates pumps, generators and associated auxiliary equipment, aqueduct facilities, reservoirs and turnout from plants, control centers and remote sites either directly or by use of remote-control systems; and monitors or operates digital process control system for optimal individual plant or system wide operation.  Performs high and low voltage switching.  Incumbent may work alone in plants and Area Control Center and drive into areas away from frequently traveled roadways. Keeps log records of operations and readings; implements power, water, and pumping schedules and makes power and water calculations as required; prepares and places clearances, verifies protection, and issues clearances; is familiar with standing operating orders, Emergency Action Plan, and operating safety procedures in order to take prompt and appropriate action to meet any plant or division operating emergency. Maintains an assigned cleaning station.  Carries out specific duties or miscellaneous assignments as directed by the Senior HEP Operator. Perform minor maintenance including, but not limited to, transferring, centrifuging/filtering of lubricating, hydraulic and insulating oil, adjustment of main unit auxiliary devices, installation and removal of stop logs, operating bridge and gantry cranes, revamping, and replacement of low voltage control fuses.  May be required to assist Plant Maintenance.  Assist in training Apprentices in the manual and remote operations of plants and facilities. Work is on-site to support the State Water Project.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Special Requirements

Position is designated sensitive and subject to substance abuse testing. Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job. This position has frequent access to areas designated as containing critical cyber assets in accordance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards and therefore a satisfactory background check is required prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

Experience with high voltage switching (230kV) & clearance placement (lock-out-tag-out) for personnel safety, mechanical operations experience in any of the following fields: Commercial Fossil/Hydro/Nuclear utility or pumped storage operations, or Military, Naval, or Merchant Marine steam propulsion/generating plant operations, Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems & common business software applications (Excel, Word, Adobe. Etc.), Experienced in the Operation of Flood Control Gates and Release Structures in Water Operations. Ability to work well with others, use independent judgment, strong oral and written communications skills.

Benefits

to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.

Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit 

Special Instructions

To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678) and resume.  Please reference SAP Position #50000241, 50001920 and Job Control #529456 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.

The follow basis of eligibility will be considered:  List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.

Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.

. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.