Hydro Operator-In-Training

Requisition ID # 167165 

Job Category: Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Auburn

Department Overview

PG&E’s Power Generation Department manages and operates the largest privately-owned hydroelectric system in the nation. These renewable electric generation resources, located mostly at high elevation in California mountain ranges including the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade mountains include 68 powerhouses, 184 miles of canals, 41 miles of flumes, 135 miles of tunnels, 19 miles of penstocks, 99 reservoirs, and 142,000 acres of watershed lands all covered by 26 operating licenses issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Position Summary

This is an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245 represented classification, which has over 100 years of experience representing employees at PG&E. This job is subject to collective bargaining.

A Hydro Operator in Training (HOIT) is engaged in performing an electric operator’s work as an assistant to and under the direct supervision of a journey-man operator. In the course of the training program, a HOIT will be required to prepare and perform switching programs, to operate equipment, to keep records, receive and dispatch calls by telephone and radio dealing with service to customers and certain switching operations.

HOITs may also be responsible for assisting in the safe operation, monitoring, and maintenance of hydro- electric equipment and facilities, which include: waterways, reservoirs, dams, and powerhouses.

This position may require working weekly rotating shifts, including holidays, weekends and overtime.

PG&E is providing the hourly rate range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job.  The actual hourly rate paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreement, and internal equity. Although we estimate the successful candidate hired into this role will be placed towards the middle or entry point of the range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis related to these factors. ​

Under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, the starting hourly rate range for this position is $43.62 to $55.38, subject to collectively bargained wage increases.

Responsibilities

-Successfully complete Operator-in-Training (OIT) program. OIT program includes both classroom training and scenario type activities on simulator equipment.

-Receive and/or review job assignments; communicate with previous shift workers to review previous shift status, communicate clearances, identify work and modifications to job status; use computer and visually scans control board to identify abnormal operating conditions from previous shift; use computer to access, receive and process job requests; confirm submitted clearance points are valid and accurate for ongoing and future work.

-Scan control board and computer screens to monitor and observe equipment status and operation, access by employees to remote hydro facilities, and work being performed; uses computer to update and modify equipment status and operations; operate toggles, switches, and handles on operational control board to update and modify equipment status, operations, and access facilities; serve as gatekeeper for employees and visitors wanting to access or requesting permission to work at hydro facilities; identify and request information, support, and resources to keep equipment operating and support workers at hydro facilities; post documents, notes, and information on communication and operational control boards.

-Use phone, cell phone, radio, and face-to-face interaction to interface with supervisor, co-workers, internal departments, contractors, and vendors regarding safety, equipment installation, jobsite work, repairs, and project schedule timelines; use walkie-talkie (hand radios) to communication with co-workers; sends, receives, and respond to computer email.

-Use handwriting or computer to record time cards, inspection results, and equipment measurements; access electronic on-line manuals, catalogs, and standards; update drawing to reflect work performed; use handwriting to compile lists for materials and equipment; use computer to create, input, and update job work orders in the SAP database system; create and file documents and materials; collate and compile standard, procedures, and bulletins; use and operate copy, fax, and printer machines; use computer to input, update, and maintain equipment operation and facility activities in GUSS Log database.

-Use hand tools (i.e. wrenches and pliers) to perform minor maintenance to facility operation and equipment; use chain hoists to open and close roll-up doors; locks gates at remote hydro facilities as needed; move deck plates to access equipment as needed; install locks and tags to take equipment and machinery out of service; adjust nuts, bolts and screws on equipment and

machinery as needed; open and close values, switches, and controls on equipment and machinery; use ladders and catwalks to access equipment.

-Verify and ensure that electrical clearance points have been opened, locked and tagged; wear 100 calorie switching suit and use high voltage testing equipment to conduct switching activities; use hot stick (long pole) to operate disconnects, switches, and install tags.

-Access ladders and catwalks to inspect equipment and machinery to assure proper operation; conduct walk around inspection of hydro electrical installations; documents and records inspection results; walk around and visually observes battery conditions and operation.

-Load, unload, and carry equipment, materials and supplies from delivery area, storage area, and other locations to ensure powerhouse is stocked; operate and use a pallet jack to move supplies and equipment as needed; use hand cart to transport oil barrels and nitrogen bottles within the powerhouse facility.

-Maintain work area in clean and safe order; sweeps, mops, and vacuums floor work surface within the powerhouse facility; pick up trash and debris and dispose of them; use rags and absorbent material to clean up oil and other types of spills within the powerhouse; label small containers filled with household chemicals and oils; label and dispose of hazardous waste material as needed; use shovel to clear walkways and spread snow melt material at stairways, entry doors, on paths to weather station, and between power houses when necessary; perform janitor duties of cleaning toilets and sinks in bathroom, appliances, and stocking paper supplies; perform kitchen duties of cooking for crew and washing dishes when needed.

-Attend and participate in meetings that include: Safety, job site tailboards, crew, all-hands, and company-wide; attend and participate in training that includes: safety, ethics and compliance, job developmental, and company-required; reads, review and maintain up-to-date knowledge on work practices, procedures, and safety bulletins; attend quarterly mandated training for 10 hours and annually mandated training for one day.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

-Must be at least 18 years of age

-Must possess a High School diploma, GED or equivalent work experience

-Must possess a valid California Driver’s License or equivalent

-Ability to work in all types of weather extremes

-Ability to drive safely in all weather and road conditions

-Ability to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays, and various work schedules

-Must be able to wear company provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

-Must be able to move a 250 pound oil barrel a minimum of one time a day with another person or by using a handcart

Desired Qualifications:

-A Journey-level certification in a technical discipline (electrician, electrical machinist, mechanic, electrical technician, operator or similar technical field).

-Demonstrated work experience operating or maintaining a power generating facility

-Currently enrolled in or a graduate from the PowerPathway® Program

-Relevant Hiring Hall experience

-Relevant PG&E Experience

-Previous Military experience

-Live within 50 miles of headquarters

Pre-Employment Testing:

PG&E Employees: You must have qualified on all prerequisite tests prior to submitting an application; and all secondary tests prior to interviewing. For more information on prerequisite and secondary exams, including study guides, please visit the Pre-employment testing program website.

• Industrial Skills Test
• Physical Test Battery
• Work Orientation Inventory-Physical/Technical Driving
• Console Operator Basic Requirements Assessment (COBRA)