Hydro Operator-In-Training

Requisition ID # 165772 

Job Category: Power Generation; Maintenance / Construction / Operations 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Operations - Other

Work Type: Onsite

Job Location: Storrie

Department Overview

Power Generation operates and maintains PG&E's hydroelectric, fossil, solar generation and battery storage facilities, providing approximately 5,300 megawatts of generating capacity for our customers. Our nearly 1000 coworkers are dedicated to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective generation to California in an environmentally responsible manner. Our hydro facilities include 62 conventional hydro powerhouses, a pumped-storage facility, 98 reservoirs, 168 dams and more than 200 miles of canals and flumes, among other water conveyances. Natural gas-fired plants in operation are Humboldt Bay Generating Station in Eureka; Colusa Generating Station in Colusa County and Gateway Generating Station in Antioch. Several utility-scale solar generation plants also are operated and maintained, as well as PG&E’s successful entry into battery energy storage, our Elkhorn Battery facility at Moss Landing in Monterey County.​​​​​​​

• 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.

• 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 day 1 of hire.
• 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

• Experience in power plants (Hydro,Oil/Gas, refinery, steam, co-generation/wood fired)
• 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

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)