Chief Hydroelectric Operator at Skagit Hydroelectric Project

Full Job Description

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served.

Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound.

Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

Generation Operations is seeking a Chief Hydroelectric Operator to join their team at the Skagit Hydroelectric Project located in Newhalem, Washington.

Newhalem is 116 miles northeast of Seattle, in a very remote, rural area nestled in the northern Cascade mountain range at one of Washington State's most beautiful and scenic hydro generating facilities.

The Chief Hydroelectric Operator is responsible for coordinating, scheduling, monitoring, and evaluating the work of hydroelectric plant staff operating powerhouse systems, equipment, and facilities.

The Chief Hydroelectric Operator supervises the operations crew. This position will report to a Skagit Generation Supervisor.

Requirements

• Supervise operations crew, create, and monitor crew schedules.
• Provide technical advice and support to Boundary personnel, Seattle City Light employees, and external stakeholders.
• Assign projects to operations staff and monitor progress.
• Assist in developing workload planning, policies, ensure availability of equipment, keep records and compile reports.
• Create, update, and maintain operations manuals and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Work with management to recommend appropriate repairs and/or modifications and submit work requests.
• Provide for the continued development of the Work Asset Management program.
• Review all CIP and O&M projects, conduct design reviews and provide technical advice.
• Work with City Light personnel and consultants to ensure FERC and NERC compliance. Maintain FERC requirements and records.
• Inspect plant to ensure that plant operates properly and safely.
• Ensure safe work practices and proper application of Lockout/Tagout procedures.
• Coordinate and monitor the Hydroelectric Operator training program and provide expertise.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: In addition to the skills and experience mentioned below, a successful applicant will have experience that reflects a commitment to creating fair and equitable outcomes and has:

• Three years’, high voltage, journey level experience.
• Normal sense of smell, hearing and color vision.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Electric Power Training.
• Experience managing “On the Job” training programs.
• Ability to work in a fast paced, continuously changing, diverse work environment, and the ability to maintain high performance in stressful situations.
• Ability to lead and manage people objectively and productively, formal or informal leadership experience.
• Good computer skills with demonstrated experience in work management systems and the ability to learn new computer applications.
• Familiarity working in a union environment, demonstrated ability to supervise and coach employees.

Additional Information

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment:

Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies.

Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations.

Your participation is vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

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The full salary range for this position is hourly rate $76.81 to $76.81.

Application Process

It is preferred that you please submit the following with your online application:

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check.

The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3.

A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: www.seattle.gov/city-light.