Dam Operator

DEFINITION

Under direction the direction of O&M Supervisor – Water Distribution and Chief Dam Safety Engineer, this position is responsible for leading and participating in the operation of Santa Felicia Dam, the hydroelectric power plant, the Lake Piru Recreation Area Water Treatment Plant and Lake Piru water distribution pipelines. In addition, the position performs  a variety of skilled operation and maintenance duties at District facilities, including water diversion, recharge basins, and pipelines; operates and maintains vehicles and construction equipment; and perform related duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all the duties listed.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The incumbent may be called upon to respond to District emergencies, including chemical releases or events caused by extreme weather conditions or natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Employees in this classification must be able to participate in rotating shift operator duty, which entails being on call for one calendar week at a time. While acting as shift operator, the employee must be available to respond to plant or system emergencies 24 hours per day, with a 30-minute maximum response time.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials, and tools used to maintain mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in general construction, including plumbing, carpentry, electrical, and other trades;
• Methods, materials, and tools used in the repair and maintenance of vehicles and heavy equipment;
• Operating characteristics of pumps, motors, valves, tools, and equipment used in District facilities;
• Safety practices related to chemicals, tool usage, vehicle and equipment operation, and general field operations;
• Safety and security practices related to dam operations;
• Mathematics and computers are sufficient for effective performance of maintenance and recordkeeping tasks;
• Navigating SCADA system;
• Standard written English sufficient to read and understand written instructions and procedures, prepare routine reports, document incidents, and keep a variety of records.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply the principles and practices of supervision, including performance management, training, and progressive discipline;
• Learn and apply relevant federal and state regulations, such as those relating to energy production and dam safety;
• Learn to operate a hydroelectric power plant;
• Plan, organize, assign, and prioritize the work of self and others;
• Communicate priorities, rules, practices, procedures, technical information, and feedback on work performance to other staff for purposes of training and supervision;
• Promote a positive and productive work environment;
• Estimate time and materials needed to complete a repair or construction job;
• Collect data, analyze problems with facilities and equipment, and select an appropriate course of action;
• Follow written and verbal instructions;
• Read meters, valves, and gauges to collect needed information;
• Read and interpret drawings and diagrams;
• Use hand and power tools;
• Operate vehicles and equipment;
• Maintain complete and accurate records;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, customers, contractors, regulators, and vendors;
• Work independently and make sound decisions;
• Follow safety rules, practices, and procedures in all aspects of work.

EDUCATION

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Completion of college-level course work in water science, or vocational education or training in construction technology, automotive/equipment repair, or related field, is desirable.

EXPERIENCE

At least four years of experience in general construction, including plumbing, and operation and maintenance of equipment such as graders and tractors. At least one year of the required minimum three years should have been in the operation and maintenance of a dam and/or hydroelectric power plant.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

• Possession of a valid T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services is desirable.
• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required upon hire. Incumbent must obtain a Class A Driver’s License within the first two years of employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility: Job tasks are varied and require standing, walking, sitting, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, and crouching.
• Lifting: occasional lifting up to 10 pounds; occasional lifting up to 75 pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision, including near vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• Dexterity: occasional grasping, fine manipulation, reaching, pushing, and pulling; occasional use of touch to distinguish or identify objects.
• Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent contact with coworkers and others; depending on assignment, may also frequently work alone.
• Environmental: exposure to moderate noise levels but hearing protection must be worn in certain areas. Frequent exposure to chemicals; occasionally uses smell to distinguish or identify objects.

The employee must be able to wear and use a self-contained breathing apparatus and a Class A Hazardous Materials suit.