Superintendent - Hydro Operations (Open until Filled)

  • Job ID: 11778
  • Location: Wenatchee, WA
  • Full/Part Time: Full-Time
  • Regular/Temporary: Regular

LIVE, WORK AND PLAY!

Chelan County PUD is located in the geographical center of Washington State at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers.   A public power leader, the complex and progressive nature of PUD operations offer a unique mix of challenges and opportunities.

We rely on the mighty Columbia River for much of our hydropower generation and we're proud to take a leadership role in environmental stewardship as related to this great river system. Each year we dedicate millions of dollars and thousands of work hours to protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plant ecosystems. As part of hydropower operations, we've also built 14 parks that serve more than 3 million visitors each year.

Rated by Forbes in 2017 and 2019 as one of the top 25 places to retire, Wenatchee is a recreational paradise with an abundance of adventure. The natural scenic beauty of the Wenatchee Valley provides a vivid backdrop to its thriving economy, where the quality of life is high and the climate is moderate with four distinct seasons, including more than 200 days of sunshine!

We are a small town to some and big city to others. We invest in our children and believe that education is the key to our future success.

We live a life of abundant choices and enjoy water sports on the Wenatchee and Columbia rivers, hiking, biking, rock climbing and unlimited golfing. Downhill and cross-country skiing are just minutes away. The area is also known for producing quality wines.

Consider Chelan PUD as a career choice today! The community is waiting for you.

Chelan PUD is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. M/F/Vet/Disabled

PLEASE NOTE

This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED and applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.  The first review date for application materials is scheduled for June 15, 2021.

Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one document.  Incomplete materials will not be considered.

Applicants must summarize the following in the cover letter:

  • Describe how your education/experience related to the supervision of a medium to large hydroelectric power plant.
  • Describe what challenges you expect to encounter in the first year of this employment and what you plan to do to meet those challenges.

To expedite the application process, combine your cover letter and resume into one PDF or WORD document before applying and upload electronically when requested in the online application process.

Interested parties are also invited to contact Ruth Erwert, Recruiting Manager, at joblist@chelanpud.org to discuss the position.

 

SALARY RANGE

In addition to a competitive starting salary range of $112,050 - $149,400 (based on qualifications, skills and abilities), Chelan PUD employees also enjoy outstanding benefits which include the option of a zero cost medical plan (medical, dental and vision for all eligible dependents), short and long-term disability, Washington State Public Employee's Retirement System, Deferred Compensation (with company matching funds up to 5%), 11 holidays and initial personal leave accrual at 21 days per year. 

Introductory Period: New employees holding regular positions must complete an introductory period of twelve months.

JOB POSTING

JOB PURPOSE:                        
Manage power plant generation operations and reliability for Rock Island power plant.  Optimize the efficiency and economics of operating plant equipment.  Collaborate with plant maintenance, central maintenance and engineering departments on achieving reliability goals and planning for keeping low cost, reliable and safe power.  Direct and supervise the activities of plant operators and fishway staff in accordance with the objectives and policies of the District.  Manages efficient and economical construction and operation of the District’s Generation facilities, associated support systems, and associated budgets.  Act as duty supervisor and handle after hours emergencies as required.

JOB FUNCTIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the job satisfactorily. Essential functions are those activities that, if not performed, would significantly and fundamentally alter the position. 

#  EF % of Time Job Functions
1. EF 25% Manage and supervise the activities of the plant operators and fishway staff in alignment with work plans and business unit and District goals.  Plan, schedule, organize, and assign work to ensure safe and efficient operations, and compliance with applicable Federal and State regulations.  Provide counseling, coaching, and development opportunities, and evaluate work performance in accordance with established procedures and written expectations.  Administer the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and participate in labor management meetings and discussions.

2. EF 20% Manage the operations of the assigned power plant, fish systems, and ancillary systems to ensure that assigned work is completed in alignment with work plans and business unit and District goals.  Coordinate planning, scheduling, execution and documentation of all operational and maintenance work.  Identify and manage the resolution of operational issues, personnel issues, safety issues or other issues impacting workers, plant operations, the work environment and/or work productivity.  Oversee the monitoring of plant conditions and systems.

3. EF 15% Interact and coordinate with other District departments, outside agencies, and/or regulatory agencies.  Monitor, direct, and participate in special projects such as District initiatives, RFAs feasibility studies, and capital and O&M projects.

4. EF 15% Develop, implement, and administer operating procedures and policies to meet production objectives.

5. EF 15% Manage, coordinate, and administer maintenance and outage management information system processes and record keeping to ensure timely and accurate entry of work order and employee timekeeping information.  Monitor operational employee contributions to equipment and materials records, work procedures, work notes, histories and asset records to verify accuracy, completeness, and conformance with regulatory compliance requirements.  Contribute to, support and/or lead change management and process improvement projects to enhance systematic and efficient methods of capturing, developing and maintaining plant information. 

6.  EF 10% Prepare budget recommendations and monitor and control plant operations and activities in accordance with approved budget.  Identify scope, schedule or budget issues, and provide appropriate leadership to resolve. Identify staffing needs to effectively meet plant operations requirements.  Contribute to asset management, replacement and improvement planning to achieve District, agency and license requirements.

7. EF On-going Will be required to drive a motorized vehicle while conducting business on behalf of the District.

8. EF On-going Lead by example and ensure safe working conditions for personnel and utilization of safe work practices.  Monitor employee compliance with District policies, the Collective Bargaining Agreement, safety regulations, and operational regulatory requirements.

9. EF Ongoing Maintain regular and predictable attendance.  Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.  Comply with District policies.  Complete all required training. Maintain a working knowledge and comply with District safety procedures and specific safety requirements of this position, and those in accordance with applicable provisions of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and Washington Administrative Code (WAC).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:                        
Directly supervises twenty (20) employees in Hydro Operations, and supervises contract employees as needed.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS: The qualifications listed below are representative of those required, but reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Post-Secondary Education:                        
Journey-level certification or bachelor's degree (B. S., B. A.) from a college or university in Engineering, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:                        
Typically requires a minimum of five (5) years’ skilled trade, professional, and/or supervisory work experience in power plant operations, maintenance and/or engineering.  Candidates with power plant operations experience are strongly preferred.  Candidates with two (2) or more years of successful supervisory experience are preferred.  Candidates demonstrating initiative in leadership roles such as a planner, project leader, temporary superintendent, foreman, shop steward, or safety representative are desired.

Specific KSA's: A fully skilled incumbent will have the following specific knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Knowledge:
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of hydro plant operations including, but not limited to, hydro generation/transmission systems, turbine generating units, auxiliary equipment, and associated maintenance.
• General knowledge of the electrical utility industry
• General knowledge of District business operations
• Working knowledge of the Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Planning & scheduling principles
• Knowledge of other District departments and operational groups
• In depth knowledge of all applicable District, State, and Federal policies, standards and regulations pertaining to safety and the environment.
Skills:
• Proficiency with computers
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Effective problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Analytical skills
Abilities:
• Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with all levels of management and staff
• Ability to elicit cooperation and support from others, and coordinate the work and efforts of others (team building).
• Ability to use analytical skills to evaluate complex issues quickly and effectively.
• Able to grant autonomy and trust
• Able to be a strong advocate for their direct reports
• Able to hold employees accountable as needed
• Able to recognize accomplishments and thank employees
• Able to be consistent, objective, and equitable
• Able to be open and approachable
• Able to be responsive and follow-up
• Able to make expectations clear
• Able to be flexible and resilient
• Able to solve problems, take action, take ownership
• Able to demonstrate empathy and care

Language Skills:                        
Must be proficient in reading, writing and speaking English.

Computers & Equipment: A fully skilled incumbent will have the ability to utilize the following software, hardware, or equipment:

To perform this job successfully, an individual is required to have intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel; Microsoft Word; Primavera; and Maximo Order Processing.  Basic knowledge is required in PeopleSoft Time Entry/HRIS; Microsoft Outlook; Microsoft PowerPoint; Microsoft Project; Maximo Asset Management; General Office Equipment including printers, computers, fax machines and phones; Hydra Amp Asset Management & Maintenance systems; and Internet Explorer.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and perform repetitive hand or arm motion.  The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl or twist torso; pull, push, or exert force and taste, smell.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather); work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; in confined spaces; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outdoor weather conditions; extreme cold (non-weather) and risk of electrical shock.  The noise level is usually moderate.

 

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A valid driver's license is required for this position (verified upon hire).  A valid Washington State driver's license is required within 30 days of employment.

BACKGROUND SCREENING

Pursuant to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, Chelan County Public Utility District #1 conducts background screening of personnel who have access to the District's critical physical and/or cyber assets.

DISCLAIMER

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility. This should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

EEO

Chelan PUD is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer (EOE Minorities/Females/Protected Veterans/Disabled). We value diversity at all levels of the organization. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected classifications as defined by law.

EEO Law Posters can be found on the main Careers page in English and Spanish. 

Chelan PUD will not be offering any work visa sponsorship for this role.

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-I.35(c)