Dam Operator

Description 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 Duties

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.

• Ensures structural soundness and security of the dam by making daily visual checks, conducting special inspections when required, and enforcing rules that restrict access to certain areas. Operates a hydroelectric plant.
• Performs releases from the dam and ensures that flows are increased, maintained, and decreased appropriately.
• Implements and assumes primary responsibility for the emergency action plan for the dam, including: training District staff on the plan and conducting practice drills; maintaining necessary emergency supplies; and testing and activating early warning devices for nearby residents who would be affected in the event of a dam-related emergency.
• Keeps records required by regulatory agencies, such as those related to dam inspections and maintenance; interacts with representatives of regulatory agencies during inspections, the re-licensing process, and other contacts.
• Independently or in consultation with the Operations and Maintenance Supervisor: assigns and reviews work of other District staff; coordinates work activities to ensure that District objectives and priorities are met and that projects have sufficient staffing; provides feedback on employee performance for purposes of evaluation and discipline; trains staff to enhance skill level and ensure safety.
• Recommends or develops and implements work procedures and rules.
• Assists in the annual budget process by estimating the cost of operating and maintaining the facility; orders or approves purchases of materials, supplies, and equipment; compiles supporting documentation for requisitions and purchases.
• Monitors and reviews the work of contractors and vendors to ensure it meets District requirements and specifications.
• Takes readings and collects data on items such as rainfall, evaporation, lake elevations, inflows and outflows, hydro-plant production, movement pins, and crack monitors; records information in written logs or reports or computer databases.
• Operates and services vehicles and equipment such as tractors, graders, scrapers, cranes, and bulldozers; machinery such as pumps, motors, generators, and compressors; performs routine maintenance, such as changing oil and filters, and may perform more complex repairs, including welding or fabricating parts.
• Leads and performs a variety of skilled general construction work, including carpentry, painting, plumbing, welding, electrical, concrete, and masonry; participates in District construction projects; performs landscaping duties such as weed abatement, tree trimming, and spraying of herbicide; operates and maintains tools such as drills and chainsaws.
• Completes a wide range of safety-related training, including confined space, HAZWOPER (hazardous waste operations and emergency response), and incident command system.
• Schedules and coordinates the installation and repairs at the Lake Piru distribution system including the Lake Piru Recreation Area Water Treatment plant under the supervision of the O&M Supervisor - Water Distribution.

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.

Typical Qualifications 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.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, wellness program, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

01

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid California Class C Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a valid California Class A Driver's License?

• Yes
• No

04

Have you completed any college-level course work in water science, or vocational education or training in construction technology, automotive/equipment repair, or any other related field?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have at least four years of experience in general construction, including plumbing, and operation and maintenance of equipment such as graders and tractors?

• Yes
• No

06

Do you have a valid T2 certificate as a Water Treatment Operator issued by the California Department of Health Services?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question