Electric Generation - Apprentice Operator

The City of Sturgis is currently seeking a full-time Electric Generation - Apprentice Operator. Under the supervision of the Chief Maintenance Worker, maintains, operates, and repairs all generation assets including diesel engines and generators, hydro electric turbines and generators, and related switchgear and controls. Performs regular inspections of the power plant and electric substations.

Essential Functions:

• Performs testing and inspection on diesel engines to ensure good performance and prevent breakdowns.
• Troubleshoots and repairs generating equipment when breakdowns or malfunctions occur.
• Performs daily inspections of hydroelectric plant and generating equipment.
• Performs detailed monthly and annual inspections.
• Performs regular inspections of electric substations, checking for cracked insulators, oil leaks, indicating lights, low batteries, and other potential problems and determines maintenance and repair needs.
• Assists with substations switching procedure and lockout/tagout.
• Maintains building and grounds at diesel plant, hydro plant, and substations, including snow-plowing.
• Performs housekeeping functions such as sweeping, mopping, and painting.
• Operates, starts and stops generating equipment as necessitated by changing conditions and the demand for electricity.
• Required to be on standby, work overtime as needed and operate substation breakers while communicating with line personnel, following lockout/tagout.
• Assists with power outage restorations as needed.
• Assists maintenance workers when needed.

Education & Experience:

• High School graduate with advance coursework in the principles of electricity, and electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Experience equivalent to that of a mechanic in generation department.

Other Requirements:

• Valid Michigan Commercial Driver's License

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to climb ladders and stairs. Extensive walking around plants, substations, and other locations to conduct inspections.
• Walking over uneven surfaces.
• Ability to lift and carry parts and tools weighing up to 90 lbs or more.
• Ability to lift, carry and pour bags of chemicals weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Stoops, kneels and crouches to take readings and perform maintenance tasks.
• Pushes, pull and reaches to perform maintenance and repair tasks.

Working Conditions:

Works in a plant with loud noise requiring the use of hearing protection. Works in a plant with warm temperatures in the summer and works outside in all seasons. Exposure to various chemicals and acids used in the plant. Exposure to fuel oil fumes. Exposure to heavy equipment used in the generation of electricity. Walking on potentially slippery surfaces in plant. Exposure to magnetic and electrical fields used in the generation and distribution of electricity. Exposure to potential electric hazards.

This list may not be inclusive of the total scope of the job functions to be performed. Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or modified at any time.

Qualifications listed above are intended to represent the minimum skills and experience levels associated with performing the duties and responsibilities contained in this job description. The qualifications should not be viewed as expressing absolute employment or promotional standards, but as general guidelines that should be considered along with other job-related selection or promotional criteria.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants unable to fulfill one or more of these requirements.

Pay: From $29.12 per hour

Work Location: In person