Power Plant Operations Manager jobs in Modesto, CA

Final Filing Date: First review of applications will be on October 23, 2023. NCPA reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received. 

The Supervisor II oversees personnel, safety, operations and/or Maintenance, environmental, and budgetary aspects of NCPA’s Hydroelectric Operations. Supervise and lead a diverse technical workforce. Roles may be split with separate Operations Supervisors and Technical Supervisors. This position ensures that the Hydroelectric power plants and facilities are operated in a safe, reliable and efficient manner.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires the incumbent reports for work on time and maintains satisfactory attendance in accordance with Agency policy; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives to meetings and appointments on time; Performs special assignments for the Plant Manager or others as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Responsibilities:

Plans, directs and supervises Hydro operational and/or maintenance staff to ensure efficiency, availability, safety and successful plant operations. Monitors daily activities of Hydro Techs and Hydro Tech Operators to assess fair work assignments, safety protocols followed and ensure log entries are accurate and complete. Ensures the plant is operated in accordance with the Agency’s policies and procedures, applicable laws, standards, and ordinances. 

Develops Operations and Maintenance procedures, and updates all written procedures and practices to reflect current situations. Maintains and updates project operations and maintenance manuals and keeps drawings up to date.

Interprets Federal, State, and Local laws/rulings impacting operations, and implements necessary actions or programs to comply with laws. Stays informed of all laws and regulations impacting permit conditions as they become relevant. Completes all correspondence including required reporting and necessary variance applications and upset reports. Coordinates and ensures all applicable licenses, laws, and ordinances are met. Coordinates and attends regulatory inspections, responds to letters and reports, updates emergency action plans and public safety plans, etc.

Conducts daily tailboard briefing and a discussion of job assignments and priorities for personnel. 

Supervises and leads a diverse technical workforce. Responsibilities include interviewing, onboarding, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coaching, and mentoring employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; tracking time cards and overtime on a daily basis; reviewing payroll for personnel and verify payment as per interpretation of the HEA MOU; and optimizing crew overtime.

Uses Hydro project approved work management platform to assign, track and complete both maintenance and project work. This tool is used to resolve periodic and emergent work. It is also used to complete portions of project work as it becomes actionable. Lastly, this tool is used to track Hydro project for maintenance of, and provide evidence for, compliance bodies governing our project and license. 

Conducts studies to investigate problems, analyzes results and provide recommended solutions for Hydroelectric facilities. Plans work in advance to prevent unnecessary plant outages and keep costs to a minimum.

Identifies and prioritize projects necessary for personnel safety, plant reliability, regulatory compliance, and efficiency. Act as project manager for assigned projects. Produces detailed project schedules and job plans for major projects. Works with outside consultants and contractors for work on the Project. Makes sure safe work practices are followed and jobs are completed in a timely manner.

Performs research to replace or upgrade obsolete Hydroelectric equipment and provides budgetary input using cost benefit techniques. Orders parts, tools, supplies and test equipment for staff. Writes maintenance outage reports on units. Conducts and documents root cause analyses. Enforces NCPA policies and procedures.

Coordinates with other departments for equipment that is shared between them (lube oil centrifuge, specialized test equipment, etc.).

Works with different NCPA departments. Assists as necessary and cooperate to complete projects. Coordinates work with NCPA Roseville Dispatch. Responds to phone calls from Dispatch office on off hours. Makes decisions on whether personnel need to respond to alarms.

Assists with budget development and justifications for materials needed in the future. Tries to cut costs by purchasing equipment to prevent problems found in the past. Tracks budget on a daily basis to prevent over expenditures in accounts and provide effective cost control.

Performs site inspections and safety audits.

Coordinates unit and line outages and high voltage switching.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience    

Requires a minimum of eight to ten years of power plant experience, with some experience in hydroelectric operations preferred. Prior experience as a plant supervisor, project manager, or lead technician is required. Additional education in engineering or organizational leadership and a related Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university are desirable. 

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge:

Knowledge of advanced electrical and mechanical theory related to power generation maintenance and operations; Principles of electrical protective relays, automatic voltage regulators, governors, instrumentation, switchgear and other electrical equipment associated with the electrical utility industry; Knowledge of microwave and SCADA systems; Knowledge of Hydroelectric operations, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting, performing modifications and equipment repair of hydroelectric generating facilities; Knowledge of safety work practices and principles associated in working around generating facilities; Knowledge of fire protection and security systems for generating facilities.

Abilities:

Ability to exercise a high level of independent judgment, organization, and coordination skills in order to handle multiple assignments; Develop and coordinate safety, technical and maintenance training for staff; Ability to supervise a technical workforce, identify and analyze problems, and recommend solutions, plan and coordinate the use of equipment, tools, and materials in a manner that ensures the accomplishment of maintenance projects within budget and schedule; Ability to multi-task by scheduling multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, preparing a variety of reports, logs, and records; Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and negotiate and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and the ability to take initiative and make sound decisions, assume ownership and accountability for issues, problems, projects, and assignments; Comply with safety and security measures.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid California Driver's License and insurance.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Directly supervises employees at the Hydroelectric Facility. 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.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment can be loud.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.