HYDRO ENGINEER I SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

To perform the more routine level field and office civil, mechanical or electrical engineering duties for the Power Generation Services Department; to assist in the design and planning of civil, mechanical or electrical engineering projects related to hydrogeneration and water collection facilities; and to provide technical assistance related to civil, mechanical or electrical engineering.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry level class in the Hydro Engineer series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience. The Hydro Engineer I is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from the Director of Power Generation Services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

•The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Assist in the planning and design of construction, reconstruction and improvement projects for hydrogeneration and water collection facilities. Prepare detail drawings and cost estimates for civil, mechanical or electrical engineering projects. Write installation instructions. Provide technical engineering assistance to operations and maintenance staff and other Agency staff. Assist in conducting studies and investigations and complete reports. Learn to prepare and administer contracts. Assist in the preparation and administration of the annual budget. Learn to prepare startup procedures. Participate in tests and evaluate results for acceptance. Research and evaluate new and replacement equipment. Analyze the cause of malfunctions in operating equipment and excessive equipment maintenance requirements. Follow up on drawing corrections and as-builts as required. Gather and exchange information with suppliers, consultants, regulatory agencies and other related entities. Prepare studies, correspondence and reports for regulatory agencies. Prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid documents and specifications for related services and equipment. Coordinate the development of safety and emergency plans and procedures. Assist in preparing training programs. May be assigned, in emergencies, work necessary for project facility operation and well-being. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other agency employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE OF

Basic principles and practices of engineering related to hydrogeneration and water collection projects and facilities. Safety rules, practices, issues and requirements in construction, electrical generation, dam and water collection facilities. Basic policies and procedures related to estimating engineering construction projects. Maintenance procedures and practices. Applicable state laws and regulations affecting water and power systems. Operations and maintenance of electrical and mechanical equipment. Water system operations and hydrology. Modern office equipment including use of word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. Principles and practices of customer service.

ABILITY TO

Conduct engineering investigations. Prepare detailed engineering drawings on a variety of construction, reconstruction and improvement projects for hydrogeneration and water collection facilities. Gather and analyze engineering data and develop effective, efficient solutions. Prepare accurate plans, specifications, cost estimates and technical reports. Schedule and coordinate resources and materials for projects. Operate a computer using word processing, business software and other office equipment. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in an outside environment near dams and waterways with exposure to various weather conditions. Frequently climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand and walk. Frequently push, pull, grasp and carry while walking. Work on various types of terrain and footing which may be slippery. Work in close proximity to electrical and rotating equipment and high pressure piping areas. Frequently lift up to 35 pounds. Experience and Education

•Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of engineering experience in hydroelectric generation and/or water collection facilities.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record.

•

HYDRO ENGINEER II

(ELECTRICAL)

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

To perform moderate to complex electrical engineering tasks in support of the Agency's multi-purpose hydroelectric facilities.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This class the journey level class in the Hydro Engineer series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the Director of Power Generation Services.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

•The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Serve as the Project Hydro Engineer II (Electrical) involving both maintenance and design engineering responsibilities. Provide electrical engineering expertise while serving in a lead capacity over projects for the maintenance, repair, modification and replacement of electrical, electronic, controls and communication equipment. Oversee Project compliance with Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) and North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Standards, including compliance monitoring, preparation and submission of reports and mitigation plans. Develop equipment modifications and replacements as needed to correct equipment malfunctions or to optimize the operation, reliability and safety of hydroelectric generating units and related equipment. Prepare Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid documents and specifications for related services and equipment. Provide design review and analysis of work performed by consulting engineers, Agency staff, or outside entities. Ensure system commissioning, functional testing, documentation and operator training of newly installed or modified equipment is completed. Develop and maintain an effective and efficient maintenance program for all electrical equipment associated with the Project. Provide technical assistance and support to crews performing maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, modification or installation work on hydroelectric equipment and facilities. Direct and/or participate in periodic or specialized tests of Project electrical equipment, review and evaluate test results and recommend course of action as needed. Analyze the root cause of equipment malfunctions and excessive equipment maintenance requirements. Document maintenance criteria, schedules and procedures for hydroelectric generating units and related equipment. Provide budget requirements, scheduling and management of projects. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other Agency employees and the public using principles of good customer service. Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE OF

Principles and practices of electrical engineering and design related to hydro-generation and water collection projects and facilities. Principles and practices involving the design, installation, operation, repair and economic evaluation of electrical features of a power generation system, including generators, station service, auxiliary plant equipment, transformers and switchyards. Principles of integrated systems for control, protection, measurement, regulation and operation of hydroelectric power generation facilities. Control systems equipment including hardware and software such as SCADA, RTU and PLC. Principles of project management, including budget preparation and resource management. Practices, policies and procedures related to estimating engineering construction projects. Maintenance engineering practices and work management processes. Applicable laws, codes, standards and regulations governing electrical engineering. Safety rules, policies, practices and procedures applicable to hydroelectric generating units and facilities. Modern office equipment including word processing, database and spreadsheet applications. Principles and practices of customer service.

ABILITY TO

Perform moderate to complex electrical engineering work pertaining to hydroelectric and related facilities. Prepare specifications and detailed engineering drawings for construction and improvement projects. Analyze data pertinent to hydroelectric facility equipment and develop effective engineering solutions to performance problems. Read and interpret engineering documents, specifications and drawings. Compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations. Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. Adhere to project and operational schedules and budgets. Effectively manage projects. Operate a computer using word processing, business software and other office equipment. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally carried out in an office environment, inside Project facilities and with occasional work in an outside environment with exposure to various weather conditions. Frequently climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand and walk. Frequently push, pull, grasp and carry while walking. Occasionally work on various types of terrain and footing which may be slippery. Work in close proximity to electrical and rotating equipment and high pressure piping areas. Frequently lift up to 35 pounds. Experience and Education

•Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of progressively responsible experience similar to a Hydro Engineer I with the Placer County Water Agency.

Education:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical Engineering. A power emphasis is highly desirable.

License or Certificate:

Possession and maintenance of a valid California driver's license and acceptable driving record. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California is preferred. Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.