Hydroelectric Plant Maintenance Mechanic

This is skilled mechanical work in the maintenance and repair of hydroelectric plant machinery and equipment. This work also includes supervisory portions and planning of maintenance activities as deemed fit throughout the year to support the Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor.

Work involves participating in skilled labor in several mechanical trades with occasional responsibility for supervising and instructing subordinate employees or contractors on selected projects as required in the maintenance and repair of all hydroelectric plant machinery and equipment. These employees serve as principal assistants to the Greenup Hydroelectric Plant Superintendent and Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor in planning and programming general maintenance operations, including preventive maintenance and specific repair and rebuilding.

Specific assignments are provided by the Greenup Hydroelectric Plant Superintendent only for major overhauls or highly technical repair work. The Hydroelectric Plant Maintenance Mechanic locates needed repairs through task assignments from the Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor, inspection of equipment, and discussion with operating personnel.  These employees operate under limited supervision, with work reviewed through periodic discussion and inspection of completed assignments.

• Performs highly skilled rigging, pipefitting, plumbing, and turbine repair; does electric welding; uses cutting torch; does burning, brazing and miscellaneous blacksmithing
• Disassembles, repairs, overhauls and reassembles operating parts of pumps; uses hand tools in repairing and maintaining pumps, motors, air compressors, valves, and other plant machinery and equipment.
• Lubricates all plant equipment; inspects machines for hot bearings, sticking valves, and other trouble; makes running adjustments and repairs.
• Installs pipe to carry liquids or compressed air.
• Fabricates, maintains, and repairs metal objects through the operation of drill presses and similar equipment.
• Inspects turbines, generators, pumps, fans, gauges, compressors, and related equipment for signs of trouble; diagnoses trouble and plans repairs; consults with supervisors on major jobs requiring shutting down a portion of the plant.
• Cleans and paints motors, piping, valves, and other equipment.
• Assesses the condition of used parts using micrometers, calipers, and compares to specifications.
• Utilizes plant drawings to assist in planning and needs for upcoming work.
• Records all maintenance / repair services performed and keeps track of all materials and parts used during the repair process.
• Receives, reviews, utilizes, and follows tasks from the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Cleans and organizes plant equipment and tooling.
• Occasionally acts as Hydroelectric Maintenance Supervisor.
• Occasionally works nights, weekends, and several weeks straight without time off to support urgent needs.
• Performs related work as required.

• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work. 
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and practices of the mechanical trades.
• Knowledge of the functions and mechanics of stationary and rotary equipment typically found in hydroelectric plants such as turbines, generators, pumps, motors, air compressors and related equipment. 
• Knowledge of the methods and practices used in operating a hydroelectric system. 
• Ability to read and interpret plans, blueprints, sketches, models, and oral and written instructions. 
• Knowledge of proper methods of oiling movable parts. 
• Ability to check a wide variety of mechanical equipment and to detect defects or flaws in operation. 
• Knowledge of the general methods of carpentry and plumbing repairs, and skill in making general maintenance repairs. 
• Some knowledge of the inter-relationships between the various plant machines and equipment and the effect that faulty operation of one has on the system. 
• Skill in the use of bench and hand tools, machines and equipment of the mechanical and related trades.
• Mechanical aptitude and good general intelligence. 
• Ability to use independent judgment and to react quickly and calmly in an emergency. 
• Ability to supervise, direct and maintain a good working relationship with others.
• Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of skilled and semi-skilled mechanics in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to report malfunctions or irregularities in writing.
• Ability to prepare and submit simple reports.
• Some knowledge of the principles of electrical power generation.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) {will be verified for eligible applicants}; and
• One (1) year of experience with hydroelectric power generation equipment and machinery; and
• Must live within an hour of the plant for availability to respond to emergencies.

Salary : $71,864 - $80,101