Hydro Plant Technician

About the role

A general range of power plant operation, electrical, mechanical, and control systems work at Ameren Missouri’s hydro generating stations and associated substations. The role involves operating, monitoring, and maintaining equipment under indirect supervision, often working alone on a rotating shift or day schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate the main electrical control system of hydro generating stations and associated substations, including auxiliary equipment.
• Start, stop, load, and unload electrical equipment as directed by Power and Transmission Dispatchers.
• Perform or direct switching and corrective operations during emergencies affecting the plant or substations.
• Monitor remote indications and displays of operating equipment; initiate actions in response to abnormal conditions and emergency procedures.
• Direct apprentices or trainees as needed.
• Control, monitor, and synchronize generators and lines (automatic or manual).
• Write switching orders, issue protection for Workman’s Protection Assurance (WPA), and ensure proper safety measures are observed.
• Perform switching on equipment including disconnects in 138KV and 34.5KV substations, 13.8KV electric bay, 2.3KV and 460V switchgear, and 125V AC/DC circuits.
• Control system voltage as directed by the Transmission Dispatcher.
• Record operating data, including generation totals, and maintain logbooks and forms.
• Conduct regular and special inspections of operating equipment; record and reset relay targets after automatic trip-outs.
• Maintain proper oil levels in bearings and governor oil tanks; correct or report faulty equipment operation.
• Operate pumps, compressors, valves (oil, water, grease, air), and unwatering systems.
• Inspect and refill first aid kits; take water samples; activate fire suppression systems when needed.
• Monitor and maintain records for lake and river elevations.
• Troubleshoot energized electrical and control systems using schematics, drawings, and sketches.
• Install electrical instruments, controls, conduit, wiring, hangers, supports, boxes, breakers, motors, and motor controls.
• Perform electrical work on generators, voltage regulators, exciters, buses, transformers, circuit breakers, switches, motors, batteries, lighting, and related equipment.
• Perform mechanical work including machine work, welding, plumbing, rigging, sheet metal, carpentry, metal spray, and manipulation of spill gates, head gates, and stop logs.
• Calibrate and adjust transmitters, transducers, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs); troubleshoot using SCADA systems.
• Maintain and operate cranes, rail locomotives, air compressors, pumps, and heating systems (air, water, oil, steam).
• Perform building maintenance, pipefitting, and carpentry; operate acetylene, electric arc, or other welding/cutting torches.
• Paint, sandblast, and perform repairs on company facilities, boats, furniture, and equipment.
• Operate mobile equipment (dump truck, tractor, forklift), shop equipment, and portable power tools.
• Perform general housekeeping, labor, and porter-type work; set up rigging and operate lifting equipment.
• Prepare reports, sketches, and input data into computers as required.
• Work alone or collaboratively with other classifications as assigned.

Special Responsibilities

• In the absence of supervision, direct emergency response efforts, including implementation of Emergency Action Plans, Spill Control and Countermeasure Plans, and fire fighting.
• Initiate contact and call out personnel to respond to operating conditions or emergencies at assigned and other plants.
• Ensure operating stability of service, particularly during electrical failures, by initiating measures to restore or maintain service.
• Prevent costly damage to equipment by detecting incipient issues and following proper operating sequences.
• Segregate defective apparatus quickly during emergencies or apply available reserves to maintain system balance.
• Ensure safety of others by controlling Workman’s Protection Assurance (WPA) for work on apparatus.
• Blackstart main and house generators as required.
• Carry out prescribed safety precautions and ensure compliance with safety instructions by those under your direction.
• Execute orders quickly and accurately; maintain clean and orderly work areas.

Contacts

• Interact with the general public, local/state/federal government agencies, Harry S. Truman personnel, and news media.
• Issue and receive reports on generating schedules, lake/river conditions, and public notifications (e.g., spill gate operations).
• Coordinate with other plant employees and departments (e.g., Power Dispatcher, Transmission Dispatcher, Power Operations, Taum Sauk/Osage/Keokuk Plants, Relay Department) for load management, switching operations, and data requests.

Working Conditions

• Work in the control room or environments with rotating equipment, extreme temperatures (hot to sub-freezing), and sudden temperature changes.
• Exposure to noise, dust, dirt, fumes, odors, drafts, and inclement weather.
• Work in cramped spaces with artificial lighting; exposure to welding fumes and high noise levels (e.g., air compressor rooms, venting governor oil pressure tanks).
• High humidity and damp areas; potential hazards from nearby high-voltage equipment.

Pay

Hourly rate range: $60.69.