Water Hydroelectric Plant Operator

Operates, monitors, and assures the safety of hydroelectric and water pumping station equipment used for City water supply and power generation.This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

• Operates electric pumps, motors, control panels, air compressors, chlorinators, and other water pumping equipment.
• Inspects, monitors, and documents water and hydroelectric system processes by reading the river and well water level indicators, piezometers, dials, graphs, computer screens, SCADA systems, and other instruments. Records booster and well station data for water flow and pump motor use.
• Performs and records mathematical calculations related to system operations.
• Responds to system alerts and investigates and diagnoses causes.
• Maintains, compiles, and updates water system logs and reports.
• Operates and adjusts system pumps, motors, and other equipment through the SCADA system. Reviews and evaluates historical data on SCADA to determine correct actions.
• Takes chlorine samples from well or booster station pumps and checks chlorine tank levels. Installs and replaces chlorine cylinder tanks.
• Operates, monitors, regulates, and adjusts hydroelectric generators in response to river flow. Opens and closes Tainter gates at the spillway.
• Exchanges information with other utilities and government entities.
• Maintains 24-hour security of the buildings and grounds. Monitors condition of the property and performs maintenance, including vegetation management, de-icing, snow shoveling, snow plowing, etc. Inspects and uses emergency equipment including fire extinguishers, first aid supplies, and life safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, water rescue equipment, and monitors/detectors.
• Greets and interacts with the public, including operation of the plant switchboard and routing of calls. Monitors access of visitors. Provides informative plant tours to the public by appointment. Observes and monitors activities of citizens present along the river for their safety around City facilities.
• Writes work orders for system maintenance or repair.
• Performs related work as required.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Three years in the operation of industrial or municipal pumps, motors, or power generators.
• License: Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Substitutions: Possession of a valid Water Distribution Manager I certificate (or higher) may substitute for one year of experience.
• Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license. Employees must obtain a Class C commercial driver’s license with a hazardous material endorsement within 90 days of hire. The Class C CDL must be maintained throughout employment.
• Employees must obtain and maintain a Water Distribution Manager 1 certificate within one year of appointment.

Note:Individuals in this classification possessing a Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager II or higher certificate are eligible for a two-range pay adjustment. The pay adjustment is contingent on the budget process and Civil Service verification of the certification.

Lift Requirement:

• Job offer is contingent on passing a lift test.
• Enough strength to lift and carry heavy objects weighing up to 100 lbs.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit ourwebsite.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

The examination will consist of a multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 100%

This is an online examination and will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided. Computer reservations can also be made through your local, public library.

Examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 4:00 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, April 27th, 2026, and Monday, May 11th, 2026, will test Thursday, May 21st, 2026, through Tuesday, May 26th, 2026.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 2 hours to complete the examination. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Computer Skills
• Equipment Maintenance
• Electricity, Hydraulics, and Mechanics
• Interpersonal Skills
• Plant Operations

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.