What are the responsibilities and job description for the Switching Station Operator position at Brookfield Renewable?
The Operators will generate and/or coordinate and distribute power as required between Brookfield’s Hawks Nest Power Station, West Virginia Alloy and Metals smelter and Alleghany Electric and Power. The Operators have full control over the high-tension switching at both ends of the transmission line, the 60,000 KVA transformer banks, the 60 cycle, 13.8 KV volt bus connections in the outdoor station and all electrical equipment located in the switching station are in his/her charge completely. The Operators are essential to the operation in order to maintain a stable and unique power system that provides energy to the silicon metal smelters and auxiliary equipment. More specifically, the Operators will be responsible for the following:
- Switching, distribution and disposition of electrical loads in the switching station, outdoor station, and at the hydro plant end of the transmission line.
- Monitoring 60 Hz distribution, 25 Hz distribution and (4) 12 MW Frequency Converters and the equipment.
- Observing the functioning of station equipment in substations, principally as revealed by various meters and gauges. Observe switchboard instruments for unusual operating conditions and perform the functions necessary to restore the equipment to normal or remove it from service as required.
- Making appropriate entries in the Electrical Log and in the Control Room Log.
- Reporting of power usage and deemed energy to Brookfield and WVAM.
- Retrieval of the operational data as needed.
- Performing switching operations in accordance with standard operating procedures.
- Maintaining daily operating log on all operations, both routine and emergency, and report on line outages and weather conditions; record hourly readings of indicating and integrating meters, and mark and check charts of recording instruments.
- Acting independently during an emergency by performing duties in rapid succession involving switching, adjusting load and/or voltage to stabilize the system.
- Issuing protective tags through established safe clearance procedures for all equipment in the plant and substation.
- Noting changes in load and make routine adjustments to meet such changes without immediate supervision. Report unusual situations to supervision.
- Periodically inspecting station both inside and outside to determine proper operation of facilities and maintain security. Makes minor adjustments and repairs.
- Replacing blown fuses on any circuits or equipment in his/her charge immediately after they are discovered and make an entry in Log Book to that effect.
- Ensuring the proper circuits or equipment are blocked satisfactorily when shut down for repairs or inspection.
- Working in tandem with Hawk’s Nest Hydro control room operators and with WVAM employees.
- Operating their stations in a manner consistent with the public safety, environmental, and regulatory goals of the organization.
Required Skills:
- A practical, adaptable, innovative, collaborative, and solution-focused approach to issues.
- Strong ability to be self-directed regarding learning and discovery.
- Ability to organize, plan, prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Required Experience:
- A minimum of a two year technical degree (electrical/mechanical preferred) or equivalent work experience in power generation, electrical maintenance or similar industry.
- Must be willing to work 12 hour shifts, which includes days or nights, holidays and weekends. Flexibility for coverage for time off other than vacations and personal time is extremely limited.
- Must have a comprehensive knowledge of lockout/tagout procedures.
- Must demonstrate the ability to handle operating contingencies to properly perform the duties of an operator in a manner that will safeguard employees and equipment and achieve efficient operation of the station.
Qualification Levels:
- Operator – Fully qualified to operate either the hydro or the WVAM switching station
- Operator 2 – Fully qualified to operate both the hydro and the WVAM switching station and maintains proficiency at both (required to work their unassigned station a minimum of one day shift and one night shift per quarter)
