Hydro Department Manager

Position Overview

The Hydro Department Manager plans, directs, and oversees all activities related to the District’s hydroelectric facilities, including operations, maintenance, and capital projects. This role provides highly technical and responsible leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation of the facilities in accordance with local, state, federal regulations, FERC license conditions, and applicable agreements. The Manager is accountable for maximizing revenue, ensuring regulatory compliance, and fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

o Lead, supervise, evaluate, and discipline hydroelectric department employees in accordance with District policies, procedures, and bargaining unit agreements.

o Develop and implement training programs to maintain employee proficiency and safety.

o Plan, initiate, and oversee operations, maintenance, and capital work to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient performance of hydroelectric facilities, adhering to industry standards and best practices.

o Read, interpret, and supervise the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, drawings, reports, and technical documents for new projects, refurbishments, and ongoing work (by staff or consultants).

o Prepare, administer, and monitor annual operations and maintenance budgets, as well as long-term capital project budgets; control expenditures to remain within approved limits.

o Monitor hydroelectric revenue and stay current on industry practices to optimize generation and financial performance.

o Coordinate with outside consultants, contractors, and stakeholders for planning, operations, maintenance, improvements, and regulatory compliance.

o Support District hydroelectric project relicensing efforts as needed.

o Oversee the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for FERC projects and serve as primary incident coordinator.

o Ensure full compliance with FERC license conditions, NERC standards (acting as Subject Matter Expert where required), and other applicable regulations; prepare and submit timely reports.

o Perform or oversee routine and extraordinary inspections, tests, and investigations based on best engineering and operating practices.

o Represent the District before regulatory agencies, in community outreach, and at professional meetings.

o Set and achieve goals for safe, reliable operation of dams and powerhouses.

o Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

o Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related field.

 

Experience

o Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering or related fields.

o Five (5) years of supervisory experience in personnel management and electrical/mechanical systems operations.

o Equivalent combinations of education, training, certifications, and relevant supervisory/management experience may substitute at the District’s discretion.

Knowledge Of

o Principles and practices of hydroelectric facility operations, maintenance, administration, budgeting, purchasing, forecasting, and personnel management.

o Regulatory requirements from agencies including FERC, NERC, CAISO, DSOD, DWR, SWRCB, RWQCB, USFWS, NOAA Fisheries, Endangered Species Act, OSHA, and other relevant federal/state bodies.

o Workplace safety standards, compliance, and training.

o Personal computer applications, including spreadsheets, CAD drawings, email, and internet tools.

Skills and Abilities

o Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

o Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare technical reports and maintain records.

o Develop goals, objectives, and priorities; prioritize fluctuating workloads and meet deadlines under pressure.

o Exercise independent judgment, objective reasoning, and self-direction in daily and weekly planning.

o Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operational regulations.

Special Requirements

o Valid California Class C Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record and insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance program.

o Registration as a Professional Engineer (Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical) in California (preferred).

o Must file Statement of Economic Interests (Government Code Section 8100).

o Complete Ethics training every two years (AB 1234) and Sexual Harassment Prevention training every two years (AB 1825).

o Maintain primary residence within one (1) hour driving distance of the hydroelectric facilities. Option to reside rent-free in District-provided housing at the hydroelectric village.

Work Environment

This position is a fully on-site role based at the District’s secondary office location. Remote work or hybrid arrangements are not permitted. Regular attendance at the designated worksite is required as part of the essential functions of this position.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

o Primarily office-based with occasional field work; minimal outdoor sun exposure (10% or less).

o Occasional irregular or extended hours, including overtime as needed.

o Ability to sit, use computer/keyboard, and operate office equipment for up to 8 hours per day.

o Lift up to 25 pounds; negotiate stairs, uneven ground, and confined spaces as required.

o Effective oral and written communication; clear vision and hearing for in-person, telephone, and digital interactions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This job description represents typical elements required for successful performance and is not intended to be all-inclusive. The District reserves the right to modify duties as needed.

Supervision

o Reports to the Deputy General Manager – Water Resources.