Assistant station operator - renewable energy

We currently have an opening for an experienced Assistant Station Operator at our Northfield and Turners Falls, MA locations.

The Assistant Station Operator reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for the safe and economic operation of all Northfield and Turners Falls Project assets including the Turners Falls Fishways and dam facilities. Will operate and monitor hydraulic turbines and associated equipment for safe and efficient operation, understand and properly follow reservoir and river flow management procedures, maintain clear and accurate operational records, and communicate observations to plant personnel.

This role does not have a standard home base/typical reporting location and travel to Northfield Mountain and/or Turners Falls Projects will be regular, travel compensation does not apply. Work location will be directed by the supervisor.

Our ideal candidate possesses the experience, passion and energy to be a driving force in FirstLight's continued evolution to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid to meet the clean energy needs of tomorrow.

The compensation for this position falls between $33.67 and $38.70 per hour. The final compensation offered will depend on several factors that may include, but are not limited to, the type and years of relevant experience, industry-specific experience, relevant education/certifications and geographic location.

Our total compensation package also includes a competitive bonus plus comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, retirement savings with company match, life insurance, disability benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, health and wellness reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, scholarship program, employee referral bonus, volunteer time off benefit, charitable gift match program and more.

Key Responsibilities Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Operation and monitoring of pumped storage and conventional hydroelectric power generating equipment including troubleshooting, and minor maintenance and repair work;
• River management via operation and monitoring of flow control gates, downstream conventional hydroelectric power stations, and fishway equipment in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements;
• Routinely inspect plant equipment, calibration of devices, coordination, planning and set-up of work activities and facilities maintenance support;
• Assist the Shift Supervisor in the operation and monitoring of hydro-turbine generators and auxiliary equipment, including high voltage switchyards and solar array;
• Maintain hourly and daily operational records and maintenance history of equipment;
• Monitor and enforce station security and control access through security gates;
• Investigate and report abnormal conditions observed during shift;
• Understand and implement lockout/tagout procedures to safely isolate equipment in accordance with company policies;
• Communicate with external parties including ISO-NE and CONVEX;
• Perform preventative maintenance as well as other basic station upkeep including cleaning and painting;
• Read and understand engineering prints, mechanical drawings, and schematics;
• Use industry standards, procedures and best practices to achieve results;
• Performs duties in accordance with company HS&E and/or regulatory policies;
• Operate the generating units (start, stop and load adjustment) in addition to performing switching/tagging and energy isolation responsibilities;
• Lay out and set-up of work activities and facilities maintenance support;
• Collaborate with other departments such as, Engineering, Mechanics, Safety to ensure efficient and safe operation and maintenance of the facilities;
• Act as a team member with all FirstLight employees;
• Must maintain all licenses required for position;
• Responds to emergencies or unanticipated needs outside of normal working hours;
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned;
• Complies with all FirstLight policies and procedures.

Job Qualifications / Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associates degree in Mechanical Technology or similar discipline is preferred;
• 3+ years of experience in a power plant or related industrial role;
• Industrial operations experience with PLCs, SCADA or similar controls, preferred;
• LOTO procedural experience, preferred;
• Experience interpreting data, drawings, schematics, one-line diagrams and P&IDs;
• Knowledge of industry, safety and environmental procedures and regulations;
• Strong analytical and decision making skills;
• Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts with frequent changes in schedule as well as overtime and call-ins including nights, weekends and holidays;
• Experience with industrial or utility generating plant equipment such as pumps, control valves, instrumentation, controllers, and associated equipment;
• Valid, clean motor vehicle operator's license is required;
• Basic computer and MS Office skills;
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills;
• Highly organized self-starter with strong planning and multitasking capabilities;
• Self-motivated, independent, and effective in team environments;
• Ability to meet highest attendance requirements;
• Must reside within 60 miles of Northfield Mountain.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of frequently standing, walking, balancing, sitting, reaching, climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks, stacks, etc.), bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, kneeling, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), feeling, talking and hearing for prolonged periods and performing repetitive motions.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in any weather, on station structures, ladders, staging and equipment for extended periods of time as well as exposure to hazards associated with hydro power plants such as high voltage equipment, loud noises and working underground in confined spaces.
• Ability to hear and understand audible alarms and detect changes in noise levels of equipment.
• Must be physically capable of entering and working in a confined space (crawl spaces, shafts, small, enclosed areas, pipes and the like) as required.
• Must be physically capable of performing demanding work at various heights and in adverse conditions during operations, shutdowns, and in fire/emergency activities.
• Must be physically capable of wearing protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to half and full-faced respirators, fall protection equipment, hard-hat, safety shoes, safety glasses, etc.;
• Ability to pass a respirator physical and respirator fit test (if applicable)
• Required to have eyesight corrected at 20/40 to accurately read and interpret items such as, but not limited to, instruments, gauges, and manuals.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment as well as the ability to write and/or type.

Why Work for FirstLight?

We consider our employees to be our most valuable resource and we strive to provide a challenging, collegial, and rewarding workplace. FirstLight embraces a company-wide commitment to recruit, develop, and retain a dedicated, diverse, and engaged workforce that is motivated to be ever better both professionally and personally.

Joining the FirstLight Team is an opportunity to experience a unique and exciting culture. Some of our benefits for eligible employees include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Mental Health Care
• 401(k) with Employer Matching
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Savings Account
• Annual Performance Incentive Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan
• Paid Holidays
• Professional Development
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Charitable Matching Program & Employer Sponsored Volunteer Program

FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, FirstLight complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

FirstLight's values are:

Respect - Integrity - Safety - Excellence - Innovation - Team