Power Division Mechanic

Primary Function:
Perform electrical and mechanical work to fabricate, install, test, inspect, repair, and maintain hydroelectric plants, power transmission, and telephone systems; “troubleshoots” at all locations.  Control generators, auxiliary equipment, flow of power in high and low-tension lines from the powerhouse switchyard.

Materials used, processed, and handled:
Electrical conductors and accessories, poles, towers, cross arms, insulators, lightning arrestors, fuses, switches, transformers, structural steel, pipe, conduit, equipment parts, insulating materials, gaskets, greases, oil, paint, solvents, support and bracing materials, and welding materials.

Tools and equipment used:
Bridge cranes, mobile yard crane, whirly crane, barge, barge derrick crane, trucks and automotive vehicles, ladders, presses, jacks, metering, testing, and measuring devices, communications system equipment, programmable logic controllers, cleaning equipment, ropes, slings, pulley blocks, boat and motor, and caisson.
Power and hard tools such as drills, sanders, grinders, saws, pipe cutting, bending, and threading equipment, welding, and torch equipment, painting equipment, soldering irons, conduit benders, grease guns, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, PC.

Primary job duties:

• Assemble, install, inspect, test, troubleshooting, maintain and/or repair equipment in, and connected with hydroelectric developments, such as motors, generators, transformers, storage batteries, cranes, lighting equipment, lubricating systems, pumps, hydraulic turbines, exciters, governors, controls, gates, and associated equipment.
• Erect poles, towers, bus bar, substations, and associated equipment.
• Install, test, maintain, replace and/or repair power transmission facilities such as conductors, switches, circuit breakers, fuses, ground rods, transformers.
• Perform electric and gas welding and cutting.
• Plan and lay out work.  Read and work from manuals, charts, diagrams, prints.
• Apply paint, varnish, enamel, etc., to electrical windings and equipment, and equipment near energized facilities.  Clean electrical equipment.  Paint and sandblast structures.
• Work on or near energized lines.
• Cut right-of-way and trim trees.
• Record and identify work as required.
• Drive and operate over-the-road vehicles and equipment.
• Clear and effective verbal communication in all circumstances, including emergency situations.
• May have to lift up to 50lbs.
• Consistent repeated travel up and down stairs; Ability to climb stairs while carrying tools ladders, fall blocks, parts, etc.
• Climb ladders, work while atop ladders throughout workday. Ladders can be step ladders, extension ladders, or fixed ladders.
• Work on flood gates wearing fall protection. Usually, the work is done up and down ladders but must be able to climb parts of the gates.
• Walk up and down hills on uneven ground.
• Work overhead or in tight spaces in both hot and cold weather
• Work at heights.