Water Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic

CLASS SUMMARY

Performs skilled journey-level work in the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumping station and hydroelectric plant equipment used for City water supply and power generation.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

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.

• Inspects, installs, troubleshoots, dismantles, cleans, repairs, and replaces turbines, pumps, motors, valves, plumbing, air conditioners, and other related pumping equipment. Checks and replaces bearings and brushes. Inspects and installs hydraulic and air filters. Inspects and maintains trash rakes, grates, and other equipment at the Upriver Dam.
• Determines and completes required shutdown and lockout/tagout procedures on facilities and equipment.
• Installs, repairs, adjusts and maintains chlorinators at well stations.
• Inspects stations, buildings, and grounds for vandalism or other maintenance needs. Performs preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Installs and maintains overhead and underground power cables with a capacity of up to 13,000 volts. Repairs and maintains transformer substations.
• Sets up and operates electrical testing devices, lathe, drill press, bench grinders, welders, power hacksaw, air grinders, and other hand and power tools to fabricate and repair parts for equipment and machinery.
• Performs design panel arrangement. Installs and repairs specialized control panels, telemetry equipment, and other electrical equipment used for the control and recording of hydroelectric plant and pumping station operations. Works on mechanical relays, as well as solid state printed circuits.
• Orders parts, tools, and equipment. Prepares reports, work orders, and parts requisitions.
• Coordinates, reviews, and inspects work of engineers and outside contractors.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Combinations of education and experience that are equivalent to the following minimum qualifications are acceptable.

Open-Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Four years in the repair of industrial pumps, motors, generators, or similar equipment.
• Substitutions: Completion of a related trade school or college program may substitute for up to two years of experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid drivers license.

Note: Individuals in this classification possessing a Washington State Department of Health Water Distribution Manager I 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.
EXAMINATION DETAILS

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

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%
  

EXAMINATION DETAILS:

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.

Multiple-choice examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (...).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, May 19, 2025, and Monday, June 2, 2025, will test Thursday, June 5, 2025, through Monday, June 9, 2025.
  

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:

• Utility Plant Maintenance
• Troubleshooting
• Safety
• Interpersonal Relations
• Communication Skills
  

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.