Control Room Operator

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

PAY RANGE: $42,378.00 - $70,630.00

REPORTS TO: Maintenance Supervisor II

DIVISION: Hydroelectric

WORK LOCATION: Seguin, Texas

SUMMARY

This position provides remote monitoring and operations via a computerized supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) of raw water delivery systems, water facilities, wastewater facilities, and the hydroelectric generation system. Personnel in this position will monitor the phones and handle GBRA customer calls when necessary.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain river flow calculations and convert them to an efficient operating schedule for the hydro electric generators.
• Maintain accurate, specific and detailed daily log sheets, station and plant comparison readings, monthly reports, and environmental logs and generation spreadsheets.
• Continually monitor lake elevations, hydroelectric plants, wastewater treatment plants, raw water delivery systems and other GBRA operations. Recognize abnormalities and perform operations as required.
• Notify electricians, on-call personnel, and/or other team members when problems arise that must be corrected immediately. Accurately, record all information regarding such situations including times of occurrence and calls made on the daily log for future reference. Report these problems as well as any unusual conditions to the appropriate manager.
• During times of inclement weather, Implement the GBRA “Heavy Rainfall and Flood Response” manual, monitor weather forecasts, river flows and lake elevations. Notify all necessary personnel in a timely manner in order for them to safely respond to the current situation.
• Be able to communicate by Phone, Email, and/or Text during high river flow events and accurately record flow data and spill gate positions.
• Record stream flow reports from upstream observers when flooding occurs.
• Answer telephone calls after normal business hours, weekends, and holidays and possess customer service skills necessary to deal with calls from the public and customers.
• Monitor building and facilities security after normal business hours, weekends, and holidays via closed circuit television. Notify law enforcement agencies if necessary.
• Perform all work complying with the GBRA safety manual and policies.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Effectively communicate orally and written.
• Read and understand technical information and directions such as operating manuals, technical manuals, and material safety data sheets.
• Possess manual dexterity needed to operate a calculator and computer keyboards.
• Basic skills in Microsoft 365 applications.
• Perform basic math skills.
• Work 12-hour day shifts and 12-hour night shifts on a rotating schedule that includes holidays and weekends; with minimal supervision.
• During times of emergencies, be prepared to work more than the normal 12-hour shift if necessary.
• Detect and acknowledge visual and audible alarms.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Capability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

EDUCATION

High School diploma or GED.

REGISTRATION/LICENSES

Valid Driver's License with an acceptable M.V.R.

EXPERIENCE

Not necessary but desirable, skills in monitoring systems and equipment, making quick decisions under pressure, and communicating effectively to ensure smooth and safe operations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Standard physical activity such as periodic standing, walking, sitting, and basic motor skills to operate necessary computer programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Each operator works a 12-hour day shift and a 12-hour night shift on a rotating schedule that includes weekends and holidays. All work is performed in a climate-controlled environment. During weekends, holidays, and on night shifts the operator works alone, unsupervised, and must be capable of making critical decisions regarding raw water delivery systems, water and wastewater treatment plants, the hydroelectric generation system, and the needs of GBRA’s customers. Travel is minimal, primarily required for training classes/seminars.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

TRAVEL

Occasional travel within GBRA’s service area and other parts of the state.

RESIDENCE

The permanent residence must be such that roadway travel time from home to 933 East Court Street takes no more than 45 minutes. This response time must be achieved without violating traffic laws.