City and County of San Francisco

Under direction, a Senior Power House Operator is responsible for the daily operation of the Motive Power Control Center, their sub-stations and units. Essential functions include: monitoring the supervisory control systems; checking the security and alarm systems, supervising and training Power House Operators and other personnel; monitoring all incoming and outgoing radio and telephone communications; using a computer in maintaining records, logs, reports of station activities and other documents; acting as relief operator when necessary; Performs other related duties as required.

The 7364 Power House Operator is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the electrical power conversion/generation and substation distribution systems that furnish electric power for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. The 7365 Senior Power House Operator is the first level supervisor of the 7364 Power House Operators and 7408 Assistant Power House Operators. The 7244 Power Plant Supervisor I is the second level supervisor in the Power House Operator series, and responsible for the supervision of the 7365 Senior Power House Operators.

Incumbents in this job code exercise supervision over 7408 Assistant Power House Operator, 7364 Power House Operators and other support personnel as required.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 409, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Supervises and trains Power House Operators and Assistant Power House Operators in the operation and maintenance of power conversion/generation and distribution systems and oversees and evaluates their performance.

2. Directs subordinates in routine maintenance of station grounds, buildings, and equipment to ensure personnel safety and prevent damage to machinery and equipment.

3. Acts as relief Power House Operator when necessary.

4. Responds to emergency situations either in person or by telephone or radio, and determines the appropriate corrective actions to be taken and directs subordinates accordingly.  This includes outlying sub-stations.

5. Maintains records, logs and reports of all readings, personnel actions and other job related activities and telephone calls, and reviews all previous logbook notations.  Includes entering data in the computer.  This includes performing computer data entry and using a computer for logs, reports, statistics, etc.

6. Monitors telephone and radio communications to ensure that all calls and dispatches such as switching clearances are correctly acted upon.

7. Oversees the day-to-day operation of the power house stations by monitoring the supervisory control systems, checking the security and alarm systems and regularly conferring with other personnel about the functioning of equipment and/or machinery.

8. Contacts appropriate personnel to make necessary repairs on defective or malfunctioning equipment.  This includes contact with technicians, operators, line control staff and/or PG&E personnel.

9. Notifies all necessary persons and agencies of abnormal status changes.  This includes contacting emergency services agencies and others such as: SFPD, SFFD, PUC (Water Dept.), SFMTA Central Control, SFMTA Overhead Lines, Rec and Park, etc.

10. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: electricity and machinery; the conversion of AC to DC; the operation, mechanics and maintenance of electric conversion/generation and distribution equipment including procedures for proper clearance at sub-stations and electrical distribution systems; the principles of solid-state silicon rectifiers and auxiliary equipment; including power house and related equipment  such as feeder breakers, switches and annunciators; safety procedures; the methods and procedures necessary for the safe operation of power house machinery and equipment; accident prevention procedures, the use of protective clothing, and the specific procedures required when performing various operations; hazardous materials and the proper methods of handling them.

Ability to: read and interpret electrical diagrams: correctly interpret  information provided in technical books, charts, manuals, or other materials which deal with the machinery, equipment or related functions of power houses or sub-stations, electricity and its transmission; supervise, assign, oversee, and evaluate the activities of subordinate personnel; coordinate the activities of personnel at sub-stations; assist in developing a comprehensive training program for new and subordinate personnel; and train subordinates on proper and efficient work procedures; detect, analyze and correct malfunctioning equipment; recognize changes in pressure or temperature readings of distribution loads; determine the sources of the change or malfunction; direct the personnel in the appropriate corrective actions;  plan, organize and schedule personnel for various duties at sub-stations, units or outlying areas; schedule and develop procedures for proper operation and maintenance of sub-stations, and support equipment; develop  appropriate courses of action; interact with people in a manner that demonstrates concern for the individual and sensitivity to personal differences and feelings; maintain a professional demeanor; speak in a precise, courteous, and understandable manner; effectively communicating with peers, superiors, subordinates, and persons from other departments or agencies; listen with understanding and comprehension; use appropriate terminology when speaking about technical matters; use appropriate radio dispatching and telephone communications protocol; write clearly and effectively; appropriately document and maintain records related to job activities, including plant operation records, equipment readings and other routine and unusual information; use a computer to prepare/review/generate logs, reports, statistics, etc.

Two years fulltime verifiable experience as a power house operator in a hydro-electric generating plant or a transit motive power control center.

Possession of a valid Class C Driver License.

Other Requirements:

Some positions require work in confined, noisy spaces such as near large generators and substations units; an ability to differentiate different colors; strength and mobility to work in a typical plant operations setting; driving to various work sites; ability to perform physical activity, including standing, walking, and the proper use of ladders; strength to lift and maneuver heavy materials using proper equipment; vision to read printed material and VDT screen; hearing and speech to communicate in a clear, concise and understandable manner in person or over the telephone or radio; incumbents may be required to work day, swing or night shifts, weekends and holidays.

AMENDED DATE: 10/11/2016

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.