Cushman Hydro Facility Assistant Manager

Position Description

Tacoma Power's Generation Section is seeking an experienced power plant operations and maintenance professional. This position is based near Hoodsport, Washington.

As the Cushman Hydro Facility Assistant Manager, you will assist in efficiently managing the operation and maintenance of the Cushman Hydroelectric Project, powerhouses, dams, reservoirs, parks, hatcheries, and all other related equipment and facilities in an environmentally responsible manner to maximize the value and reliability of the projects generating resources to Tacoma Power while complying with federal, state and local regulatory requirements. Your role is to empower and support your staff by equipping them with the tools, equipment and training needed to meet goals, maintenance schedules, and budget expectations through sound resource planning and provision.

Tacoma Power is a municipally-owned electric utility serving approximately 170,000 customers across a service area of 180 square miles and is considered one of three key operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities. "Community Value First" is our strategic principle and we consider our decisions and prioritize resources and programs based on the impact to our communities and rate payers. Tacoma Power employs approximately 850 employees, more than 200 of which are in the Generation Section.

The Cushman Hydro Project includes roughly 140 MW of power generation, and consists of two dams, two fish hatcheries, fish collection facilities and wildlife lands. This position will assist in leading roughly 20 hydro project staff and also provides administrative and maintenance support for the Wynoochee River Project, a remote site near Montesano, WA.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervise, direct, coordinate and assign daily work assignments for Hydro Project Electricians, Hydro Project Mechanics, Hydro Utility Workers, and seasonal Laborers.
• Develop and implement safe and effective maintenance and operations policies and procedures
• Responsible for emergency operations of Hydro Plants
• Provide first response to trouble calls related to the operations of the unstaffed automated power plants, dams, switchyards, transmission and distribution lines associated with the project
• Support and maintain a safe work environment for all Hydro Project Staff by overseeing the project safety program and ensuring all employees receive the required safety training
• Monitor hydro plant operations to maintain compliance with our federal license requirements
• Coordinate maintenance and outage schedules with Power Management
• Approve Purchases of materials and supplies for maintenance and construction activities
• Oversee the operation and maintenance of our public water system in compliance with WDOH Requirements
• Oversee and coordinate any maintenance or construction projects performed by contractors in the hydro facilities
• Assist with the development and implementation of biannual Capital and O&M Budgets
• Oversee and coordinate the maintenance of project recreation areas so that Tacoma Power maintains safe and clean recreational facilities for the public
• Monitor, interpret, and implement state and federal guidelines, rules and regulations as they pertain to parks and recreation
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the maintenance support for the Cushman Hatcheries and fish equipment in compliance with the FERC license and settlement agreement
• Responsible for promoting a culturally diverse workforce free of harassment
• Make recommendations on hiring, promotions and discipline of represented employees
• Manage staff performance, including setting expectations, feedback, coaching, delegation, development, and training

Working Conditions:

• Required to live on site and be available for emergency call outs 24/7 including weekends and holidays. Call responsibility will be shared between the manager and this position, the assistant manager.
• Office and outdoor work environment.
• Outdoor activities include inspection of project facilities and dams, monitoring work activities of Project staff, other Tacoma Power staff, contract maintenance crews and construction projects.
• May be required to work extended hours during equipment or weather-related incidents including natural phenomenon such as earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, etc.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, electronics or directly-related field OR
• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an electrical apprenticeship OR
• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of a 2 year trade/technical school specializing in electrical, machining, fabrication or heavy equipment trades

Minimum Experience*

• 6 years of experience, including 4 years as a journey electrician working on high voltage equipment, journey mechanic, operator working on power generation equipment OR
• 6 years as a Hydro Utility Worker, including 1 year of lead/supervisory experience

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
State of Washington Journey Electrical Certification may be required for some positions
Incident Command Certification
NERC Certifications as assigned
First Aid/CPR Certification
State of Washington Driver's License

Knowledge & Skills

Technical Skills:

• Knowledge of power plant operation and maintenance practices
• Knowledge of theory and practice of electricity, mechanics and hydraulics
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Labor practices, collective bargaining agreements, and human resources related issues
• Utility safety practices and environmental protection, safety, and health protection standards
• City's HR policies and procedures (FMLA, ADA, discipline, etc.)
• Total Quality principles and practices

Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with integrity, demonstrates leadership and ethical conduct
• Applies technology to improve operation
• Attracts and develops staff
• Plans for future staffing needs
• Evaluates employees and provides ongoing performance feedback
• Deals promptly with performance problems
• Recognizes people for their contributions
• Provides opportunities for challenging assignments, learning, job enrichment and career advancement
• Communicates well
• Inspires others
• Builds relationships
• Manages change and Innovation
• Anticipates problems, notices trends, & develops plans in advance to prepare for opportunities or problems
• Listens well
• Understands financial & quantitative information, prepares realistic budgets, uses resources wisely
• Drives for Results
• Political Savvy
• Promotes teamwork
• Thinks analytically & makes sound decisions
• Focuses on Customer and Community

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $ 158,288.00 - $222,892.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

About the Cushman Project
This is a remote hydroelectric project operated by the City of Tacoma. The Cushman Hydro Project Office is located along Highway 101 near the town of Hoodsport, WA. The local school districts are the Hood Canal and Shelton Districts. Project housing is available as part of the benefit package. The approx. 2000 sq. ft. home comes equipped with a two-car attached garage.

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 12/1/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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