1051 Hydro Electrical Engineer-FILLED

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Hydro Electrical Engineer (Staff or Senior)

THE COMMUNITY

Yuba County is a vibrant and historically rich region in Northern California, established as one of the original 27 counties on February 18, 1850. Nestled in the heart of the historic Mother Lode Country, it offers a blend of picturesque landscapes and charming communities, making it an appealing place to live and explore.

Geography and Recreation :

Yuba County is renowned for its diverse landscape, which includes majestic rivers, fertile farmland, and scenic Sierra foothills. The county is bordered by the Yuba and Feather rivers, with historic Marysville at its core. To the south, visitors and residents can enjoy attractions like the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the Toyota Amphitheatre, and the Marysville Drakes professional baseball team. Riverfront Park in Marysville is a hub for outdoor activities, featuring boating, picnicking, soccer fields, and motocross tracks.

To the north, in a community known as District 10, the area is characterized by its booming agricultural businesses. Here, local fruit and vegetable stands offer fresh produce from the region's rich soil. Further up into the foothills, abundant recreation opportunities await, with New Bullards Bar Dam (fifth tallest dam in the United States), Collins Lake, Lake Francis, and over 25,000 acres of wildlife area, including National Forest land, all within easy reach.

Communities and Lifestyle :

Yuba County is home to approximately 84,000 residents who enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with affordable housing. The county's small-town feel is complemented by its proximity to larger cities—Sacramento is just 30 minutes south, and both ocean beaches and mountain skiing are within a couple of hours' drive. Communities such as Plumas Lake, Loma Rica, Browns Valley, Oregon House, Dobbins, Brownsville, Challenge, and Camptonville each offer unique historical and cultural elements that contribute to the region's charm.

Education and Economy :

Education is a priority in Yuba County, with excellent local school systems and Yuba Community College providing opportunities for higher education and personal growth. Additionally, California State Universities at Chico and Sacramento, as well as the University of California at Davis, are all within an hour's drive. The county's economy is bolstered by its strong agricultural sector, which thrives in the fertile lands of District 10.

Military Presence :

Beale Air Force Base, located just outside Wheatland, is another significant asset for Yuba County. This base is home to advanced reconnaissance technology, Beale AFB plays a crucial role in Air Force missions related to reconnaissance, maintenance, training, and pilot operations.

Overall, Yuba County offers a blend of historical richness, recreational opportunities, and a welcoming small-town atmosphere, making it a unique and desirable place to live and visit.

THE AGENCY

Yuba Water Agency : A Legacy of Innovation and Collaboration

Overview and Mission : Yuba Water Agency, an independent public entity established by the California State Legislature in 1959, is dedicated to serving the residents of Yuba County. In 2016, a 50-year Power Purchase Agreement between PG&E and Yuba Water Agency expired, which allowed Yuba Water to retain the power generation revenue themselves and use it to benefit the people of Yuba County.

Governed by a board of seven elected officials with 104 full-time employees, the agency focuses on several key missions :

• Flood Risk Reduction : Mitigating the potential for flood damage and enhancing community
• Water Supply Reliability : Ensuring a stable and dependable water source for agricultural and community needs.
• Fish Habitat Protection and Enhancement : Promoting the health and sustainability of local aquatic ecosystems.
• Hydroelectric Generation : Producing renewable energy through its hydroelectric facilities.
• Recreation at New Bullards Bar Providing recreational opportunities and access to natural

Facilities and Operations :

The agency manages substantial resources, including facilities capable of storing around one million acre- feet of water and generating more than 400 megawatts of hydropower. Each year, Yuba Water Agency releases over 260,000 acre-feet of water to eight local irrigation districts, which then deliver it to farmers and ranchers throughout Yuba County.

Collaborative Efforts and Recognition :

Yuba Water Agency is known for its leadership in water management, fisheries restoration, and collaborative projects. The agency has engaged in numerous partnerships with local, state, and federal entities, as well as conservation groups.

Historical Context and Development :

The agency's origins are rooted in addressing significant historical challenges. In the aftermath of the Gold Rush, hydraulic mining practices had severely impacted the Yuba River, raising the riverbed with debris and increasing flood risk. Additionally, the shift from mining to agriculture led to the over-drafting of aquifers, resulting in declining groundwater levels.

To address these issues, the Yuba Water Agency proposed the Yuba River Development Project, a comprehensive initiative aimed at reducing flood risk, improving water management, and power generation. Approved in 1961 and licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in 1966, the project was completed in 1970. This development has played a crucial role in transforming the region's water management and flood risk reduction capabilities.

Yuba Water Agency remains a cornerstone of Yuba County's infrastructure, balancing the needs for reducing flood risk, water supply, power generation, and environmental stewardship. Its historical achievements and ongoing efforts underscore a commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the community, while preserving the natural environment.

THE DEPARTMENT

Power Systems Division at Yuba Water Agency :

Overview : The Power Systems division is a crucial component of Yuba Water Agency, responsible for overseeing and maintaining essential infrastructure and operations related to hydroelectric power generation. This division manages :

The division is staffed by approximately 40 employees dedicated to ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of these assets. Check out Yuba WaterAgency : Hydropower Operations

Engineering Department : The Hydro Electrical Engineer position is part of the engineering department within the Power Systems division. This department plays a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the technical aspects of hydroelectric operations and infrastructure. The department is led by :

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Check out this interview with Jus

Team Dynamics : The engineering team under Justin Hoffman's leadership is known for its dedication, collaboration, and expertise. The team works closely together to address complex engineering challenges, support ongoing projects, and contribute to the division's overall success.

THE FACILITIES

The Yuba River Development Project

Yuba Water Agency owns and operates the Yuba River Development Project. Our House and Log Cabin dams divert water into New Bullards Bar Reservoir, and water released from New Bullards Bar Dam travels to the New Colgate, Narrows I and Narrows II powerhouses, where it is used to generate clean, carbon-free electricity.

THE POSITION

The Hydro Electrical Engineer (Staff or Senior) focuses on rotating machinery within the Power Systems Division. The position is a pivotal role as it's the agency's sole Electrical Engineer.

You would be expected to :

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Typical Tasks :

Design control systems for water plants and valves.

This role demands a robust technical foundation in electrical engineering within the hydroelectric field, extensive practical experience, and the ability to manage projects and work collaboratively with a diverse team.

Current & Future Projects :

Electrical subject matter expert for the agency's five Power System generators, rotating machinery, and supporting electrical apparatus.

Control system design for plants and valves.

Assessment of generator and high voltage apparatus conditions.

Power System analysis related to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, National Fire Protection Association, arc flash, load flows, protection coordination, and more.

Removal and replacement of the powerhouse electrical components, including :

Generator step-up transformer

Station Service transformer

Medium voltage breakers and switches

Powerhouse electrical / mechanical relays

Power distribution, motors, lighting, generator iso-phase modification, and more

Minimum Qualifications :

Education / Training : Must possess a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.

Experience :

Staff : 2-5 years of increasingly responsible engineering experience, as well as two or more years of experience in hydroelectric generation and / or closely related field.

Senior : 5-10 years of increasingly responsible engineering experience, as well as five or more years of experience in hydroelectric generation and / or closely related field.

License or Certificate :

BENEFITS COMPENSATION

Hydro Electrical Engineer (Staff or Senior)

Placement within this range is dependent upon the qualifications. In addition, the agency also provides a competitive benefits package described in more detail here that includes but is not limited to :

Work Schedule :

Retirement : CalPERS : For classic members, 2% @ 55 formula, and the agency will pay 5% of the employee's 7% contribution to CalPERS. For all others, subject to the provisions of AB340 with a 2%@ 62 formula.

Deferred Compensation : Voluntary participation in agency plans. The agency will contribute 7.65% amount towards the plan.

Medical Insurance : The agency covers health insurance costs as follows : $901.61 per month for single-party coverage, $1,803.22 per month for two-party coverage, and $2,448.89 per month for three or more parties.

Dental and Vision : 100% paid coverage for employees and dependents.

Retiree Medical Reimbursement : Your tenure of 10 years of service credit with the agency and retirement from CalPERS. The agency's present contribution for each annuitant, including enrollment of his / her family members, is a maximum of $1,850 per month.

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) : The agency contribution of $600 per year for 2024.

Life Insurance : $100,000 is provided by the agency for employees, with options for purchasing supplemental life and long-term disability coverage.

Vacation : Accrued at 12.6 hours per calendar month and increases with years of service.

Sick Leave : Accrued at 10 hours per calendar month.

Holidays : 12 paid holidays per year.

Paid Family Leave : The agency participates in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, which can be seamlessly supplemented with the employee's leave banks for enhanced coverage.

Additional Benefit : The agency proudly offers pet insurance, ensuring peace of mind for you and your furry companions.

Flexible Spending Accounts : Medical and dependent care are available with pre-tax payroll contributions.

Employee Assistance Program : The agency provides an extensive array of complimentary support services designed to benefit both employees and their households.

Educational / Training tuition reimbursement : Generously available to support your continued learning and professional growth.

Dependent Care : This benefit is available as part of Flexible Spending Account program.

Learn more about what it's like to work for Yuba Water Agency APPLY TODAY

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please contact :

Jenna Flanagan (916) 304-6663

jenna@jpowersinc.com

Filing Deadline

This position will remain open until filled.

The Yuba Water Agency is an equal-opportunity employer.

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