Shift Operations Engineer

About the role

Shift Operation Engineer at a hydroelectric power plant plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of the plant during their shift. The required skills for this role are a blend of technical knowledge, practical experience, and problem-solving abilities.

1. Technical Knowledge of Hydroelectric Systems
   • Mechanical and Electrical Systems: Understand the operation of turbines, generators, transformers, and associated mechanical and electrical systems. Monitor and control the mechanical processes involved in generating electricity from water.
   • Hydraulic Systems: Knowledge of water flow control, penstocks, gates, valves, and water pressure for efficient plant management.
   • Instrumentation and Control Systems: Familiarity with control room operations, SCADA systems, and real-time monitoring to track performance, alarms, and operational conditions.
   • Power Generation Principles: Understand energy conversion from mechanical to electrical energy and operation of related equipment including pumps, motors, and generators.
2. Safety Knowledge and Practices
   • Safety Protocols: Ensure safety procedures are followed to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment, including emergency shutdown procedures and lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) systems.
   • Risk Assessment: Identify hazards, assess risks, and take immediate corrective actions.
   • Compliance with Regulations: Familiarity with industry regulations and environmental guidelines (e.g., dam safety standards, water quality regulations, environmental protection laws).
3. Troubleshooting and Problem-Solving Skills
   • Fault Diagnosis: Quickly identify problems when equipment malfunctions or operations deviate from norms, including turbine inefficiencies, abnormal vibrations, or electrical faults.
   • Critical Thinking: Analyze operational data and make decisions to ensure continued plant operation, especially in emergencies.
   • Maintenance Knowledge: Understand preventive and corrective maintenance and coordinate with maintenance teams as needed.
4. Monitoring and Control of Plant Operations
   • Performance Monitoring: Track plant performance using real-time data from SCADA and manual checks, including water levels, flow rates, and electrical output.
   • Load Management: Adjust operation to meet grid demands while maintaining efficiency.
   • Data Logging: Keep accurate records of performance, alarms, downtime, maintenance activities, and anomalies.
5. Communication Skills
   • Team Coordination: Work with engineers, technicians, and plant personnel, especially during shift handovers.
   • Reporting: Document issues and irregularities clearly to management or technical teams.
   • Emergency Communication: Communicate effectively with emergency response teams and external authorities when necessary.
6. Attention to Detail
   • System Monitoring: Vigilant monitoring of parameters to detect subtle changes.
   • Inspection and Calibration: Regular checks of control systems, gauges, and instrumentation for accurate readings.
7. Adaptability and Decision-Making
   • Adaptation to Shift Work: Manage long or irregular hours and maintain performance under pressure.
   • Quick Decision-Making: Make informed decisions during unexpected situations while ensuring safety and minimizing downtime.
8. Environmental and Sustainability Awareness
   • Environmental Impact: Understand environmental impact of operations, including water conservation and ecosystem management.
   • Sustainability Practices: Adopt practices that reduce waste and energy losses.
9. Knowledge of Energy Market and Grid Operations (optional, but beneficial)
   • Grid Integration: Understand integration of the plant into the power grid and adjustments to meet demand.
   • Energy Market Awareness: Be aware of energy price fluctuations and how they affect operations.
10. Leadership and Supervisory Skills (if applicable)
    • Managing Shift Teams: Lead operators and technicians to ensure safety, efficiency, and problem resolution.
    • Training and Mentoring: Provide on-the-job training to less experienced staff.

• Registered Electrical Engineer or Registered Master Electrician from hydroelectric/hydropower/pumped storage/water treatment facilities/dam project environments (note: strict requirement).
• Minimum 6 years' experience in the operation of hydroelectric/hydropower/pumped storage/water treatment facilities/dam projects. Experience with large-scale turbine systems, water management systems, and SCADA is advantageous.
• Technical Skills:
  • Electrical Systems: In-depth knowledge of turbines, generators, and electrical equipment used in hydroelectric plants.
  • Control Systems: Experience with SCADA, PLCs, and other automated control systems.
  • Troubleshooting: Strong ability to troubleshoot electrical and control system issues.

NOTE: This role is strictly for Registered Electrical Engineer or Registered Master Electrician from hydroelectric/hydropower/pumped storage/water treatment facilities/dam project environments.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we provide clients with engineering and technical expertise when needed. We offer contractors a broader range of services, including visa/work permit support, market-leading benefits, and accommodation to ensure safe and compliant support for clients.