Hydro Project Mechanic, Cushman

Position Description

Tacoma Power is establishing a Hydro Plant Mechanic list for future vacancies. A Hydro Project Mechanic opportunity is available at our Cushman location.

Hydroelectric Mechanics perform skilled work in the journey-level maintenance and repair of hydroelectric project equipment, apparatus, fixtures, structures, heavy equipment and vehicles. The position requires the combined mastery of a mechanic, machinist, millwright, welder; as well as working knowledge of industrial refrigeration and air conditioning; and understanding of basic electricity.

The ideal candidate has an exceptional mechanical mind and demonstrated ability to solve complex mechanical problems and troubleshoot elaborate mechanical systems in a manner that complies with all applicable safety policies and procedures.

We have a great team of dedicated, hardworking professionals. This candidate needs to work well with others in a collaborative crew environment.

As a Hydro Plant Mechanic, you’ll have an opportunity to:

• Perform periodic overhauls, maintenance and repairs to hydroelectric generators; repair or replace governor controls, turbine runners, seals, rings, bearings and bushings, high-pressure valves and lubricating and piping systems
• Maintain and repair project housing, buildings and facilities; install windows, doors and cabinets; construct concrete forms; pour and finish cement work; construct new buildings, bridges and towers; overhaul work boats
• Make drawings or plans and fabricate hardware from raw materials using shop equipment and machinery
• Maintain project well and potable water systems, raw water disposal and fire maintenance systems
• Lead a work party in performing maintenance or repair work
• May perform other related incidental work
• Assist the System Power Dispatcher in plant control

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in varying weather; in high or confined places or near high voltage power lines and in loud environments. For more information about Tacoma Power's Hydroelectric Plants, please go to the Tacoma Public Utilities website at http://www.mytpu.org/tacomapower/about-tacoma-power/dams-power-sources/hydro-power .

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent, valid driver’s license and one of the following:

Three years training in industrial mechanical maintenance and three of the last five years’ experience as a journey-level mechanic involving industrial mechanical and maintenance duties
OR
Completion of a recognized mechanical apprenticeship program and three of the last five years experience as a journey-level mechanic involving industrial mechanical and maintenance duties
OR
A minimum of two of the last five years as a journey-level mechanic/machinist at a hydroelectric generating station
OR
A current City of Tacoma Hydroelectric Utility Worker who has a minimum of three years documented experience as a journey-level mechanic performing industrial mechanical and maintenance duties.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License required before completion of probation with maintenance thereafter.

Tanker endorsement required at designated Project locations.

First Aid, CPR, flagging and forklift certification required prior to completion of probationary period with maintenance thereafter.

Be granted unrestricted respirator clearance at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

• Methods, equipment and materials used in mechanical maintenance and repair, construction, carpentry, plumbing, air conditioning/heating and basic electricity
• Interpret and apply health and safety regulations
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Apply basic First Aid and CPR procedures
• Interpret and apply the principles of mechanics, fluids and hydraulics as used in power generation and associated equipment
• Interpret and apply the principles of basic operation of hydroelectric plants
• Obtain and hold safety clearances on rotating equipment for maintenance purposes
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Operate and maintain lathes, mills, drills and common machine shop tools and equipment
• Prepare and use rigging for lifting heavy loads by crane or portable equipment
• Use a variety of welding and cutting equipment
• Use machines and hand tools in performing carpentry, painting, plumbing, cement work and vehicle service and repair
• Operate cranes and hoists
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work independently with little direction
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Prepare and work from blueprints, shop drawings and sketches
• Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

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:

Hourly Rate: $72.23

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. 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.

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.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 170,000 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.

The City of Tacoma
The City of Tacoma is nestled along the shores of Commencement Bay in Washington State and offers many community parks, miles of beautiful waterfront, hiking & biking trails, golf courses, museums, and a world-class zoo with an aquarium. Tacoma also serves as a gateway to some of the most magnificent natural wonders in the world, such as Puget Sound, Mount Rainier National Park, and the Olympic Peninsula. Combined with the vitality of downtown, Tacoma has made it one of the most sought-after housing markets in the country. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

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: 6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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