Senior Operations Engineer

Office Location: Melbourne
Reports To: Manager, Operations, Australia/Pacific

1. PURPOSE

This role will support the operational aspects of Pacific Hydro's completed Australian wind farm and hydro power stations, including contractor management, maintenance systems, reporting and OH&S.

2. KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESULT AREAS

• Provide operational leadership and support to Australian operational projects to drive improvements in operational performance.
• Monitor and analyse asset condition and performance data utilising SCADA, meter data & contractors reports to optimise asset availability and reliability.
• Monitor market prices and manage asset performance to maximum revenue.
• Manage and Supervise contractors and ongoing service contracts to maximise their benefit to the longevity of the stations.
• Maintain and improve electrical and OH&S compliance management systems including procedures & documentation for operational sites. When on site, set an example for others to follow with regards to safety.
• Manage minor capital projects (for example safety upgrades, control systems upgrades).
• Input into, and review, technical documentation and performance of commissioning aspects during wind farm construction.
• Perform strategic asset management including upkeep of asset management plans, review of spares and procedures and conducting technical investigations and root cause analysis.
• Authorize contractor payments under a delegated authority.
• Manage risks, project defects and quality assurance.
• Review contractor's work procedures and his compliance of the same.
• Participate in discussions, evaluations and negotiations of Construction claims.

• The ability to prove and apply technologies in a commercial innovative way and a solid understanding and application of project economics for solution oriented engineering results. 

3. JUDGEMENTS

• The position requires a willingness to accept autonomy and responsibility with clear thinking and problem solving in regard to specific operational projects, however, decision making is limited by contractual arrangements, budgets, delegated authorities and department strategies.
• Other decisions in respect of:

o Systems for Operations and Maintenance at sites.

o Purchasing of spares & components

o Direction to contractors

4. COMMUNICATIONS

• Pacific Hydro's management & internal staff
• Site Operators (both staff and contractors)
• Construction contractors
• Suppliers and Customers
• Landholders

 

5. KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE (INCLUDING QUALIFICATIONS) AND SKILLS

Knowledge and Experience

• Tertiary Qualifications in an Electrical Engineering Discipline,
• Experience in renewable energy / power station operations preferred
• Knowledge of electrical maintenance practices and electrical safety regulations
• Understanding of wind farms, hydro power stations, generator control systems and High Voltage electrical systems
• Environmental understanding
• Proven knowledge of Microsoft office suite and computerised maintenance and OH&S systems.

Skills

• Project Management capabilities
• Information Systems skills
• Risk management skills.
• Willing to accept autonomy and responsibility
• Ability to undertake site work

• Ability to occasionally work at heights 

6. COMPETENCIES

Essential

• Working with People
• Applying Expertise and Technology
• Planning and Organising
• Analysing
• Learning and Researching
• Writing and Reporting

Desirable

• Adhering to Principals and Values
• Delivering Results and Meeting Customer Expectations
• Following Instructions and Procedures
• Formulating Strategies and Concepts
• Presenting and Communicating Information

  

7. CHALLENGES

• Time management and work prioritisation

• Managing relationships 

8. DIMENSIONS

Two direct reports.

Manager level delegated authority