Job Description
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Power Generation Manager, the apprentice in Energy Generation is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of diesel, electric, dual-fuel engines, and hydro/natural gas turbine generating units to produce electric power for transmission, distribution and critical City facilities.. The role also involves maintaining and repairing auxiliary equipment associated with generating plants, including all critical backup generators for the City, including those at airports. Provides critical support for backup generators.
Essential Functions (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)
1. Inspections and Maintenance
• Schedule and perform daily, weekly, monthly, and annual inspections of engines and hydro/natural gas turbines.
• Clean, lubricate, and calibrate mechanical, electrical, and electronic metering equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Level I & II: Assist and learn to identify potential issues and perform basic maintenance tasks with supervision.
• Level III: Independently execute inspections, apply troubleshooting techniques learned from senior staff, and handle more complex maintenance tasks.
• Level IV: Lead inspections, mentor junior apprentices, and implement advanced maintenance strategies.
2. Mechanical Work and Repairs
• Perform skilled mechanical work in the repair, maintenance, and overhaul of diesel and dual-fuel engines, turbines, HVAC systems, compressors, valves, and cooling towers.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions to determine repair materials and costs.
• Level I & II: Gain foundational skills in basic repairs, understanding system components.
• Level III: Develop advanced mechanical skills, facilitated by ongoing informal learning.
• Level IV: Specialize in diagnosing complex failures and advising on system modifications.
3. Record-Keeping and Compliance
• Maintain detailed records of repairs, parts, and maintenance work using Cityworks Work Order processing.
• Record Emissions Data in Excel to ensure compliance with UDEQ and Title V Operating Permit.
• Perform required maintenance of CEMS and calibrate natural gas monitoring components.
• Level I & II: Learn to document activities accurately under guidance.
• Level III: Assume responsibility for detailed record-keeping, managing maintenance analytics.
• Level IV: Lead data analysis, proposing operational efficiencies.
4. Equipment Management and Modifications
• Use tools and fabricate components for plant modifications, following blueprints and schematics.
• Replace parts as necessary using welding and pipe fitting skills.
• Level I & II: Support in equipment diagnostics, develop understanding of blueprints.
• Level III: Independently manage diagnostics, focusing on efficiency.
• Level IV: Innovate equipment management techniques, driving improvements.
5. Operations and Control Systems
• Operate and control engines, generators, SCADA, and DCS systems during peak loads, monitoring critical data.
• Review switching procedures and participate in operator shifts.
• Level I & II: Acquire operational knowledge, observe system operations.
• Level III: Operate systems with autonomy, apply learned principles.
• Level IV: Lead operational strategies, mentor peers, and refine knowledge.
6. Coordination and Compliance Assurance
• Participate in NERC/WECC Reliability Committee, ensuring compliance.
• Prioritize and coordinate service calls, dispatch repairs, and coordinate service restoration.
• All Levels: Engage in compliance training and understand regulatory standards.
• Levels III & IV: Collaborate on projects, enhancing regulatory understanding for compliance.
7. Log Maintenance and Troubleshooting
• Maintain operations logs, records, and instrument readings.
• Review prior logs for continuity and troubleshoot internal control systems, PLCs, HMI, and network systems.
• Level I & II: Observe and assist in log maintenance and basic troubleshooting.
• Level III: Independently maintain logs and troubleshoot systems accurately.
• Level IV: Lead troubleshooting efforts, innovating solutions and teaching lower levels.
8. Auxiliary Functions
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams on PLC, HMI, ladder logic programs, and internal system networks.
• All Levels: Perform other related duties as required, contributing to overall system efficiency and team support. Participation in a rotating shift schedule and placement on the on-call roster will is mandatory and will occur following a determination of readiness by management.
Typical Physical/Mental Demands/Working Conditions
The working conditions for this position require engagement in moderately heavy physical activity, including exerting up to 20-50 pounds of force occasionally or 10-25 pounds frequently. It involves standing, walking, or sitting for extended periods, often in uncomfortable postures, and performing tasks that involve pushing, pulling, or lifting medium-heavy weights. Precision use of hands for fine motor activities, such as operating tools and equipment, is common, with regular reaching for various tasks. Specific vision capabilities are necessary, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment to accommodate diverse work settings. Due to potentially loud noise levels, effective auditory skills are necessary for communication and understanding instructions and signals.
Employees work in varied environments, including confined spaces, near high voltage equipment, and areas with dust, grease, heat, cold, and dampness. Regular proximity to moving mechanical parts demands strict safety protocol adherence to reduce risks from high temperatures and hazardous chemicals. The role presents significant exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals, gases, and biochemical risks, emphasizing safety procedures. Employees must handle intermittent stress from environmental factors or interpersonal challenges.
The job involves non-standard rotating shift schedules, including holidays, and requires participation in standby and/or on-call schedules to maintain operational continuity and ensure readiness for emergency responses. Employees are expected to adapt to these demanding conditions and maintain a safe working environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Qualifications Education and Experience:
Level I: Candidates must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and possess foundational knowledge of electrical systems, along with essential safety practices when working with generation equipment. Those with relevant trade schooling or a certificate in a related technical field may also qualify for direct entry at this level.
Level II: Entry requires completion of the first-year requirements and testing by the Energy Services Department. Alternatively, it can be achieved with 2,000 hours of verified experience in an industrial electrical or mechanical role, such as HVAC systems or industrial machinery maintenance, demonstrating hands-on competency in essential job functions.
Level III: Candidate must have successfully completed the second-year requirements and accumulated 4,000 hours of job experience. Alternatively, equivalent professional experience, such as four years in heavy machinery maintenance or generator/turbine operations, covering core role functions can qualify a candidate.
Level IV: Successful completion of third-year requirements and associated testing with 6,000 hours of accumulated relevant experience is necessary. Alternatively, candidates with six or more years in energy generation, industrial power systems, or extensive experience across multiple relevant fields might be eligible for direct entry into this level.
Experience: For entry into Level I, candidates must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a basic understanding of electrical systems and mechanical maintenance. Completion of vocational or technical training programs in relevant fields such as electrical systems, mechanical technology, or HVAC systems can be advantageous. Additionally, participation in high school or community college courses that focus on fundamental aspects of electricity, machinery, or technical safety provides a foundation. Candidates should demonstrate a keen interest and aptitude in technical problem-solving, which can be evidenced by personal projects, informal work, or internships that provide practical exposure to equipment operation and maintenance. Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Documents.
For higher-level entry beyond Level I, practical experience is essential. Individuals should have at least four years of full-time, direct experience in the operation and maintenance of diesel, dual-fuel, or natural gas generation equipment and associated auxiliary systems. Advanced levels may also require specific certifications and demonstrated expertise in diagnosing and troubleshooting equipment malfunctions. Previous roles involving industrial power systems, heavy machinery maintenance, or work in energy generation environments are highly relevant. Candidates possessing extensive experience in industrial settings, especially those with a demonstrated track record of effectively managing and operating advanced mechanical and electrical systems, will find themselves well-suited for high-level entry into the apprenticeship program. Proficient in using Microsoft Word, Excel and Google Documents.
Licenses and/or Certifications: All candidates must possess a valid driver license, with a requirement to obtain a valid Utah Driver License within 60 days of beginning employment and maintain it throughout their tenure. Additionally, it is mandatory to obtain a "Level One GE LM6000" training certificate within the first two years of employment.
Preferred: The preferred qualifications include professional certifications in AC/DC/Gas welding and expertise in managing low to medium electrical voltage systems. Proficiency in working with Woodward Control Systems is considered advantageous. Candidates demonstrating substantial experience with SCADA systems, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), and electro-mechanical systems specifically pertinent to power generation operations will be viewed positively.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of diesel, electric, and dual-fuel electric engines; hydro and aero derivative turbine generating units; and all auxiliary equipment associated with power generation plants.
• Types and levels of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in power generation plants.
• Welding and pipe fitting.
• Electrical AC and DC, electronics, pneumatics, fuel systems, cooling systems, generators, hydraulics, pumps, natural gas, and diesel engines.
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations pertaining to power generation plants including safe operations and maintenance of Co2 Fire suppression systems.
• SCADA and plant DCS systems.
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and ladder logic programs.
• Personal computers, including word processing, spreadsheet, and specialized software.
• Ability to read and understand basic electrical and mechanical blueprints and schematics.
• General understanding or knowledge of high voltage distribution and transmission systems.
Skills in:
• Repairing diesel, electric, natural gas, and dual-fuel electric engines; hydro turbine generating units; and all auxiliary equipment associated with power generation plants using the needed tools.
• Performing routine maintenance on diesel, electric, and dual-fuel electric engines; hydro and natural gas
turbine generating units; and all auxiliary equipment associated with power generation plants and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators on diesel, electric, and dual-fuel electric engines; hydro and natural gas turbine generating units; and all auxiliary equipment associated with power generation plants to make sure the engine, generating unit, and all auxiliary equipment are working properly for efficiency and reliability.
Ability to:
• Make skillful, controlled manipulations of small objects to repair equipment.
• Manipulate tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, or other similar tools in areas of limited space.
• Adapt tools and materials to special problems.
• Exercise sound judgment and resolve problems under pressure.
• Use radio, phone, and other equipment pertaining to this position.
• Complete forms to record or report information in standard format as specified by the form.
• Understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Read and understand basic electrical/mechanical schematics, blueprints, and maintenance and safety manuals.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations with supervisor, coworkers, and the public.
To Apply
Submit a completed City of St. George Employment Application online at careers.sgcity.org. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. This Position closes 10/19/2025 05:00 PM. Refer questions to Human Resources at 435-627-4670. Pre-employment drug screening and criminal background screen are required. The City of St. George is an inclusive Equal Employment Opportunity employer that considers applicants without regard to gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, age, disability or genetic information. We make reasonable efforts to provide reasonable accommodation to disabled candidates.