Mini-hydraulic plant operators are responsible for managing the operation of plants through the control, maintenance and monitoring of their facilities and instrumentation.
Mini-hydraulic plants are low-power plants of less than 10mW which have special consideration because they are covered by a special system of economic and governmental regulations different to those of traditional hydropower. The energy obtained through a mini-hydraulic plant is renewable and environmentally friendly.

• Control a mini-hydraulic electrical plant, the status of the facilities and the parameters of process in general to ensure optimum performance criteria of reliability, efficiency and safety for people and the environment.
• Control the status and operational behaviour of the valves, turbines, generators, distributors, pumps, compressors, drainage components and electrical systems of the mini plant.
• Control the flow, pressure, water level, temperature, valve positions and dampers of the plant.
• Prepare simple incident reports for the mini plant.
• Perform operations with the equipment of the plant: shutdowns and start-ups, in accordance with safety standards.
• Operate dampers, regulators and electrical switches following the sequence laid out in the mini-plant procedures.
• Perform periodic tests on equipment and facilities to ensure that the mini plant is functioning correctly.
• Operate plant systems, equipment and instruments under normal operational and shutdown and start-up processes and in accordance with procedures laid out for mini-dam, reservoir or waterfall systems.
• Prepare and organise maintenance of the installation by following the appropriate specifications, and carry out preventive and corrective maintenance.

Regulated training and graduates

• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of the Professional Family Energy and Water - Intermediate Level: Networks, facilities and water treatment stations
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Energia i Aigua: Gestió de l'operació en centrals hidroelèctriques (Nivell 3)

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Orientation within reach: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 3

Initiative: Level 1

Team work and cooperation: Level 2

Strategic orientation: Level 1

Management

The organisation, administration and control of a company or entity are the main interests of people related to the management field. Activities included in this field of interest vary from effective resource management, feasibility analyses and solving business problems to the development of skills and fostering of motivation in relation to human resources. Knowledge regarding specific techniques of strategic administration and business management are required to carry out these activities.

Mechanical handling

People related to the field of mechanical handling are interested in the assembly, maintenance, repair and use of machines, tools and installations. Some good examples of professional activities in the field of mechanical handling are adjusting and configuring machines, reviewing technical equipment to detect incidents in their operation, handling machinery in production processes and driving specialised vehicles.

Environment

People who work in this field focus their professional interests on the preservation, improvement or restoration of the environment (vegetation, fauna, flora) in both built-up areas and natural spaces. Some of the activities that represent this field are the detection, analysis and control of pollutants, the carrying out of measurements and tests in relation to climatic or environmental variables and the reduction of the harmful effects of human activity on the environment. The carrying out of these activities requires knowledge of the environment, for its planning and use, and of environmental regulations.

Technician

People who show an interest in the technical field find fulfilment in carrying out activities related to the design and manufacture of objects, machines, vehicles and/or infrastructures. These activities require the application of scientific and technical knowledge (laws of physics, calculations and mathematical formulas, properties of the materials, etc). Creativity is also necessary when coming up with optimal solutions for the functional requirements of the products to be designed. Therefore, the pragmatic application of scientific knowledge in order to develop solutions for the benefit of human beings is the main function of occupations in the technical field.

Biomass power plant operative

Electrical substation operator

Welding robot operator

Water treatment plant project engineer

Solar Power Equipment Fitter

• Work hours

  Full morning or afternoon shifts from Monday to Sunday, 40h per week. Mini-hydroelectric plants are operational 24/7. In this regard, operators of mini-hydraulic plants may typically work weekend or night shifts.

• Salary

  Remuneration is calculated in accordance with the hours of work performed, training level and proven experience. Salaries are between €17.812 and €28.643 gross per annum. Median: 22.587euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.

• Professional category

  Specialist staff