Photo: Collin spends a day dirt biking in Black Rock, Nevada.
Yuba Water Agency's hydro operator, Collin Nunnink, is part of the team that monitors and controls the agency's hydroelectric power generation facilities and associated equipment to ensure that electricity is continuously being generated and water continues to flow down the river. Scroll to learn more about Collin, his background and what he enjoys when he's not on the clock.
What is your background/formal education that led to where you are in your career today?
I completed the California Department of Water Resources Hydroelectric Plant Operator apprenticeship program, which is a three year program.
What does your average day look like? Or what are some of your essential duties?
As a hydroelectric power plant control room operator, my job is to keep the plant running safely and reliably so electricity is always available and water is flowing. I spend my shifts monitoring computer screens, our Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system, gauges and alarms to watch things like water levels, compliance flows and how much power is being sent to the grid. If something goes wrong, I follow safety procedures right away and take action to protect the equipment and keep everyone safe.
I also stay in close contact with grid dispatchers, roving operators and maintenance crews to coordinate plant operations. Part of my role is keeping accurate records of plant performance and anything that happens during my shift. Since operations is needed around the clock, I work nights, weekends and holidays to make sure the plant is always running.
Photo: Collin and his wife, Angela, and their kids, Lucas and Beau, take fall photos.
Do your duties differ throughout the year? And if so, how?
During the winter and spring, my duties shift to more storm management and spill operations. In the summer, I have to manage operations for heatwave events. We also shift operations during plant outages, which are routine maintenance windows for our hydro units.
What do you enjoy most about working for Yuba Water Agency?
The culture.
Before working here, what was the most interesting job you had?
Working as an emergency medical technician on an ambulance.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love spending quality time with Angela, Lucas and Beau. Family is at the center of my life. I also enjoy being with friends, getting outdoors, running, riding dirt bikes and, most importantly, following Jesus.