Meet Our: Jim Carter

Published Oct. 31, 2013
Jim Carter runs the operations at the St. Stephen Powerhouse. Learn more about him.

Jim Carter runs the operations at the St. Stephen Powerhouse. Learn more about him.

What is your position?
Power (Operations) Project Manager of the Cooper River Rediversion Project in St. Stephen, S.C.

Describe your job:
As the Plant Manager I am responsible for maintenance and operation of the Cooper River Rediversion Project, the three St. Stephen hydro units and the fish lift. The plant staff and I work collaboratively with Santee Cooper and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to generate electricity for about 40,000 residents and provide fish passage for about 700,000 anadromous fish during a typical fish passing season.

What is the most unique thing that you bring to the District?
As a licensed Mechanical Engineer with more than 30 years experience in the power industry, I think the most unique thing I bring to Charleston is a wealth of experience in power production facilities coupled with natural resource related experience.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing my staff develop into mature power plant professionals that exemplify the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers values. We all share the common goal to make St. Stephen the best hydropower project in the South Atlantic Division. Since arriving to the Charleston District, we graduated the first two power plant trainees to journeyman level employees (see page 14 for the story) and both candidates were outstanding in their field.

Highlight a notable milestone or memory in your career.
One of my most notable milestones was in December 2009 when I retired from the Tennessee Valley Authority after 31 years there and accepted a position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nashville District. I had the privilege to work with the Corps while at TVA and had a great deal of respect for the organization. I am very proud to be a Corps employee.

What goals do you hope to accomplish in your new position?
One of my primary goals is to produce positive results. I am a proponent of working efficiently, determining the root-cause and applying Project Management Business Practices theory.