What are the responsibilities and job description for the Power Plant Operator position at City of Grand Island, NE?
Salary : $41.41 - $51.02 Hourly
Location : Grand Island, NE
Job Type : Full Time
Job Number : 8090-0125
Department : Utilities
Division : Generation
Opening Date : 01 / 17 / 2025
Closing Date : Continuous
Description
Perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the control and operation of the City's power plants and water pumping systems; and provide related technical and basic maintenance services for the City. Safe work practices are a condition of employment.
This is the entry / journey level class in the power plant operator series. New employees are typically placed at the lowest classification step and advance as they gain knowledge of plant operation. Employees at upper classification levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Essential Functions
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Assist in maintaining the operation of the power plant and its components including a coal-fired, high pressure steam generated boiler and steam turbine / generator, combustion turbines and auxiliary systems; participate in inspections of plant facilities to ensure that turbines, boilers, generators, condensers and related pumps are functioning properly.
Maintain and operate city water production machinery and equipment, including water pumps, reservoirs and wells; maintain pressure in system; maintain appropriate levels in city reservoirs.
Perform minor maintenance and repairs on plant facilities and equipment as required or necessary; may assist in the weekly testing and rotation of equipment.
Assist with monitoring the operation of all steam and water systems related to power production equipment; may assist Utility Technicians with testing of boiler water and adding chemicals; operate some water treatment equipment as necessary; may monitor and operate chlorine systems.
May assist Utilities Electrician and Instrument Technician by isolating equipment and systems in need of work; may participate in work involving calibration, pulling wire or other related activities.
Monitor and operate a variety of electronic equipment involved in oversight of operations; assist with recording hourly reading regarding plant equipment.
Operate and monitor coal conveying equipment, fly ash and bottom ash systems.
Participate in a variety of maintenance and repair operations during regular plant shut-down.
Observe all established safety standards while performing work; participate in safety training; assist in maintaining plant facilities and grounds; assist with monitoring plant security during assigned shift.
Remain available for emergency operations; respond to services calls concerning plant emergencies or problems; work to reduce state of emergency and correct problems; perform overtime duties as necessary or required in order to maintain proper plant functioning.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of :
Operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
The correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
The basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
System piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
The operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
The operation and basic maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Safe work practices.
Basic mathematical principles.
General mechanical practices and techniques.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to :
Learn the methods and procedures necessary to regulate generator loading, steam flow and fuel.
Learn about operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
Learn the correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
Become familiar with the basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
Learn about the system piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
Develop an understanding of the operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
Learn about the operation and maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Lift and move heavy articles.
Work at high elevations.
Must have use of arms and legs.
Must be able to operate computer terminal and applicable programs.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
Must be able to see and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens.
Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts, with exposure to heat / cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Read and interpret maps, schematics, blueprints and drawings.
Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Supplemental Information
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :
Experience :
This is an entry level position, however, experience with steam boilers and turbine / generators is preferred.
Training :
High school diploma or GED. Course work in Energy Generation Operations is preferred.
License or Certification :
Possession of a Grade IV Nebraska Water System Operator license within six (6) months of hire.
Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier. Click to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Working Hours :
Rotating shifts include : days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Residency :
All Production Division Personnel must live within a 30-minute driving distance of 1035 W. Wildwood Dr, Grand Island, Nebraska. The shortest route available on Google maps will be used to determine commute time.
Exam :
A mechanical aptitude exam will be administered to a selected amount of qualified candidates.
Salary :
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Other :
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2025 and aresubject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE : Blue Cross / Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options : a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan : ($3300 / $5800 deductible)
- Employee only $ 30.35
Employee 2 / 4 $ 86.77
Employee and Family $177.02
The semi-monthly premiums for the Traditional PPO Plan : ($1000 / $2000 deductible)
Employee 2 / 4 $231.68
Employee and Family $360.60
DENTAL INSURANCE : Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $4.65 for Single, $8.78 for Emp. 2 / 4 or $14.09 for Family semi-monthly.
VISION INSURANCE : EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee / Spouse - $13.88; Employee / Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.
LIFE INSURANCE : Securian / Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN : Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan. 7% of gross earnings, City contributes 8%. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP : Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,000 / year.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY : CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he / she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA / 125 PLAN : Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and / or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA) : MidAmerica. Post-employment plan for money to be used for post- employment medical expenses. Contributions made by the City.
PAID VACATION : Upon completion of six months of continuous service, an employee will have 40 hours of vacation time. The employee will accrue an additional 40 hours in the first 6 months following the introductory period. (96 hours in years 2 - 4; 120 hours in years 5 - 6; 128 hours in years 7 - 8; 136 hours in years 9 - 10; 144 hours in years 11 - 12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 in years 14 - 19; 180 hours in years 20 - 24; 200 hours in years 25 and beyond.)
PAID HOLIDAYS : Nine holidays and three personal leave days. If hired on or after April 1st, personal leave will be available October 1st.
MEDICAL LEAVE : Accrual of 8 hours per month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,106 hours.
The information provided to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with the employment application to determine whether candidates' meet the qualification requirements and / or the final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in the application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. When applying for this position, I understand that I must thoroughly complete the Education and Work Experience sections of my application and the Supplemental Questions. This includes a detailed description of each position that I feel qualifies me for the job I am seeking. I have read the above statement and understand that failure to provide sufficient detailed information may result in my application being rejected or my receiving a lower examination score. I also understand that I may not submit resumes in lieu of filling out the application or answering the Supplemental Questions. However, I may attach a resume to the application to provide additional information.
Please detail any relevant education, experience or training to this position.
I understand I must maintain a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
Have you had any major driving violations within the last 5 years or any minor driving violations within the last 3 years. Please review to the job posting for the list of guidelines under the license and certification section.
Do you possess a Grade IV Nebraska Water System Operator license?
Power plant operators work a rotating schedule including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holiday. I understand that if offered this position, I will be required to work these shifts on a rotating basis.
Occasionally power plant operators are required to perform overtime duties. I understand this is a requirement of the position.
Candidates offered employment will be subject to a pre-employment / post-offer physical and drug screen. Do you understand the requirement?
Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?
The position has a residency requirement which must be met by the date of hire. If hired for the position, I understand I will be required to meet the residency requirement.
Required Question
Salary : $23,000
