Operator Technician Apprentice (Apprentice Electric Power Plant Operator)

Electric Production (EP) – Operator Technician Apprentice

Reports to:  Electric Production Operations Supervisor                                                                                                     

Job Summary:  This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of high-pressure boilers, steam turbine and combustion turbine generators including all auxiliary equipment, controls, and electric production dispatching activities.  Upon completion of the Apprenticeship program, employee advances to Operator Technician job classification.  Most Operator Technicians currently work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule with significant built-in time off.  Apprentices typically begin on an 8-hour Monday thru Friday schedule prior to transitioning to flexible scheduling or the rotating 12-hour shift schedule.

Essential Duties

• Operate steam and combustion gas turbine generators, heat recovery steam generators, diesel engines, cooling towers, air compressors, water treatment, natural gas pipeline equipment, and other associated plant equipment.
• Perform adjustments, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and preventative maintenance activities to electric generating equipment, including but not limited to, pumps, valves, water treatment, chemical feed and pollution control equipment, cooling towers, air compressors and air dryers.
• Perform installation, maintenance, testing and calibration of various process and continuous emissions monitoring instrumentation and systems.
• Assist in developing specifications for instrumentation, controls, and electrical components. Read and interpret electrical diagrams, manuals, and drawings.
• Operate electrical switchgear and breakers up to 13.8 kV.
• Comply with arc flash, confined space, hot work, LOTO procedures and policies.
• Performs laboratory work to determine the water and steam quality of various electric production systems.
• Record and monitor various process data.  
• Design and build operating reports, graphics and trends with computer software and file various operating records.
• Perform and evaluate equipment efficiency related tests.
• Perform electric production dispatching activities.
• Perform housekeeping duties for electric generating areas and equipment.
• Respond to after-hours customer calls and call out crews when required.
• Perform all other tasks as assigned.

 Essential Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to work rotating 12 hour shifts.
• Ability to anticipate and react quickly and properly to emergency conditions; the ability to learn technical tasks and theoretical concepts; ability to troubleshoot operational failures.
• Ability to understand and follow specific written and oral instructions; ability to cooperate and work well with other employees.
• Experience in the safe operation of power tools, multi-meters, pneumatic and electronic calibrators, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Applications (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Effective workplace skills as demonstrated through WorkKeys assessments (Workplace Documents – 5, Applied Math – 6, Graphic Literacy – 5, Workplace Observation - 3).
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude by scoring 49 or better on the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test Form S or T. (No more than 19 wrong on a 68 question test with 60 minutes to complete).
• Valid Michigan Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associates degree in electronics, instrumentation and controls, technical or related field.
• At least two years’ experience in troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of electronic and pneumatic instrumentation, valves, and devices.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems and concepts and ability and willingness to learn new skills related to electrical systems.
• Ability to read and interpret software control and ladder logic, schematics, blueprints, and technical manuals.
• Working knowledge of computer software and control system applications used in an electric production facility such as WonderWare, Allen-Bradley, Siemens T3000, GE Mark VIe, PI, etc.
• Experience in the operation and maintenance of high pressure boilers, HRSG’s, combustion turbines, steam and combustion turbine generators and related equipment.
• Knowledge of safe methods, practices and procedures in the operation and maintenance of all types of equipment in an electric generating facility, including but not limited to, high pressure steam boilers, HRSG’s, combustion and steam turbine generators and related equipment.
• Michigan licensed Journeyman or Master Electrician.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to physically perform essential duties listed above.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Climb ladders and stairs.
• Potential for exposure to chemicals, dust, confined spaces, high locations, noise, fumes, odors, and/or dirt.
• Occasional outside work with potential exposure to extreme hot or cold weather conditions.
• Work in close proximity to environmental hazards associated with high voltage electrical, rotating mechanical and electric generation equipment.

 Additional Considerations

• This position is covered by the HBPW Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Plan required by Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).
• Successful applicant must authorize HBPW to contact former employers for PHMSA-relevant information.

 This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position.  It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties assigned to or required of this position.