Power Plant Operator

Plant Operator

Job Description:

General Summary:

The Plant Operator has the primary responsibility of directly operating plant equipment at its location within the plant in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner and in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures. He or she records operational data and reports any abnormalities. He or she may also perform routine maintenance on equipment and power plant systems, and ensures their safe, proper, and efficient operation.

Primary Functions

• Starts, stops, regulates, monitors and controls boilers, turbine generators, and all auxiliary equipment, usually using controls located directly on the equipment.
• Observes, records, and interprets indications from instrumentation and control systems located directly on power plant systems.
• Assists in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events and provides analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans.
• Determines the need for, and performs routine operational tests and adjustments on, all power plant systems and components, as necessary.
• Checks daily consumption rates of chemicals, fuels and water, monitors supply inventories and initiates action to replenish them when appropriate.
• Performs equipment switching and hold order tagging. Perform housekeeping duties as required.
• The Plant Operator serves as a member of the Plant's emergency response team.
• Performs routine basic preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment and supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment when properly trained or supervised.
• Maintains logs, records, and data sheets; prepares reports and other administrative documents related to the business of steam and power production.
• Performs routine water chemistry.
• Display professional behavior at all times.
• Site Organization

Scope of Responsibility

Requires knowledge of own assignments and eventually others in the department, as well as that of company structure and operations. Should possess an understanding of the departmental goals and activities. Perform other duties as required by plant conditions.

Working Relationships

The Plant Operator reports to the Operations Manager. The Plant Operator may also give Information to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include: Working on feet for 12 hour periods, requiring stair and ladder climbing; and routinely lifting 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, , respiratory protection, which requires employee to pass medical clearance to wear a respirator and employee must remain clean shaven at all times in the respirator seal area to meet OSHA requirements, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required.

Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Job Qualifications

• Ability to read and write in English and perform basic mathematical computations; high school or vocational school diploma preferred.
• Three years of experience in an industrial or military environment or the ability to pass written exam and oral board.
• Knowledge of power plant equipment, such as motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc.
• Basic knowledge/ability to understand fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics and chemistry.
• Ability to read and comprehend mechanical and electrical drawings, P&IDs, single line diagrams, schematics and logic diagrams.
• Knowledge of power plant safety procedures, especially in such areas as chemical handling, high energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, heavy equipment operation, etc.
• Knowledge of maintenance functions as they relate to plant operations Knowledge of power plan systems.
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards and other devices associated with power plant and material handling equipment.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, basic rigging such as winches, hoists and slings and implements such as lances, shovels, pry bars, etc.
• Ability to understand an apply plant procedures.
• Ability to recognize hazards, anticipate accidents and implement corrective measures and policies in order to avoid them.
• Ability to work rotating shift work, including days, nights, Holidays, and unscheduled overtime as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person