Operations Lead

Diesel Electrical Power Plant Operator

The Future Lives Here! Starting in April 2026, the City will join the Florida Retirement System (FRS). This means expanded retirement benefits and stronger financial security for our employees.

General Function: Responsible for technical and supervisory work and decision making involved in the operation of a diesel electrical power generating plant on an assigned shift, requiring considerable independence and judgment in the performance of duties. Supervises and directs the work activities of plant personnel engaged in the safe and proper operation of a diesel electrical power generating plant by applying the following knowledge: The ability to reproduce from memory the circuit path from any device, such as a motor or light bulb to a substation, including all breakers, controllers, switches, and transformers. For the DC system, the circuit path is from the device to the station batteries. The ability to proceed directly to the physical location of any and all elements shown in these drawings. A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of all control logic circuitry, its functions, alarm points, trip points, ramifications of manual operations, and bypass exposures; An operating sense of the cause-and-effect relationship and interaction of all the plant equipment. The ability to take appropriate, timely corrective action when a system or element deviates from its normal condition. Work performance is reviewed through observation of results obtained, written and oral reports, periodic conferences, and supervisory analysis.

Reports To: Power Plant Supervisor

Supervisory Responsibility: Plant Operations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Periodically inspects equipment to determine operating efficiency; determines if maintenance assistance is required; takes appropriate action to coordinate and schedule maintenance activities.
• Prepares reports on plant activities; forwards to appropriate personnel.
• Obtains outages from dispatch and issues clearances on plant equipment.
• Check oil and water levels, look for possible leaks.
• Continually monitors plant equipment and facilities for possible fire hazards.
• Assists with water treatment program for engines and cooling tower
• Checks and maintains record logs of pressure gauges, temperature gauges, electric meters, and other measuring devices.
• Assists in securing building during adverse weather conditions.
• Exercises considerable judgment in analyzing complex plant or unit operations and making rapid decisions with very significant cost ramifications.
• Responsible for the orientation of new employees.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures for the power plant.
• Assist in the preparation of training manuals and materials.
• Responsible for the training of operating personnel.
• Determines personnel needs for assigned shift; requests additional personnel as needed.
• Evaluates subordinate personnel for efficiency, effectiveness and job knowledge.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Type of Appointment/Work hours:

• Full-time/Regular in-person position.
• Standard workweek, which is forty (40) hours of work per week consisting of five (5) days of eight (8) hours per day. The workday may be varied for the efficient delivery of public service.
• Will be required to work other than the standard workweek on occasion, including evenings, weekends, and/or holidays.

Will be required to work occasional overtime or shift assignments, if applicable.

Requirements:

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalency.
• Minimum of three (3) years of equipment operation and maintenance experience with a minimum of six (6) months experience as a plant operator in a diesel electric generating plant. Equivalent work experience and or education will be considered.
• Basic understanding of electrical circuits, control logic, and operational interaction of plant equipment.
• Must be able to identify operational problems with the equipment and process work orders.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Must possess knowledge of the principles and practices of electric generation operation.
• Must have strong leadership skills.
• Good basic mathematical skills and basic computer knowledge required.
• Must be able to comprehend and follow written and verbal instructions.
• A written and/or verbal test may be part of the selection process.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver's License with a clean driving record.
• Must pass a background screening process.

Physical and Environmental Demands or Conditions: The physical and environmental demands for this position have been listed on the last page of this description. Physical and environmental demands must be met to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.

Core Competencies:

• Judgment - Sound decisions based on fact; uses logic to solve problems.
• Quality of Work - Performs work thoroughly, accurately, and professionally.
• Reliability - Timely and consistently completes assigned work; consistently reports to work and is punctual.
• Safety - Committed to ensuring a safe environment and complies with applicable safety standards.
• Technical Capability - Applies knowledge to identify issues and works to develop skills; demonstrates knowledge of techniques, skills, and equipment.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance:

• The employee must successfully pass a background screening process and comply with the City's Drug-Free Workplace policy.
• The City will also verify the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired so the proper completion of Form I-9 is required, which includes the employee providing documents evidencing identity and employment authorization.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Qualifying individuals with disabilities may be provided reasonable accommodations to enable them to perform the essential functions.

Veteran's Preference Policy: In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, the City of Homestead complies with Florida law by providing Veterans' Preference in hiring. Qualified applicants, including veterans, spouses, widows/widowers, parents of service members, and current reserve or National Guard members, may receive hiring priority if they meet minimum qualifications and can perform the duties required. Veterans' Preference includes additional points on exams, prioritized placement on employment lists, and education waivers for certain qualified individuals. This preference ensures eligible candidates are considered fairly at all stages of the hiring process. For questions, contact the Human Resources Department.