Power Plant Operator

About This Position Under minimal supervision, troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment problems requiring mastery in two of the following areas: is a demonstrated ability in maintenance of electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation/control equipment, ability to operate power plant equipment and provide and utilized appropriate documentation and system updates of work orders. Develop work plans by researching and determining operational or equipment repair requirements. Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. The following is required for mastery of the Operations Craft: Estimates starting time for the idle generation units and follows prescribe startup procedures to bring units on line at a specified time. Implements the Changes the loading of turbine/generator as required from the DCS (Distributed Control System) console or through other electronic control systems. Reads meters and records data at specified intervals in appropriate logs and computers and interprets results from the readings. The following is required for mastery of the MECHANICAL craft: Responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining structural or mechanical equipment at the plant including, turbines; pumps; piping systems; boilers; cooling towers; condensers; scrubber; pressure vessels; and all other associated systems and equipment to maintain efficient plant production of electrical energy. Performs or directs millwright functions in setting up; aligning; balancing; and testing various machinery and equipment, such a turbine; pumps; shafts; bearings; gearboxes; and valves. Work with precision tools and instruments within close tolerances to maintain precision alignment and balance which is critical for maximum life and performance of machinery and equipment. Evaluate the measurements to ensure they meet designed tolerances. The following is required for mastery of the ELECTRICAL craft: Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, program, and replace complex electrical equipment, A/C and D/C control circuits, magnetic starters, interlock systems, and alarms, to ensure reliable and safe electric generation. Maintain and calibrate electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, main generator, voltage regulator, exciter, protection circuits and relays, in plant transformers, bushings, transfer switches, and other electrical devices. Set up and test various electrical equipment with the use of special testing devices to measure voltage, current, and resistance or locate faults, malfunctions, or device failures. The following is required for mastery of the INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL craft: Responsible for installing, calibrating, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining protective circuits, computers, metering, monitoring, and control systems on boilers, turbines, generators, and plant auxiliary equipment. Remove, dismantle; clean; maintain; and assemble instruments and replace defective components. Perform in shop bench work and component troubleshooting on instrumentation. Reads, and interprets electric generating plants piping & instrument diagrams, wiring and logic diagrams to locate, identify, troubleshoot, and repair plant systems, instrumentation interlocks, etc. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance. Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment. Knowledge of applicable procedures, methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the operations, maintenance and repair of large equipment. Knowledge of safety rules, codes and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high-pressure water systems. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations. Skill in mastery in two (2) crafts. Ability to make accurate gauge readings. Ability to reference/interpret technical manuals sufficient to perform job tasks. Ability to work in extreme environments (hot or cold). Ability to climb ladders and work in a noisy environment. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to wear a respirator where work environment requires. Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts if work assignment requires. Ability to sit in front of a computer control console for a 12-hour shift if work assignment requires. Ability to use various hand and power tools. Ability to train others and assign work. Minimum Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent and eight (8) years' experience performing a maintenance or operations craft in a power plant or heavy industrial environment. Associate's degree may be substituted for two (2) years of experience. Preferred Qualifications: High voltage certified. Experience working with SEL relays. Experience interpreting wiring diagrams. Experience performing electrical maintenance craft in a power plant or heavy industrial environment. Notes to Candidate: Decker Power Plant electrical maintenance is responsible for but not limited to the following: Maintaining and repairing electrical equipment associated with the plant. Taking and maintaining plant battery readings. Working with the other maintenance groups as directed. Performing scheduled maintenance on plant equipment. Trouble shooting and repairing plant equipment as required. Perform work on equipment with voltage up to 13.8kv. Work with grounding devices to ground out transformers. Perform safe isolation of equipment in accordance with plant lock out tag out procedure. This is an considered Essential position in Austin Energy and you will be required to work during emergent situations. Work overtime to include weekend and holidays Working in a hazardous environment that includes natural gas, water treatment chemicals and high voltage electricity. Ability to work in extreme environments. (Hot or Cold) Ability to climb ladders and work off of raised platforms in a noisy environment. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to wear a respirator where work environment requires Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 0700- 1530 This position is essential to the City of Austin and may require weekends and overnight hours. Work Location : Decker Power Plant, 8003 Decker Ln., Austin, TX Pay Range : $43.01 - $55.07 This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery. Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule. Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs. This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable. Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments. Notes: This section has been trimmed for formatting clarity in the refined version. #J-18808-Ljbffr