Power Plant Operator

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POWER PLANT OPERATOR

Wage Range: $44.55 - $62.70

NATURE OF WORK


This is entry level and semi-skilled technical work in the operation of high-pressure steam boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment at the municipal electric generating plant. With training and experience incumbents are expected to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate in the control room within 3 years.

Work involves participating in the operation of various types of power plant equipment. Work also involves assisting in plant maintenance activities and other duties as assigned. Initially work is performed under general guidance and is performed according to established policies and procedures. With experience, work will be performed with considerable independence and may include training of other less experienced operators. In emergencies an employee must exercise discretion and initiative in preventing an interruption of the power supply. Supervision is received from an administrative superior with the work reviewed through testing, inspections and conferences for compliance with operating routines. These may be verbal and written in form along with observations during the performance of required duties.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following examples of work are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

• Makes inspection rounds throughout the plant to observe equipment and trouble shoot problems, recording levels, pressures and temperatures.
• Maintain awareness to ascertain any malfunction in equipment; takes immediate initial remedial measures and reports malfunction to supervisor.
• Operates Soot blowers to remove excess slag from tubes and side walls; sets up coal scales, feeders, and pulverizers for operation.
• Operates water softeners; reverse osmosis units; unloads lime and carbon trucks; cleans and lubricates all equipment and components; unloads bottom ash and fly ash and loads trucks.
• Monitors and maintains fuel supply of coal and natural gas; observes water level in boilers and monitors hydraulic and gas pressures and temperature gauges.
• Maintains correct steam, fuel, air, and vacuum pressures; observes for leaks in boiler and pipes; checks water level in low- and high-pressure heaters.
• Reads steam temperatures and pressure gauges, monitor feed water regulators, and related gauges. transfer both written and electronic data to log sheet.
• Performs maintenance and repair duties as assigned.
• Read and interpret schematics, drawings, and P&ID's.
• Participates in operation of high-pressure coal and gas fired steam boilers, turbines, generators, and a variety of auxiliary equipment in the field as well as in the control room using HMI's and the distributed control system (DCS)
• Controls fuel feed and air flow to ensure complete combustion for safe and efficient operation of equipment. Performs light off of boilers, checks boilers and furnaces, brings boilers up to operating pressure; places boilers in service and removal from service as needs dictate
• Performs checks, operation and troubleshooting of simple cycle dual fuel combustion turbines and related auxiliary equipment.
• Operates pollution control equipment including baghouses, precipitators, scrubbers and lime slaking equipment.
• As the incumbent progresses, they will operate Electric, and Water SCADA Systems.
• Answer after hour trouble calls as required.
• With progressive training becomes a competent Control Room Operator. May fill in for the Lead Operator when deemed qualified.
• Participates in the Lockout/Tagout safety program, assists in the development of procedures for specific equipment and works on related plant safety issues, and follow safety protocols. With progressive training and experience, implements and follows the Lockout/Tagout safety program and trains others. Performs other work which is consistent with the essential functions of the job and other duties as assigned.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the operation of high-pressure boilers, steam turbines, and related auxiliary equipment.
• Knowledge of the hazards and of necessary safety precautions applicable to the work.
• Knowledge of the operation of simple cycle dual fuel combustion turbines and related auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to analyze data relating to the operation of plant equipment and to take appropriate action to improve operational efficiency.
• Ability to react quickly, calmly, and decisively in emergencies.
• Ability to recognize malfunctions in equipment and to determine proper corrective action.
• Ability to participate in plant maintenance activities.
• Ability to safely operate Power Industrial Vehicles (PIV), including but not limited to, forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift, skid steer, crane and aerial lift devices.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to learn and utilize various computer software programs necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Employees must be willing to be trained on and retain the knowledge to safely work in a complex electric generating plant.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, electronically and in writing.
• Ability to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
• Monitor and work in confined spaces.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS


Graduation (diploma) from an accredited high school or equivalent GED supplemented by training or experience in the mechanical trades; some experience in power plant or heavy industrial operation; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the desirable knowledge, abilities, and skills.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee must possess and maintain a valid Nebraska Driver's License when operating a vehicle.
• Employee must meet current residency requirements.
• Employee must meet all established qualifications to begin operating in the control room within three years of employment. These standards are evaluated through a standardized testing system.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an outdoor/indoor environment under varying weather conditions with temperatures ranging from below zero to above 100 degrees.
• Some occasional exposure to fumes, high noise levels, chemicals, working at heights and in confined spaces, fall hazards, hazardous materials, dust, and paint.
• Interaction with co-workers is an everyday occurrence and requires the ability to direct, negotiate, and mediate.
• Current schedule involves 12-hour shifts on a rotating schedule. Days off and shift will rotate every four days.
• Hours of work may vary and involve late hours, weekends and rotating shifts, and the employee must be able to responds to after-hour calls.
• Work may involve lifting, climbing, and carrying of equipment and materials up to 40-60 lbs.
• Other hazards that may be encountered are high traffic areas where trucks, loaders, and rail cars are moving and being loaded or unloaded.