Lead Plant Operator (Shift Supervisor)

Lead Plant Operator

The Lead Plant Operator is responsible for managing the daily operations of the plant. This person will direct the implementation of the Operating Plan and identify those areas which may need improvement or further development to ensure the success of the daily operation of the facility. The Lead Operator will ensure that the facility operates safely and within all environmental and reliability compliance requirements. This key position will drive revenue goals by generating consistent, optimal megawatt output.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Promote and provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees, contractors, and visitors, including the adherence to and effective use of various personal protective equipment, programs, policies and procedures as developed and required by the company.
• Direct, coach and develop plant operators to meet dispatch outputs of the highest value to the company, safely, and in compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Set operational priorities on all maintenance related activities.
• Determine if the electrical outputs were maximized relative to the dispatch.
• Oversee all operational activities at the facility. Make use of PI and various operational data to help ensure optimization and efficiency of the plant from a granular and overall perspective.
• Report abnormal or emergency plant conditions to plant management as soon as possible following the appropriate response of the plant upset and or emergency. Take necessary corrective action in accordance with established policies or, at the direction of plant management.
• Operate and review all operational data, readings, log-sheets, water testing/analyses (chemistry) and take appropriate action to ensure equipment and systems are operating within expected ranges, conditions and overall optimization needed for meeting plant specifications and expectations.
• Refer human resources and collective bargaining agreement issues to the operations manager as soon as possible.
• Provide guidance to the maintenance manager and/or maintenance employees relating to equipment conditions and required maintenance activities.
• Oversee the maintenance of the environmental QA/QC manual and ensure compliance with all environmental regulatory requirements. Report environmental incidents and near misses to the EHS coordinator, operations manager, and/or general manager as necessary following the appropriate handling of any emergency.
• Manage and direct the training of plant operators and maintain the plant training manual for the operations department.
• Prepare required reports to management reflecting compliance with all safety, environmental and revenue goals.
• Maintain the plant operations manuals and ensure that operating policies and procedures are followed and kept up to date.
• Provide and assist with developing a positive facility morale. Provide positive motivation for plant personnel and handle employee concerns in a professional timely fashion.
• Support inventory tracking and ordering of chemicals, gases, lubricants, etc., as needed for plant operations.
• Assist with the screening and hiring of operating personnel as requested by management.

Experience & skills

• Five or more years of power plant or similar experience required.
• Three or more years of combined cycle experience.
• Formal training, e.g. bachelor, associate, or equivalent degree is highly desirable.
• The experience of gas turbine operations is highly desirable.
• At least 2 years' experience supervising craft employees is highly desired.
• Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills and a demonstrated commitment to personal development.
• Intermediate computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite with specific emphasis on Excel (including PI) and Word, Red Tag Pro is highly desired.
• Self-starter with excellent organizational and analytical skills who is able to function effectively in a team environment.

Knowledge, abilities, qualifications & requirements

• The lead plant operator position requires shift work and typically a 12-hour rotating shift for the continuous operations of the facility.
• Willing to work overtime, be on call for emergencies, callouts for shift coverage and work flexible working hours from time to time.
• Develop a good understanding of and ensure operational compliance with environmental and regulatory regulations, rules, and requirements, along with response roles to incidents.
• The ability to ensure the overall facility is operationally sound and operated within OEM guidelines and good sound engineering practices.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently as well as a team member.
• Be capable of working outdoors and in inclement weather for extended times as required.
• Exposure/proximity to loud noise, hot pipes, high pressure steam and high voltages where electrical shock is a potential hazard.
• Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Climb vertical access ladders and stairwells.
• Speak and listen clearly.
• See and distinguish the various colors of the light spectrum.
• Must be able to sit and read technical documents and look at computer monitors for extended periods.
• Must be able to wear a respirator and various required personal protective equipment e.g.: hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, safety shoes, protective clothing and respirators.
• A valid driver's license is required.
• Position requires extended working hours and periodically works additional shifts, weekends, or holidays. The shift lead position will occasionally be required to be "on call" as assigned by the operations manager.
• This position requires the candidate to complete and pass a post-offer physical examination and drug screening.
• Must be a U.S citizen and/or legally entitled to work in the United States.

The above is a general overview of duties and responsibilities, which is not meant to be all inclusive and subject to change as the facility's needs evolve and change.