Power Plant Operator I
Pay Range: $37.91 - $53.35
NATURE OF WORK
This is entry level semi-skilled technical work in the operation of high-pressure steam boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment at the municipal electric generating plant. Incumbents are expected to obtain the necessary skills and knowledge to move up to the Power Plant Operator II position within 3 years.
Work involves participating in the operation of power plant equipment. Work also involves assisting in plant maintenance activities and other duties as assigned. Work is performed under general guidance and is performed according to established policies, procedures, and regulation. 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.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
- Participates in operation of high-pressure coal fired steam boilers, turbines, generators, and a variety of auxiliary equipment
- Controls fuel feed and air flow to ensure complete combustion and to eliminate waste; starts fires, checks boilers and furnaces, brings boilers up to operating pressure; places boilers in service and removes from service as needs dictated
- Maintain awareness to ascertain any malfunction in equipment; takes immediate initial remedial measures and reports malfunction to supervisor.
- Makes inspection rounds throughout the plant to observe equipment and trouble shoot problems, recording levels, pressures and temperatures.
- Operates Soot blowers to remove excess slag from tubes and side walls; sets up coal scales, feeders, and pulverizes for operation.
- 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.
- Operates water softeners; reverse osmosis units; unloads lime and carbon trucks; cleans and lubricates all equipment and components; unloads bottom and fly ash and loads trucks.
- Performs maintenance and repair duties as assigned.
- Operates scrubber and lime slaking equipment.
- Acts as the Power Plant Operator II in their absence or when assigned and performs the duties of that classification.
- Performs other work which is consistent with the essential functions of the job and other duties as assigned.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- Able to use PPE as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from high school or equivalent 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 of a valid Nebraska Driver’s License when operating a vehicle.
- Employee must reside within 25 miles of the city limits of Fremont, Nebraska.
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.
- Hours of work may vary and involve late hours, weekends and rotating shifts, employee must be able to responds to after-hour calls.
- Operators work a rotating 12-hour shift. The schedule is four days working 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM followed by four days off, four days working 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM followed by four days off. Then the pattern is repeated. The power plant is a 24/7/365 operation and operators are scheduled accordingly. This includes weekends and holidays.
- Work may involve lifting, climbing, and carrying of equipment and materials up to 40-60 lbs.
- Work will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment
- Other hazards that may be encountered are high traffic areas where trucks, loaders, and rail cars are moving and being loaded or unloaded.
