Equipment Operator

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services.

Job Purpose:

Responsible for operating equipment for stopping, starting, and/or regulating power plant boilers, steam generators, and systems under the direction of a Unit Operator or station management; inspect and maintain plant equipment, steam turbines, power boilers, turbine driven generators, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, fuel systems, ash handling equipment, lubricating systems, and water recirculation and treatment systems; monitor the automatic control functions of auxiliary equipment; manually operate breakers, circuits, valves, switches and similar equipment; determine operating status of equipment from previous shift personnel, log book entries, local inspection and observation of equipment, instrumentation, and controls; review and edit station’s operating procedures and technical instructions; operate ash and slag handling equipment; is a member of the station’s fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments; perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties; troubleshoot plant malfunctions; interact with station personnel, contractors and others to perform equipment operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

• Operate equipment under the direction of a Unit Operator or station management, for maximum efficiency and output while maintaining environmental compliance and safety.
• Monitor equipment conditions using all indications available in the control room, on site, and portable test equipment.
• Diagnose equipment problems, report abnormal conditions to the Unit Operator or station management, and prepare detailed work requests for plant defects.
• Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturer’s and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.
• Inspect plant and equipment, including carrying out scheduled plant checks, and prepare necessary reports and log entries; ensure maintenance requests are completed to a satisfactory standard; assist in planning, organizing, and executing unit outages for inspections, overhauls, repairs and cleaning.
• Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment for which the Equipment Operator is responsible.
• Perform disconnect switching and electrical and maintenance operations to place equipment in and out of service; render electrical circuits and mechanical equipment safe for permit work.
• Monitor and as necessary perform routine chemical analysis of plant water to determine the chemical constituents and take corrective action to maintain plant quality within prescribed limits as required.
• Prepare, maintain, and administer procedures and reports related to the operation, monitoring and maintenance of the plant; maintain accurate logs of daily operations, complete check sheets, change charts and ink recorders.
• Prepare work orders and input data into work history file.
• Prepare and maintain quality assurance procedures and technical instructions and actively supports and participate in the use and continuous development of the quality management system.
• Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts and equipment identification and ordering needed to complete the job.
• Assist Unit Operator with control room activities.
• Perform maintenance activities as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Clean, paint, and lubricate equipment.
• Conduct shift change by briefing the incoming Equipment Operators of current plant status and issues.
• Assist other classifications as may be required.
• Participate in ongoing training to maintain and enhance skills required to perform all Equipment Operator duties and assist in the training of others.
• Conduct and assist OJT instruction of other operators and/or trainees.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in all areas of the plant, as required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

Required:

• High School degree or equivalent education.
• Valid Driver’s License
• 1 year experience operating and/or performing maintenance on equipment such as engines, generators, boilers, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, fuel, or chemical and water systems.
  OR
• An Associate’s degree in an industrial related field.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three – seven prior years of experience related to power plant operation and maintenance, generators, boilers, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries fuel, chemical, and water systems and other plant equipment is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels. The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb.

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

Please Note: Salary offered will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s education and/or experience and in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering this position.

The base salary range for this position is: $34.65 - $52.79* *The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.