Asst Station Oper

American Electric Power•Oologah, OK

18h

About The Position

Under moderate supervision, the Assistant Station Operator performs highly skilled work operating a steam-electric generating unit and its equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, transformers, pumps, condensers, scrubbers where applicable, and related auxiliary and accessory equipment. The role supports safe, efficient unit operation by monitoring and regulating water levels, pressures, temperatures, draft conditions, and output; operating and synchronizing generating equipment; and adjusting unit output to meet requirements and plant conditions. The operator maintains records and reports, operates plant and switchyard equipment, issues clearances and tags equipment as assigned, and performs equipment and control-system tests. The role also responds to emergency and fire alarms, trains for and carries out emergency-response assignments, and follows company safety rules, OSHA regulations, and operating procedures. The position requires rotating-shift availability, including holidays and weekends as needed, and availability for call-out.

Requirements

Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, energy technology, or equivalent.
Equivalent education or experience may include two years of military experience, or some post-high-school education plus two years of related industrial experience.
Must have performed the duties of and maintained all qualifications of an Equipment Operator.
Able to analyze and interpret instrument readings and indications and take preventive and corrective measures.
Must successfully qualify for Station Operation within three years.
Working knowledge of the layout, functions, and operating principles of boilers and turbo-generators and their auxiliaries and accessories.
Working knowledge of boiler, turbine, and auxiliary control and protective systems and their operation, and of the operating characteristics of boilers, turbines, and their auxiliaries.
Working knowledge of heat-balance systems and the effect of imbalances on operating efficiency.
Working knowledge of applicable operating instructions and procedures.
Ability to lead and direct other employees and coordinate work.
Ability to read, interpret, and work from moderately complex prints and specifications.
Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends as required, and be available for call-out.
Must be able to climb ladders and stairs multiple times each day; use fine dexterity to move switches and controls precisely; detect colors on alarms, equipment, and other devices; hear plant public-address announcements and abnormal equipment sounds; and communicate plant information by phone, in person, or by radio.
Must be able to work at heights and on grating, platforms, and catwalks; exert up to 50 pounds of pressure to manually turn off valves; and stand or walk continuously for up to eight hours.

Responsibilities

Operate, regulate, and adjust boilers and steam generators, maintaining appropriate water levels, pressures, temperatures, draft conditions, and output.
Operate feed-water pumps, fans, pulverizers, and related auxiliary equipment to support efficient unit operation.
Control, operate, and synchronize turbines, condensers, generators, transformers, and auxiliary equipment; regulate unit output according to requirements and plant conditions.
Operate oil-purifying and filtering equipment; check and adjust water flow to coolers, bearings, and heat exchangers; and operate water-treatment equipment.
Where applicable, operate ash-removal and conveying equipment and check the flash-disposal system.
Prepare and maintain records and reports using applicable software; record instrument readings and change charts on graphic instruments.
Control and operate switching equipment in the plant and switchyard; issue clearances and clear and tag equipment as assigned.
Place equipment in or remove it from service according to established procedures; conduct interlock tests and functional tests on control systems and instrumentation.
Operate, regulate, and adjust auxiliary equipment using local controls, including pumps, valves, screens, strainers, filters, and demineralizers for condensate cleanup.
Answer emergency and fire alarms as assigned; train for and carry out firefighting, first aid, and other emergency-program assignments.
Perform work in accordance with company safety rules, OSHA regulations, and operating regulations and practices.
Perform other assigned job duties.