Coal-Ash Operator

Doyon Limited

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Coal and Ash Operator position operates plant equipment and machinery to support fuel handling, ash management, and general plant operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance. The role also supports routine equipment upkeep, maintains accurate operational records, and contributes to maintaining clean and organized work areas within coal handling facilities. Experienced operators may assist in training and mentoring newer employees. This is an in-person position located at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent Required
2 years Experience in an industrial, construction, mechanical, or maintenance environment. Required and
1 year Experience in heavy equipment operation. Required
Mechanical aptitude and basic maintenance skills to inspect, operate, lubricate, and perform routine maintenance on plant equipment and machinery. (required proficiency)
Skilled in the safe operation of heavy equipment. (required proficiency)
Ability to safely use hand tools and maintenance equipment required for coal and ash handling operations. (required proficiency)
Ability to identify operational issues and potential safety hazards, including fire or explosion risks associated with coal handling, and take appropriate corrective or reporting actions. (required proficiency)
Ability to understand and follow written and verbal instructions, and effectively communicate operational information to supervisors and incoming shifts. (required proficiency)
Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative while performing assigned duties with limited supervision. (required proficiency)
Ability to work effectively with supervisors, operators, and plant personnel as part of a team in a multi-shift environment. (required proficiency)
Ability to work safely in physically demanding environments, including outdoor conditions, confined spaces, elevated areas, and extreme weather. (required proficiency)
Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing, bending, kneeling, reaching overhead, and working on uneven surfaces around railcars and equipment. (required proficiency)
Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and perform manual labor for prolonged durations. (required proficiency)
Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, and respond to operational needs or emergency call-ins as required. (required proficiency)
Ability to maintain clean, safe, and orderly plant and equipment areas. (required proficiency)
Ability to effectively communicate in person, and over the phone and radio. (required proficiency)
Must possess excellent time management skills. (required proficiency)
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all matters. (required proficiency)
Class B CDL License issued by the State of Alaska. Upon Hire Required
Must pass a pre-employment drug test, random drug test thereafter in accordance with the published policy of Doyon Utilities. Must have a valid driver's license issued by the State of Alaska. Must be eligible to work on a military installation in Alaska. Eligibility to work on a military installation includes compliance with Department of Defense mandates with respect to employee background and health directives.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree in Process Technology. Preferred
Knowledge of coal and ash handling systems, including conveyors, crushers, coal pullers, coal car shakers, and related equipment used in a Central Heat and Power Plant. (preferred proficiency)
Knowledge of plant safety programs and procedures, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Hot Work, and Confined Space practices. (preferred proficiency)

Responsibilities

Demonstrate a strong, safety-first mindset and follow all plant safety procedures while performing coal and ash handling operations.
Unload coal from railcars and operate coal handling systems to convey coal to bunkers, storage areas, or plant operations.
Operate and monitor conveyors, crushers, magnetic separators, elevators, and related coal handling equipment to ensure a continuous fuel supply for plant operations.
Release railcar hopper doors and use mechanical equipment to position railcars over unloading areas using coal car movers, capstan systems, and continuous car pullers.
Break up frozen or compacted coal in railcars during winter conditions using manual tools or mechanical equipment.
Operate ash conveying and unloading systems and load coal ash into haul trucks for transport to designated disposal sites.
Operate heavy equipment including front-end loaders, skid steers, bulldozers, and other mobile equipment to manage coal stockpiles and material movement.
Maintain coal stockpiles and monitor bunkers and storage areas to detect abnormal heat or unsafe conditions that could lead to spontaneous combustion.
Continuously inspect coal and ash handling equipment during operation to ensure proper function and prevent spills, blockages, or operational disruptions.
Perform routine preventative maintenance including lubrication, inspection, and minor repairs on coal and ash handling equipment.
Identify equipment malfunctions, deficiencies, or safety concerns and document them through the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Maintain plant housekeeping standards by cleaning coal dust, sweeping and washing plant floors and equipment, and maintaining safe work areas.
Maintain accurate operational records including coal deliveries, unloading activities, equipment operation, and daily logs.
Perform physically demanding work including lifting up to 50 pounds, shoveling coal, and working in extreme weather conditions when required.
Work collaboratively as part of the coal and ash handling crew and be available for shift work, weekend rotations, and operational support as needed.
Learn, adopt, and apply safety programs.