Control Operator

Northern Natural Gas•Plattsburgh, NY

About The Position

Responsible for safely operating and controlling all power plant equipment while ensuring site employee safety. Maintains equipment at established control set points to ensure a reliable, efficient and dependable source of steam and electrical energy. Monitors plant performance and takes corrective action based upon independent judgment of alarms received. Coordinates activities and directs outside operators and others in the plant. All duties are performed in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, and operating directives in effect. Assists in coordinating, directing and training the assigned crew. Work is performed with minimal supervision and direction from the Gas Operations and Maintenance Manager. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The individual must be able to visualize and comprehend the dynamic conditions and possibilities that occur in the combined cycle electricity and steam generation process. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requirements

Associate's or technical degree; relevant certification or equivalent work experience. (Typically three years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess an associate or technical degree.)
Three or more years of power plant operation experience including full competency in outside operator job duties and distributed control systems experience; completion of or currently participating in the technical skills and certification program; or equivalent education and experience.
Knowledge of personal computer software applications, including spreadsheet, word processing and database.
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the use of a radio and group presentations.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence accurately.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts including percentages, area, circumference and volume.
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Must have a valid New York driver's license.

Responsibilities

Adhere to, support and enforce all safety and environmental rules, policies and procedures. (10%)
Maintain the control room in a safe and clean operating condition. (10%)
Provide leadership to outside operators in both safety and work practices. Responsible for progressing in the company training program and assisting others within the program.(10%)
Coordinate the startup, operations and shutdown of all equipment. Direct or perform startup of turbine/generator sets and synchronization to the power grid. Provide technical assistance in equipment diagnosis and problem solving as directed by the gas operations manager. (10%)
Coordinate causality control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions. (10%)
Maintains plant contractual requirements concerning plant loading and ensures that the plant is operating within all state and federal regulatory compliance guidelines. (10%)
Continuously monitors plant Distributive Control System (DCS), Gas Turbine/Generator Control systems, Steam Turbine Control System and Plant Electrical Mimic Panel and assesses the information collected, to anticipate plant equipment operating problems. (10%)
Over rides any automatic control necessary to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges. Switches to backup controls for plant equipment or systems necessary to safely control or shutdown that equipment safely. (10%)
Responsible for ensuring facility reports are timely, accurate and complete. Accurately records in control room logbook all operation and maintenance actions taken during a shift. Records in control room log all communications with steam hosts and the local electrical distribution company and any other agency that relates to contracts, permits and plant operations. Communicates facility needs with management, fellow employees, customers and vendors. Informs management of any equipment malfunction, or requests by customers concerning steam or power production. (10%)
Individual is subject to on-call responsibilities. Due to the nature of working 12 hour shifts, overtime is required to cover vacation and sick time of other shift personnel. (10%)