Equipment Operator - Jr. - Coal Equipment Operator

American Electric Power•New Haven, WV

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coal Equipment Operator (CEO) is responsible for the proper operation of equipment such as conveyors, tractors, stacker-reclaimer, power crane, shovel, main line railroad locomotive, car dumper and other equipment in handling of coal and other materials. This role involves operating coal conveying and associated equipment for handling coal from unloading locations, to and from storage, and into the plant. It also includes operating mobile equipment for storing and reclaiming coal, leveling, scraping, cleaning, packing, and moving materials. Additionally, the role requires operating locomotives for receiving rail coal and performing cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs on various coal handling equipment. Coordination with other coal-handling operations, reporting operating conditions, and clearing conveyor equipment for service are also key responsibilities. Maintenance work on railroad tracks, conveyors, and yard equipment may be required. For those involved with barges, responsibilities include securing barges for unloading and docking, operating barge moving equipment, and bilge pumps. Assistance with harbor boat operations, including cleaning, fueling, and maintenance, is also part of the role. Adherence to safety rules, operating regulations, and reporting unsafe conditions are paramount. The role may involve directing the work of assisting employees, leading HPI activities, conducting safety meetings, and training for emergency response programs like firefighting and first aid. Performing similar or less skilled work as assigned is also expected.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, industrial or energy technology; OR Associate degree in another discipline and two (2) years of related work experience; OR high school diploma with four (4) years of related work experience; OR high school diploma with two (2) years of related military experience.
Must also have performed the duties of and have maintained all the qualifications of the line-of-progression starting with EO Jr., coal yard-line-of-progression and Coal Handler.
Must be able to pass examinations where required.
Through a combination of education and/or experience must have sufficient knowledge and skills to perform the duties and/or responsibilities listed above.
Must have a thorough working knowledge of the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work and a working knowledge of equipment clearance procedures and the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.
A thorough working knowledge of the location, layout, functions and operation of the coal and ash handling facilities and also must have a thorough working knowledge of the special phase of operation and work involved in the barge unloader equipment.
Must be able to climb ladders & stairs a number of times each day.
Must be able to use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations
Must be able to detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices
Must be able to hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment
Must be able to communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio
Must be able to work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.
Must be able to exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves.
Must be able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.
Must have the ability to operate heavy equipment, use motorized equipment and hand tools.
2-year technical degree or high school diploma and two years related military and/or electric utility technical experience (for Coal Handler progression).
Must have performed the duties of, and have maintained all the qualifications and current certifications of Equipment Operator-Junior, and must be able to pass an examination and/or demonstrations as determined by the Company (for Coal Handler progression).
Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Coal Equipment Operator classification, or vacate the Coal Handler classification.
Waking, standing and working in hazardous terrain and extreme weather conditions (for Coal Handler progression).
Climb ladders and onto equipment, climb stairs (for Coal Handler progression).
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, push pull up to 50 pounds, work in awkward body positions (for Coal Handler progression).

Responsibilities

Operate coal conveying and associated equipment in the handling of coal from unloading locations, to and from storage and into the plant.
Operate mobile equipment such as tractors, carryall, bulldozer, stacker-reclaimer or other equipment in storing and reclaiming coal and in leveling, scraping, cleaning, packing and moving other materials and debris.
Operate locomotive and associated equipment in conjunction with receiving rail coal or other materials.
Clean and perform lubrication on equipment, assist in making cable replacements and other repairs and adjustments to large unloading equipment, harbor boat, barge movers, conveyors, bulldozers, tractors and other coal handling equipment.
Coordinate the work of distributing coal supply with the work of other coal-handling operations and report operating conditions to appropriate supervision.
Clear and tag coal conveyor equipment to be removed from service.
Perform or assist in performing maintenance work on railroad tracks, conveyors, coal handling and yard equipment; perform yard maintenance work.
When required, move tie-up and make secure coal and fuel oil barges for safe unloading and docking, and operate barge moving equipment and bilge pumps as required.
Perform or assist employees who operate the harbor boat in cleaning, supplying fuel, changing oil and lubrication of boat; changing winch cables and make rope splices as required.
Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices, and report unsafe conditions and practices.
Direct the work of employees assigned to assist.
Report unsafe conditions and practices and must be able to lead HPI activities and conduct safety meetings.
Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs as required.
Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned.