Equipment Operator Jr - Equipment Operator

American Electric Power • Winfield, WV

5d • $31 - $43 • Onsite

About The Position

The Equipment Operator Jr. will perform semi-skilled manual work, maintenance and operating duties in connection with power plant operation, as assigned. Job duties may vary, depending on the line-of-progression (Operations, Maintenance or Coal Yard). This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Equipment Operator Jr. level, with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Equipment Operators.

The Equipment Operator will operate, service, monitor and tag out all plant auxiliary equipment and/or components of a system. Communicate to operators and supervisors the operating status of the plant’s equipment. Monitor and inspect all plant equipment. Operate remote controls, local controls and devices for proper operation of plant equipment. Service, adjust, lubricate, clean, inspect and repair plant equipment.

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. Related experience is listed under Principal Accountabilities.
• Possess a valid State driver's license.
• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.
• Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) and the Plant Maintenance Selection System (MASS) tests are required for this position.
• A physical abilities assessment is required for this position.
• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit competency, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, all required training to advance to the Equipment Operator, Maintenance Mechanic-Junior, Coal Handler (depending on the line-of-progression) or vacate the Equipment Operator-Junior classification. This includes the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.
• Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.
• Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work.
• Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines.
• Able to work rotating shifts.
• Must satisfactorily complete and exhibit the ability to gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures.
• Must be able to learn the rules, safety practices and procedures applicable to the work.
• Must be able to learn the tools and equipment and their use as required in the work.
• Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints and specifications and have the ability to gain a working knowledge of OSHA and Environmental guidelines.
• Climb ladders & stairs a number of times each day.
• Use fine dexterity to move switches & controls to precise locations
• Detect color on alarms, equipment & other devices
• Hear announcements on the Plant PA system, and to hear abnormal sounds of plant equipment
• Communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio
• Work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks.
• Exert up to 50 lbs. of pressure to manually turn off valves.
• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 12 hours.

Nice To Haves

• A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, together with the POSS and MASS Practice Tests may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at AEP.com Careers by selecting Employment testing.

Responsibilities

• Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service strainers, heat exchangers and dust collectors.
• Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power-driven tools and equipment. Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition. Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring. Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary and perform necessary operative maintenance, using appropriate hand tools. Operate oil filtering equipment.
• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on bottom ash and fly ash handling equipment, including associated pumps, piping and valves. Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation. Identify and report abnormal conditions to the proper authority and write work orders.
• Perform simple disassembly and assembly work, clean and recondition parts, lubricate, bolt, unbolt, wire brush and open and close inspection doors. Prepare equipment work surfaces and areas by removing insulation guards and simple housing; remove pipe covering and insulation and prepare such surfaces for recovering. Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging. Perform minor maintenance work on heating and plumbing systems such as repair valves, repair and replace fittings and short sections of piping; clean and replace traps.
• Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials. Operate material handling equipment including hoists, fork-lift trucks, skid steer loaders, small tractors and automotive equipment and their associated equipment and perform duties incidental to the operation of such equipment.
• Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned. Clean oil igniters and nozzles.
• Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service. Monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe conditions of fires and furnaces. Hand lance slag in boilers, hand- operating soot blowers, unplugging ash lines, disposing of clinkers and other similar work.
• Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise these prints as required. Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves.
• Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, operating regulations and practices and report unsafe conditions and practices. 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.
• Assist in preparing, checking, operating, isolating, monitoring operating conditions and putting in or taking out of service, plant equipment. This includes equipment in isolated locations and in all weather conditions. Place Clearance Tags as directed. Evaluate plant and equipment conditions by touch, sight, smell, sound and instrumentation indications. Record and diagnose all problems and report them to the supervisor.
• Answer emergency alarms and fire alarms, as assigned. Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency programs as required. Perform duties in accordance with Company's safety rules, OSHA regulations, operating regulations and practices.
• Patrol and inspect plant material conveying equipment for such items as: hot bearings, plugged chutes and equalization of material on belts where applicable.
• Operate, close, inspect, clean and make minor repairs and adjustments to pulverizers, feeders, fans, dampers, registers, burners, air heaters, oil lighters, ignitors, soot blowers, oil filtering and purifying equipment and similar plant equipment.
• Test heat exchangers and other plant equipment and systems for leaks, locate and repair leaks, if no welding is involved.
• Dismantle, inspect, clean, reassemble and make minor repairs to small motors, pumps, fans, defects in electrical systems and similar plant equipment.

Benefits

• Base Salary from: Equipment Operator Jr: $31.33 /hr.
• Equipment Operator: $39.34 /hr.
• In addition to competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED