Equipment Operator Jr. - Operator, Equipment Operator

American Electric Power•Rockport, IN

About The Position

Perform semi-skilled manual work, maintenance, and operating duties in connection with power plant operation as assigned. Duties may vary by line of progression (Operations). This is an entry-level position requiring progression to Operations Equipment Operator after competency is achieved. The role is posted at multiple grade levels and offers advancement opportunities. The employee operates and maintains plant equipment, conducts inspections and tests, performs routine cleaning and minor maintenance, handles materials, and assists with boiler and auxiliary operations. The employee must follow company safety rules and operating practices, report unsafe or abnormal conditions, participate in emergency response assignments, attend required training, gain proficiency with software, and conduct Operational Rounds.

Requirements

Associate degree in engineering, industrial technology, or energy technology; OR associate degree in another discipline and two years of related work experience; OR high school diploma and four years of related work experience; OR high school diploma and two years of related military experience.
Possess a valid state driver's license.
Complete the online pre-employment assessment and achieve a “recommended” result.
Meet the medium physical demand level: exert 20–50 pounds of force occasionally, 10–25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Responsibilities

Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close, and return strainers, heat exchangers, and dust collectors to service.
Operate, clean, service, and lubricate portable power-driven tools and equipment; keep tools, equipment, and work areas clean and orderly.
Use portable meters, analyzers, and other equipment to conduct tests and monitoring.
Lubricate and check lubrication equipment, adjust packing glands as necessary, and perform 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 plant equipment for normal operation; 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 or close inspection doors.
Prepare equipment surfaces and work areas by removing insulation guards and simple housing, removing pipe covering and insulation, and preparing surfaces for recovering.
Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging.
Perform minor maintenance on heating and plumbing systems, including repairing valves, repairing or replacing fittings and short sections of piping, and cleaning or replacing traps.
Load, unload, move, and handle materials, supplies, and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags, and other materials.
Operate material-handling equipment such as hoists, forklift trucks, skid steer loaders, small tractors, and automotive equipment, and perform related duties.
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 mills and burners and observe fire and furnace conditions.
Hand-lance boiler slag, hand-operate soot blowers, unplug ash lines, dispose of clinkers, and perform similar work.
Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise prints as required.
Make required equipment checks and assist with tests and preparation of related reports, graphs, and curves.
Follow company safety rules, operating regulations, and practices; report unsafe conditions and practices.
Train for and carry out firefighting, first aid, and other emergency response assignments as required.
Attend required onsite or offsite training.
Gain proficiency with software and conduct all Operational Rounds.