O&M Plant Technician Lead (Control Room Operator)

American Electric Power•Oregon, OH

8d•$98,993 - $128,689•Onsite

About The Position

Perform in a safe and efficient manner highly skilled work necessary in the operation and maintenance of gas/oil fueled electric generating unit composed of gas/steam turbines, generators, boilers/heat recovery steam generator (HRSGs), transformers, pumps, condensers, switchyard, and related auxiliary equipment. Operate the plant in startup, shutdown, steady state mode and abnormal conditions. Direct the work of outside operators, support personnel and contractors. Participate and direct others in development of operating procedures for abnormal operating conditions. Perform highly technical and skilled work in the checking, inspecting, repair, maintenance, installation and construction of plant equipment and structures. Perform and direct others in the troubleshooting of complex problems. Perform highly technical and skilled work in conjunction with troubleshooting the malfunctions and controls logic of electrical and electronic systems, digital control systems, communication systems, instruments and control systems, interlocks, computers, annunciator systems and recorders Perform technical work in chemical analyses, industrial hygiene and environmental testing and calculations related to the operating efficiency of power plant equipment. Perform and be responsible for environmental reporting and compliance with environmental and OSHA regulations. Conduct tests, surveys and layout work on plant projects. Communicate and coordinate activities affecting safe and efficient operation of plant in an often distracting and multitasking environment. Prepare and participate in development plans for lower classification employees and provides effective feedback. Provide leadership among peers and acts as exemplary representative of company in the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum 7 years of power generation operations, maintenance, instrumentation & controls, electrical, or mechanical experience with demonstrated ability to lead work activities and provide technical guidance to others.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in a technical field preferred.
Equivalent combination of formal education, apprentice training, military technical training, and power generation experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate ethical behavior and show strong leadership in safe and healthy work behaviors and environmental stewardship.
Adhere to proper operating practices and procedures designed to prevent injury, illness, and environmental noncompliance.
Observe and comply with governmental and company environmental, safety and health regulations.
Demonstrate a strong work ethic, integrity, and willingness to work and communicate effectively with all AEP employees and contractors.
Perform and direct other personnel to start-up, operate, control, synchronize and shutdown turbines, generators, condensers, boiler/heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), boiler feed pumps, exciters, transformers, switchyard, and auxiliary equipment safely and efficiently.
Operate valves, pumps and controls from the control room and remote locations as needed.
Take appropriate actions in the event of abnormal plant equipment conditions and in accordance with plant guidelines for out-of-spec parameters.
Monitor controlling, indicating, and recording devices, compare results with established standards and adjust as required to operating conditions.
Enter and review data in the logbook.
Monitor and respond to alarms and unusual conditions to ensure proper operation of equipment within established standards and report irregular and abnormal operating conditions to supervision.
Perform and direct other personnel to maintain and monitor proper boiler water chemistry and other plant cycle chemistry by reviewing operational data and collecting and analyzing samples.
Analyze data such as chemical test results, conductivity, pH, flow, and temperature readings, etc. and make appropriate adjustments.
Direct others to make appropriate adjustments.
Maintain and operate the water treatment plant.
Communicate with corporate Production Optimization Group (POG) to obtain dispatch orders, confirm status and abnormal conditions.
Regulate the unit(s) output in accordance with requirements and plant conditions.
Perform and direct other personnel to monitor, inspect, install, remove, test, adjust, calibrate, troubleshoot and repair electrical, electronic, instrumentation and plant controls systems and components.
Conduct electrical system interlock and circuit breaker trip checks to determine proper operational performance.
Conduct interlock tests and performs functional tests on control systems and instrumentation.
Perform control system monitoring and program modifications using a computer interface terminal.
Use elementary, schematics, wiring and controls diagrams to locate, troubleshoot and repair control systems involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, or hydraulic components.
Use electrical and instrumentation test equipment to troubleshoot and calibrate plant equipment.
Perform and direct others in mechanical maintenance work including equipment alignment and rebuilds, and the use of machine shop and portable machining equipment.
Perform and direct repairs of rotating equipment, valves, actuators, piping, etc.
Perform and direct others in predictive and preventive maintenance work by inspecting, monitoring, lubricating, and testing plant equipment to determine conditions such as wear, corrosion, and deposits.
Perform inspections and corrective maintenance activities on plant equipment and components.
Conduct chemical tests and inspections to ensure proper operation of the plant.
Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean and orderly fashion.
Perform predictive maintenance data analyses and make recommendations toward addressing potential equipment liabilities.
Assist in developing program requirements for predictive maintenance program.
Use work management systems to initiate, retrieve, approve, and update work orders, material requests, budget and variance reporting, PM's and time entry, etc.
Use various applications and software programs such as DCS, P-GADS, TAPIS, PI, etc. to extract data, analyze trends and report status to ensure plant reliability and efficiency.