Operator Helper

American Electric Power•Lawton, OK

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision, perform semi-skilled manual work in connection with an entry-level position in power plant operation. Assist equipment operators while learning plant equipment and auxiliary-system operation, inspection, maintenance, and related procedures. The role includes monitoring plant conditions, handling materials, maintaining work areas, and supporting preparations for equipment operation and removal from service. The position requires working rotating shifts, including holidays and weekends as required, and being available for call-out. Employees must complete required training to advance to Equipment Operator and successfully qualify as Equipment Operator 1st Yr. within three months. The role involves climbing and working at heights, sustained standing or walking, fine dexterity, and exerting force to operate valves.

Requirements

Two-year associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology, or equivalent.
Equivalent education and experience may be an associate degree in another discipline plus two years of related work experience; a high school diploma plus four years of related work experience; or a high school diploma plus two years of related military experience.
Complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a “recommended” result.
Possess an appropriate state driver's license.
Complete all company-required training within established time frames to advance to Equipment Operator, including gaining working knowledge of applicable operating instructions and procedures.
Successfully qualify for Equipment Operator 1st Yr. within three months.
Be available to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends as required, and call-outs.
Climb ladders and stairs multiple times each day.
Use fine dexterity to move switches and controls to precise locations.
Detect colors on alarms, equipment, and other devices.
Hear announcements on the plant PA system and abnormal sounds from plant equipment.
Communicate plant information by phone, in person, or by radio.
Work at heights, on grating, platforms, and catwalks.
Exert up to 50 pounds of pressure to manually turn off valves.
Stand or walk continuously for up to eight hours.

Responsibilities

Assist equipment operators while learning plant job duties.
Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close, and return plant equipment to service; isolate equipment and place or remove clearance tags in the plant and switchyard.
Operate, regulate, adjust, clean, and perform minor maintenance on plant auxiliary systems; monitor and inspect equipment, identify and report abnormal conditions, and write work orders.
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.
Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging.
Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas, as assigned.
Load, unload, move, and handle materials, supplies, and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags, and other materials using material-handling equipment.
Monitor water chemistry as required, maintain water pH, and follow applicable EPA guidelines.
Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service.
If applicable, monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe fires and furnaces; hand-lance boiler slag, operate soot blowers by hand, 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.
Perform other job duties as assigned.