Plant Operations Supervisor (St. Croix)

The Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Manager of Operations, the Plant Operations Supervisor is responsible for regular power activities pertaining to plant changes and orders that will affect operations such as steam flow, and switching and cleaning of the electrical transmission system station auxiliaries. An employee in this class is expected to utilize considerable independent judgment in maintaining safe, efficient, and uninterrupted service to the consumers; reports abnormal conditions, as necessary. Because the Authority has a responsibility to serve the public 24 hours a day, an employee in this class is expected to work overtime as conditions demand; and may be called in on short notice during power outages and other emergencies.

Requirements

Good knowledge of steam turbine and diesel-powered electric generating plant operations, maintenance requirements and capabilities.
Good knowledge of the operations and maintenance of desalination water plants.
Good knowledge of the machinery, equipment, tools and method necessary for the maintenance and operation of electric power generating plants and transmission substations.
Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of power plant operations.
Knowledge of supervisory and training methods and techniques.
Ability to plan, assign and direct the activities of subordinate personnel.
Ability to inspect, review and recommend changes in plant operating and maintenance policies and procedure.
Ability to supervise, prepare, and review detailed records and reports relating to power generation.
Ability to deal effectively and courteously with employees, colleagues and the public.
Ability to effectively lead technical personnel.
Ability to read interpret and work from blueprints and specifications.
Ability to demonstrate and understand the necessity and desire to provide continuous services of power and water to consumers.
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to operate and utilize personal computers and related peripherals.
Graduation from a vocational high school including or supplementing by course in the mechanical or electrical trades and six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in power and water desalination plant operation, five (5) years of which must have been as a Plant Operator 1st Class.

Responsibilities

Calculates changes necessary for fuel flow control and checks the computation and accuracy of the log sheet data; maintains the daily and monthly reports on generation, steam, line outages, desalination operation, etc.; indicating and integrating meter data, generator operating records and supervises the outing, marking, and changing of charts.
Supervises and assists the operators in the preparation of the electrical portion of the electrical generating units for service, connecting or removing units as required, and changing and adjusting the generator loadings and voltage in accordance with system requirements.
Supervises the performance of the opening and closing of high- and low-tension disconnection switches and the placing of protecting tags as directed to clear equipment; checks clearance for adequacy and reports the completion of such operations.
Operates control boards, exciters, disconnects, oil circuit breakers, power circuits, main transformer bank connections, load and voltage control equipment, ad signal systems; performs routine switching in accordance with verbal and written instructions from supervisor.
Observes the instruments on all switchboards in the control room for any unusual operating conditions and performs the functions necessary to restore the equipment to normal or remove it from service as required.
Performs necessary inspection and reports to ensure alertness and adequacy of plant security system, including status of night lights and navigation lights.
Participates in training program as required; assists operators in their understanding of plant operations, procedures, and maintenance; assists as required in maintaining a current station order and trouble book.
Acts on own responsibility should conditions warrant to clear equipment which is in imminent danger of damage to itself or other equipment or is hazardous to personnel safety because of existing or incipient failure of parts.
Maintains assigned equipment and designated areas in a clean and orderly manner.
Recommends improvements in operating procedures.
Initiates or recommends personnel actions such as promotions, transfers, and disciplinary measures.
Resolves work problems; may meet with union representatives to resolve employee grievances.
Maintains reports, time and attendance records, evaluates employee performance.
Supervises receipt of trouble book and dispatching of the trouble call.
May assume the responsibility of operations superintendent or assistant superintendent, as assigned.
Assigns work to workers and reviews completed work to ensure that work is completed in accordance with specifications and instructions.
Evaluates employees’ work performance and makes recommendations for improving and upgrading their skills.
Recommends or initiates personnel actions such as promotions, transfers, and disciplinary measures.
Trains and orients new employees to the routines of the operation; interprets company policies on workers.
Analyzes and resolves work problems; may confer with worker’s representatives to resolve grievances.