Plant Operator

City of Rochester•Rochester MN 55904, MN

31d•$43 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Rochester invites applications for a Plant Operator position with Rochester Public Utilities. The City of Rochester is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community where all members feel a sense of belonging. This role is primarily responsible for the safe and proper startup, operation, and steam output of the Silver Lake Plant (SLP) boilers and associated auxiliaries. The Plant Operator will also be training for, and on occasion, temporarily assume the responsibilities of the steam Shift Foreman. While the majority of the operating shift is at SLP, the role also requires acting as a backup for remote operation of the Westside Energy Station (WES) reciprocating engines and Cascade Creek (CC) gas turbines for electrical generation dispatch and compliance. Occasional off-site work, such as routine inspections at Cascade Creek Station, IBM diesel generators, Lake Zumbro hydro facility, or the Silver Lake dam, is also required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
Completion of a two (2) year accredited curriculum in utility steam plant operation such as a Building Utilities Mechanic (B.U.M.) or Facility and Service Technology (FAST) program
Two (2) years of full-time experience in power plant operations including boiler operation and electrical generation experience with start-up, voltage regulation, synchronizing and loading
Valid Minnesota driver's license
Minnesota First Class, Grade B Engineers License

Nice To Haves

Courses in advanced steam engineering, basic AC and DC electricity
Technical courses or experience in the operation, maintenance and basic understanding of reciprocating engines and gas turbines.
Experience with digital control systems and their application

Responsibilities

Properly start up, put on line, operate, take off line and shutdown all power plant equipment and systems including boilers, the steam line, gas turbines, reciprocating engines, diesel generators and associated auxiliary equipment.
Coordinate with Maintenance staff in the proper startup and operation of hydro-electric generators, including auxiliary equipment.
Operate all generation site electrical switchboards and know the location of all motor control centers, switches, fuses and circuit breakers on plant side of bus.
Continuously monitor and adjust as necessary auxiliary system parameters, generator conditions, machine loading and station voltages and make adjustments as necessary.
Ensure assigned equipment is reliable and available by maintaining complete, accurate and legible computer logs that follow the rules and requirements set by the Foreman or Supervisors.
Comprehend, follow and direct staff to follow electrical and steam dispatch requirements set forth by RPU staff, System Operations, The Energy Authority, MISO, Mayo Clinic and any other agency which RPU is associated.
Participate in complex, coordinated crew evolutions using clear, concise communications.
Use verbal skills when communication is face-to-face, radio-based or via telephone.
Utilize professional written communication skills when working with email, training plans, operating procedures, safety programs, etc.
Collect and analyze generating unit operation by using computer trending, visual inspections, physical rounds and manual readings to make corrections and recommend major maintenance activities.
Work through and help teach the requirements detailed in the RPU Operator Training Program to satisfactorily complete modules within the specified time limits.
Learn and assume the duties and responsibilities of the Shift Foreman on a relief basis.
Cooperate with and provide work direction to other employees.
Demonstrate a desire to succeed and move ahead in the organization.
Perform other duties as assigned or necessary.