Power Plant Auxiliary Operator / Operator Trainee

Talen Energy•Lawrenceburg, IN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Talen Energy is hiring a Power Plant Auxiliary Operator / Operator Trainee at its Lawrenceburg facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The facility is a four-unit, natural gas-fired combined-cycle plant consisting of four gas turbines and two steam turbines. The role operates and maintains plant equipment, supports repairs and system upgrades, monitors operating conditions and water chemistry, and follows facility safety and environmental requirements. The position may be filled at the trainee or experienced-operator level. Candidates need vocational training and mechanical experience; experienced operators should also have two to four years of power plant experience or equivalent related experience. A high school diploma or equivalent is required, and an associate degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school is preferred. The role requires a 12-hour rotating shift and availability for call-ins and overtime as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Vocational training and mechanical experience required.
For the experienced-operator level: two to four years of power plant experience or equivalent related experience, in addition to vocational training and mechanical experience.
Knowledge of power plant operations and ability to make competent decisions in emergency situations.
Ability to write operating procedures, work requests, routine reports, and written records.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical one-lines, logic drawings, technical manuals, and P&IDs.
Mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical equipment knowledge.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical equipment problems and apply timely resolutions.
Knowledge of repairing, replacing, dismantling, and inspecting plant equipment such as pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, demineralizers, compressors, and turbine components.
Ability to operate welding and cutting equipment and complete metal fabrication projects.
Proficiency in water chemistry.
Ability to set up and operate a drill press, pipe-threading machine, grinder, and other tools used to make and repair parts and equipment.
Ability to walk, reach, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
Willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift and be available for call-ins and overtime as needed.
Must be authorized to work in the USA.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school.
Two to four years of power plant experience or equivalent related experience for the experienced-operator level.

Responsibilities

Install piping and conduit for plant system upgrades and modifications.
Operate demineralizers, compressors, turbine components, and other combined-cycle facility equipment with minimal guidance or assistance, as directed and in coordination with the Lead.
Perform inspections of plant systems and maintain equipment, including tightening fittings and replacing valve packing, gaskets, valves, and gauges.
Clean, replace, oil, and lubricate component parts and equipment as required.
Read meters, gauges, and automatic devices; record equipment temperature, vibration, operating hours, pressure, fluid levels, and water chemistry data to verify operating conditions.
Perform general housekeeping and facility appearance improvements, including painting projects, and maintain cleanliness in plant areas and the control room.
Perform capital project and major program responsibilities assigned by Plant Management.
Coordinate purchasing with personnel and vendors to support timely equipment repairs, and order chemicals through established vendors.
Identify and resolve continuous emissions monitoring system (CEMS) problems; assist with calibrations and gas bottle change-outs.
Keep the Manager informed of unusual plant conditions and job progress related to facility operations when assigned on shift.
Use the facility's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
Work with the Manager on plant inventory management and perform audits as needed.
Open and close circuit breakers as required for system operation and electrical isolation.
Participate in outage planning and scheduling; assist with developing Operations and Maintenance procedures and administering the Operator training program.
Assist with root cause analysis of failures.
Operate heavy equipment such as a man lift and forklift, as needed.
Perform water chemistry analyses for heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), auxiliary boiler, and cooling tower systems; ensure chemistry remains within control ranges and adjust chemical feed or blowdown rates as needed.
Work with the plant chemist, operations personnel, and water treatment vendor to monitor the overall chemistry program.
Operate the demineralized water system according to OEM and plant procedures and monitor water quality against acceptable limits.
Read, understand, and comply with regulatory procedures and facility safety programs, and follow plant environmental permits.
Write routine reports, operating procedures, work requests, and written records; communicate tasks and needs and train other personnel as applicable.
Troubleshoot and diagnose plant equipment problems and repair, replace, dismantle, and inspect defective equipment and parts.
Operate welding and cutting equipment, complete metal fabrication projects, and set up and operate tools to make and repair parts and equipment.