Power Plant Operator 2, Rotating Days & Shifts, 8 Hr Weekdays/12 Hr Weekends (3 Positions)

University of Connecticut•Storrs, CT

24d

About The Position

UConn's Facilities Operations Department, Storrs Campus, has three job openings for Power Plant Operator 2 positions. The Co-Generation Plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to supply energy to the Storrs campus. The plant has three 7 MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5 MW steam turbine and associated support equipment. In addition, a new Supplemental Utility Plant has been brought online and four chillers are operational within the facility, and one boiler will be going through commissioning soon. Operators will also be responsible for performing tasks at the South Campus Geothermal System and Chiller Plant that is currently under construction and expected to be operating in late 2027. These positions are permanent, full time positions working rotating days/shifts; ten (10) teams of four (4) persons rotate working eight (8) hour weekdays and twelve (12) hour weekends. This is often called the "8 Plus 12 Plan". These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff. Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that affect campus operations. Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays). Applicants must possess and retain a current motor vehicle operator license. Applicants must be lawfully permitted to work in the United States. Please note that Facilities Operations NP-2 employees may also be required to perform job duties as assigned at any of the Regional Campuses. These positions are categorized as "Open to the Public". Current qualified UConn NP-2 employees will be given preference in the hiring process and are required to submit an application in order to be considered for a PPO-2 position. A full benefits package including medical and dental insurance is available. These positions may be eligible for weekend and shift differential. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, and a highly desirable work environment. For additional information regarding benefits visit: https://hr.uconn.edu/benefits-beyond-pay/.

Requirements

Knowledge of theory and application of operation of large condensing extracting steam turboelectric generating equipment and related auxiliaries
Knowledge of theory and application of large high pressure boilers equipped with super heaters
Knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control systems
Knowledge of arithmetic functions including algebra and geometry
Knowledge of fire and accident prevention techniques and methods of responding to fires
Interpersonal skills
Oral and written communications skills
Ability to use technical manuals
Ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams such as piping and instruments, electrical one-line, logic, etc.
Ability to apply some principles of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow and combustion
Ability to utilize computer software
Three (3) years of experience in a power plant or industrial setting to include the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers, generators or other mechanical equipment.
One (1) year of the General Experience must have included work performed at a cogeneration power plant or an equivalent industrial plant capable of producing high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs.
Applicants must have a current motor vehicle operator license.

Nice To Haves

State of Connecticut Trades License preferably in one or more of the following specific trades: Heating, Piping and Cooling, Electrical, Plumbing and Heating, and/or an OE2 License (Heating, Piping and Cooling Operating Engineer Journeyperson).
Knowledge and experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) preferably AiM.
Demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability.
Experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines.
Experience operating industrial boilers over 50KPPH capacity.
Experience operating industrial steam turbines.
Experience operating gas, electric, and steam driven chillers.
Understanding of an electrical high voltage 69 kV / 13.8 kV distribution power grid.

Responsibilities

Performs highly skilled duties to ensure safe operation and production of high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs
Utilizes a distributed control system to monitor performance of cogeneration power plant's equipment and systems such as gas and steam turbine engines, boilers, duct burners, feed water and condensate systems, water chemistry, fuel system, ammonia and emissions monitoring systems, blow down system, cooling tower and chilled water distribution
Makes necessary production process control and performance adjustments within defined ranges set by state and federal regulations and manufacturer guidelines
Detects faulty or erratic equipment operation through improper reads on display screens or system generated reports
Notifies Power Plant Operator 1 to make manual adjustments and/or shut down or startup of equipment or plant
Monitors hours of run for all equipment to ensure balanced usage and mixes to influence energy spending rate
Mathematically calculates conversion tables to determine steam pressure, water flow and temperatures
Determines proper course of action for remediation and advises proper authority
Prepares work orders for faulty equipment
Reports and responds to chemical, fuel, oil leaks or spills in accordance with plant emergency response plans
Prepares daily logs and reports
Attends safety meetings
May perform work outside of control room
May perform routine and/or scheduled maintenance and repairs on rotating shift
Performs related duties as required