Power Plant Operator

City of Burbank•Burbank, CA

About The Position

Under supervision and on an assigned shift, the Power Plant Operator assists in the general operation of a turbo electric generating plant and is responsible for operating boiler controls and/or plant auxiliaries. The position also performs related work as required. The operator runs plant equipment, stands watch at boiler controls, makes rounds, adjusts generator load and voltage, lubricates machinery, operates water-treatment equipment, tests plant water, and adds chemical treatments. The role includes inspecting equipment, monitoring instrumentation and burners, maintaining operating standards and records, calculating fuel consumption, making equipment adjustments, and reporting abnormal conditions to the Power Plant Shift Supervisor while taking corrective action. The operator also keeps assigned areas orderly, assists with maintenance when not assigned operating duties, helps train new Power Plant Operators and Utility Workers, and drives on City business. The recruitment is open to all qualified candidates. Tentative examination dates are the week of 11/30/26 for blind application and supplemental scoring and the week of 12/07/26 for oral examinations. Dates may change, and candidates who pass each phase will be notified of official examination dates.

Requirements

Knowledge of construction details and operating characteristics of steam turbo electric plants.
Knowledge of combustion and water-treatment principles.
Knowledge of the boiler safety orders of the State of California.
Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions, and compliance with safe operating practices.
Ability to operate high-pressure boilers.
Ability to make accurate observations and recordings.
Ability to evaluate emergency conditions accurately and take immediate corrective action.
Ability to work on a rotating shift or relief shift.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and fellow employees.
Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Two years of experience associated with high-pressure boilers (minimum 400 psi and minimum 100,000 pounds of steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive, or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries, or completion of a Power Plant Operator Trainee program.
A valid California Class C driver's license or equivalent at the time of appointment.
Employees required by applicable laws and regulations to have respiratory protection must comply with the American National Standards Institute’s requirements on Practices for Respiratory Protection.

Responsibilities

Operate plant equipment and stand watch at boiler controls.
Make regular rounds to attend to plant auxiliary equipment.
Adjust electric generator loads and voltages.
Lubricate machinery and maintain lubrication records.
Operate water-treatment equipment, test plant water, and add chemical treatment to boilers, feed water, and cooling water.
Inspect plant equipment and report abnormal conditions to the Power Plant Shift Supervisor, taking corrective action.
Observe plant instrumentation and maintain operational standards.
Adjust plant equipment, including packing on valves, gauge glasses, and pumps.
Enter required and pertinent data in logs; calculate plant fuel consumption; maintain records; and file operating records and charts.
Monitor burners, furnaces, and settings; clean and adjust burners.
Keep the control room and assigned areas clean and orderly.
Assist with maintenance work when operating assignments are not required.
Assist in training new Power Plant Operators and Utility Workers.
Drive on City business.