Power Plant Operator

City of Pasadena•Pasadena, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pasadena Water and Power Department is seeking a Power Plant Operator to perform journey-level duties in the safe and efficient operation of simple and combined cycle gas turbines, main and auxiliary fluid cycles and the associated equipment. Work assigned requires complex technical knowledge of the functions applicable to an area of assignment and the ability to solve routine to difficult problems. The ideal candidate will perform the operation in the field, assist in the operation and monitoring of steam and gas turbine electric power-generating units, inspect the condition of main unit and auxiliary equipment, and perform operational routines and related duties as assigned. This safety-focused operator demonstrates strong technical skills in monitoring plant systems, emissions controls, water treatment processes, and high-voltage equipment while maintaining accurate operational and compliance records. The candidate works effectively under the direction of the Power Plant Control Operator, can periodically assume control room responsibilities, and supports the training of apprentices and new operations personnel.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.
Two years of progressively responsible experience in high-pressure boilers (a minimum of 400 psi and a minimum of 100,000 pounds steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries OR Two years of progressively responsible experience in the maintenance and operation of a gas turbine (minimum of 6,000 shp) OR Completion of a Power Plant Apprentice program.
Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment.
Annual certification for CPR and First Aid.

Nice To Haves

Ability to periodically assume control room responsibilities.
Supports the training of apprentices and new operations personnel.

Responsibilities

Operates steam and gas turbo-electric generators under direction from the Power Plant Control Operator.
Operates compressors, chillers and other equipment.
Makes routine rounds and inspects turbines, heat recovery steam boilers and auxiliary equipment regularly, reporting erratic operation or malfunction.
Reads operation indicators and determines proper settings and/or makes corrections.
Takes meter readings.
Assists in the control of plant emissions from gas turbines.
Ensures monitoring equipment and emission control equipment is operating accurately.
Chemically treats and controls cooling towers.
Supervises delivery of chemicals to holding tanks.
Maintains water chemistry for once through steam generators and water systems.
Tests and treats oil/water separator and outfall boxes.
Maintains a variety of logs, work reports and compliance records including inspection records, emission documentation, water processing, water treatment and wastewater disposal records.
Maintains chemical inventory.
Racks in/out equipment circuit breakers, up to 13,800 volts, under instruction from the Power Plant Control Operator.
Sets and tags controls.
Periodically relieves the Power Plant Control Operator in the control room.
May provide on-the-job training and work direction to Power Plant Mechanic Helpers and other newly hired operations personnel.