Power Plant Operator - PGS

City of Grand Island, NE•Grand Island, NE

34d•Onsite

About The Position

Perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the control and operation of the City's power plants and water pumping systems; and provide related technical and basic maintenance services for the City. Safe work practices are a condition of employment. This is the entry/journey level class in the power plant operator series. New employees are typically placed at the lowest classification step and advance as they gain knowledge of plant operation. Employees at upper classification levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required. Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Assist in maintaining the operation of the power plant and its components including a coal-fired, high pressure steam generated boiler and steam turbine/generator, combustion turbines and auxiliary systems; participate in inspections of plant facilities to ensure that turbines, boilers, generators, condensers and related pumps are functioning properly. Maintain and operate city water production machinery and equipment, including water pumps, reservoirs and wells; maintain pressure in system; maintain appropriate levels in city reservoirs. Perform minor maintenance and repairs on plant facilities and equipment as required or necessary; may assist in the weekly testing and rotation of equipment. Assist with monitoring the operation of all steam and water systems related to power production equipment; may assist Utility Technicians with testing of boiler water and adding chemicals; operate some water treatment equipment as necessary; may monitor and operate chlorine systems. May assist Instrument Technicians by isolating equipment and systems in need of work; may participate in work involving calibration, pulling wire or other related activities. Monitor and operate a variety of electronic equipment involved in oversight of operations; assist with recording hourly reading regarding plant equipment. Operate and monitor coal conveying equipment, fly ash and bottom ash systems. Participate in a variety of maintenance and repair operations during regular plant shut-down. Observe all established safety standards while performing work; participate in safety training; assist in maintaining plant facilities and grounds; assist with monitoring plant security during assigned shift. Remain available for emergency operations; respond to services calls concerning plant emergencies or problems; work to reduce state of emergency and correct problems; perform overtime duties as necessary or required in order to maintain proper plant functioning. Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
The correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
The basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
System piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
The operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
The operation and basic maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Safe work practices.
Basic mathematical principles.
General mechanical practices and techniques.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to: Learn the methods and procedures necessary to regulate generator loading, steam flow and fuel.
Learn about operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
Learn the correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
Become familiar with the basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
Learn about the system piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
Develop an understanding of the operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
Learn about the operation and maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Lift and move heavy articles.
Work at high elevations.
Must have use of arms and legs.
Must be able to operate computer terminal and applicable programs.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
Must be able to see and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens.
Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts, with exposure to heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Read and interpret maps, schematics, blueprints and drawings.
Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.
High school diploma or GED.
Possession of a Grade IV Nebraska Water System Operator license within six (6) months of hire.
Employee must possess a valid driver's license and maintain insurability as determined by the City's insurance carrier.
Rotating shifts include: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
All Production Division Personnel must live within a 30-minute driving distance of 1035 W. Wildwood Dr, Grand Island, Nebraska.
Candidates are subject to a background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience with steam boilers and turbine/generators is preferred.
Course work in Energy Generation Operations is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist in maintaining the operation of the power plant and its components including a coal-fired, high pressure steam generated boiler and steam turbine/generator, combustion turbines and auxiliary systems; participate in inspections of plant facilities to ensure that turbines, boilers, generators, condensers and related pumps are functioning properly.
Maintain and operate city water production machinery and equipment, including water pumps, reservoirs and wells; maintain pressure in system; maintain appropriate levels in city reservoirs.
Perform minor maintenance and repairs on plant facilities and equipment as required or necessary; may assist in the weekly testing and rotation of equipment.
Assist with monitoring the operation of all steam and water systems related to power production equipment; may assist Utility Technicians with testing of boiler water and adding chemicals; operate some water treatment equipment as necessary; may monitor and operate chlorine systems.
May assist Instrument Technicians by isolating equipment and systems in need of work; may participate in work involving calibration, pulling wire or other related activities.
Monitor and operate a variety of electronic equipment involved in oversight of operations; assist with recording hourly reading regarding plant equipment.
Operate and monitor coal conveying equipment, fly ash and bottom ash systems.
Participate in a variety of maintenance and repair operations during regular plant shut-down.
Observe all established safety standards while performing work; participate in safety training; assist in maintaining plant facilities and grounds; assist with monitoring plant security during assigned shift.
Remain available for emergency operations; respond to services calls concerning plant emergencies or problems; work to reduce state of emergency and correct problems; perform overtime duties as necessary or required in order to maintain proper plant functioning.
Perform related duties as assigned.