Station Operator

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Station Operator is responsible for operational local functions at the station, including monitoring valving, instrumentation, and equipment operation, and assisting maintenance staff at McNeil Generating Station. The role supports Burlington Electric Department’s mission to provide energy safely, reliably, affordably, sustainably, and responsibly, and its vision of making Burlington a Net Zero Energy city. The operator tests, troubleshoots, maintains, repairs, inspects, monitors, and operates station equipment, including 480V electrical equipment once qualified. The position performs routine water purification and lubrication duties, records operating parameters, and works with the Shift Supervisor to keep the station safe, efficient, and environmentally sound. It also performs manual system startup and shutdown and notifies appropriate personnel of unusual conditions or operating problems. As needed or directed, the Station Operator assumes Shift Supervisor responsibilities, including operating Control Room equipment that controls Winooski One Hydro Generating Station and McNeil Generating Station systems. The role may include operating equipment while the plant burns wood, oil, or gas, training shift personnel, operating machinery and heavy equipment, assisting other station staff, cleaning assigned areas, and performing preventative maintenance. The position is affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Pay Grade 11, at $28.33–$46.45 per hour. It is a rotating 12-hour shift role with no remote work days.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Technical degree or a license for boiler/turbine operations; additional relevant experience may substitute for the technical degree requirement on a two-for-one year basis.
Working knowledge of combustion processes, lubrication, electricity, chemistry, steam cycles, valve types, and generating units.
Ability to support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as evidenced by ongoing training and professional development.
Ability to work in close proximity to electrical voltages up to 480V.
Must qualify on BED 480V Fuse Changeout McNeil Qualification.
Ability to distinguish exposed live parts from other parts of electrical equipment.
Proficiency in proper precautionary techniques, personal protective equipment, insulating and shielding materials, and insulated tools for working on or near exposed energized electrical parts.
Proficiency in recognizing system Arc Flash requirements and attendance at BED-sponsored annual Electric Safe Work Practices training.
Ability to give and follow complex written and oral instructions and work with minimal supervision.
Ability to adapt to a rotating 12-hour shift schedule.
Good physical condition and regular attendance.
Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules, and personnel policies.
Ability to interact harmoniously with co-workers.
Ability to participate in training, including CST, CPR, First Aid, and other required training.
Ability to work overtime as needed under the BED/IBEW Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of plant circuit breaker operations.
Previous experience at McNeil Station.
Ability to pass a Pulmonary Function Test.

Responsibilities

Test, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, inspect, monitor, and operate station equipment, including 480V electrical equipment once qualified.
Perform routine water purification duties, including monitoring and maintaining chemical tank levels.
Work with the Shift Supervisor to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound station operations.
Manually operate systems for station startup and shutdown.
Monitor and maintain lubrication systems on plant equipment.
Record station operational parameters and notify appropriate personnel of unusual occurrences or operating problems.
Follow station safety policies and procedures.
Assume Shift Supervisor responsibilities as needed or directed, including operating Control Room equipment controlling Winooski One Hydro Generating Station and McNeil Generating Station systems.
Assist in training shift personnel as needed.
Operate machinery and heavy equipment, including a front-end loader and dump truck.
Assist the Senior Station Operator, Auxiliary Operator, and Yard worker as needed.
Clean assigned areas and perform preventative maintenance on station equipment.
Assist maintenance staff and cover the shift of a Senior Station Operator, Auxiliary Operator, or Yard-Worker as needed.
Unload railcars.
Perform other duties as required.