Unit Operator (Control Room Operator) - Hugo Power Plant

Western Farmers Electric Cooperative•Hugo, OK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a Shift Supervisor or Lead Shift Supervisor, the Unit Operator safely, reliably, and efficiently operates the Hugo Power Plant, including the boiler, turbines, generator and all related auxiliaries. This role involves coordinating with and directing other operators to ensure optimal plant performance, making adjustments to the DCS control system, and managing start-up, operation, and shut-down of equipment and systems. The Unit Operator is also responsible for completing reports, assisting in training, advising supervisors of unusual conditions, responding to emergencies, and maintaining a safe and orderly work environment. This position requires adherence to all safety and security procedures and may involve performing Shift Supervisor duties when required.

Requirements

An Associate's degree with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in power plant operations (turbine/generator and related equipment) or two (2) years at the Unit Auxiliary Operator level.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively with other employees.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to use a personal computer to access the Intranet and use Microsoft Office software and other software programs as required.
Must be familiar with DCS Control System.
Requires a current driver's license.
Requires climbing ladders and stairs and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking and/or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting for extended periods of time; pushing, pulling, and reaching above the shoulders; wearing personal safety equipment including breathing apparatus; manual and detailed hand work using both hands and may require repetitive manual tasks.
Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights equal to 50 pounds or more.
Requires quick, calm action in response to emergency situations.
Requires vision within normal range. Corrective lens are permitted.
Requires hearing within normal range. Hearing aids are permitted.
Requires working in varying weather conditions outside and temperature extremes inside with extreme ranges of humidity or dryness; working in confined spaces for extended periods of time; walking or standing on elevated platforms or working from a ladder, inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces; working with or near hazardous chemicals, materials, fumes, dust, or smoke; and working in areas of constant high noise and vibration levels.
Requires working with and near high voltage; working at night inside or outside in all weather conditions; and working inside in a controlled environment.
This position is classified as "safety sensitive".

Nice To Haves

Experience in a coal fired power plant with a DCS control system.

Responsibilities

Coordinates with and provides direction and instruction to the Unit Auxiliary Operator, Boiler Auxiliary Operator, and Fuel System Operator to achieve the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant, within guidelines set forth by the Shift Supervisor.
Operates the plant systems within established operating guidelines and directions.
Makes necessary adjustments to the DCS control system to assure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant to meet demands and conditions.
Under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, coordinates start-up operation and shut down of equipment and systems.
Completes required reports, forms, and makes daily log entries.
Assists in training other plant personnel.
Advises the Shift Supervisor of any unusual conditions, enters maintenance requests as required and keeps the System Operator informed of any plant equipment conditions that may limit unit output.
Responds to abnormal or emergency situations and takes prompt and proper action as necessary to protect equipment from damage and personnel from danger or injury.
Performs periodic functional tests.
Maintains areas of responsibility in a clean, orderly and safe condition.
Completes required training within established time frames.
Performs Shift Supervisor duties when required.