Position Summary: 

The Power Plant Operator I is responsible for the safe and proper operation of the power plant and associated control structures. They operate, maintain and adjust boilers, furnaces, engines, pumps, heat exchangers, generators, motors, chillers, cooling towers, equipment for heating, ventilating, air conditioning, lighting and associated equipment in the facilities. The Power Plant Operator I makes periodic inspections of equipment and minor repairs to such equipment; perform preventive maintenance; take responsible charge of a watch, read meters, gauges, and other recording devices and log the data; keep records and write reports; as directed, inspect low pressure boilers in accordance with a unified inspection procedure and may operate a motor vehicle.

Qualifications: (Specify type and quantity of experience, education and knowledge required)

  Must have one or more of the following:

High School Diploma or equivalent Graduate of trade school 2 years’ relevant experience Relevant license Other equivalent combination of relevant education or experience

Competencies: (Specify the competencies, knowledge, skills and abilities that are required for the position).

Computer skills: Has understanding and relevant experience with the use of basic Windows program and Microsoft products such as Word, Excel, Power Point, Word and Outlook Email Knowledge of instrumentation troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance is required Strong analytical abilities for understanding and interpreting building system documents, prints and layouts are required In-depth knowledge of electronic, electrical and mechanical systems and digital and pneumatic controls The ability to operate tools and equipment with a skill level that is typically acquired through trade schools Communicate and follow up effectively both orally and in writing. Work cooperatively with others as well as independently with little direction Critical thinking skills Decisive judgment Ability to work with minimal supervision Must be able to work in a stressful environment Must have the ability to: Calibrate systems Perform preventive maintenance and routine servicing of equipment Operate specialized machinery, equipment and tools utilized in the repair, installation and maintenance of heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration systems

Responsibilities: (Include functions performed by incumbent, what incumbent does, how work is done, what end result of the work includes and where it goes next)

 Power Plant Maintenance and Repair – 80%

Monitor power plant equipment and indicators to detect evidence of operating problems Adjust controls to generate specified electrical power or to regulate the flow of power between generating stations and substations Control power generating equipment, including boilers, turbines, generators, or reactors, using control boards or semi-automatic equipment Regulate equipment operations and conditions, such as water levels, based on instrument data or from computers Make adjustments or minor repairs, such as tightening leaking gland and pipe joints Record and compile operational data by completing and maintaining forms, logs, or reports Receive outage calls and call in necessary personnel during power outages and emergencies Prepares equipment malfunction reports, makes inspections and from observation, determines whether equipment is operating properly Take regulatory action, based on readings from charts, meters and gauges, at established intervals Start or stop generators, auxiliary pumping equipment, turbines, or other powerplant equipment as necessary Inspect records or logbook entries or communicate with plant personnel to assess equipment operating status Control or maintain auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, fans, compressors, condensers, feed water heaters, filters, or chlorinators, to supply water, fuel, lubricants, air, or auxiliary power Clean, lubricate, or maintain equipment, such as generators, turbines, pumps, or compressors, to prevent failure or deterioration Open and close valves and switches in sequence to start or shut down auxiliary units

Special Projects – 20%

Participates in meetings, workshops, training, and seminars, as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform job functions Assist and participate in special projects as assigned Other duties as assigned

Pay rate ranges from $17.37 to $27.09 per hour.