Power Plant Journeyman Operator - GRU

Job Details:

This is journey level work operating fossil-fired electric generating station equipment. Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

This is journey level work operating fossil-fired electric generating station equipment.

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under limited supervision.  Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its technical skills and requirement to train and instruct personnel.

EXAMPLES OF WORK**

**This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position.  The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job.  Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Operates fossil-fired steam electric generating units and associated equipment including gas- and oil-fired steam generators (boilers) and steam turbine generators.

Operates fossil-fired combustion turbine generators and associated equipment.

Operates electrical switchgear, breakers, and controls for placing and removing turbine generators from service.

Operates combustion controls, burner management systems, alarm and monitoring systems, switches, and other devices required for operation of plant equipment.

Monitors, observes, and maintains conditions that affect operation of the plant.

Monitors, observes, and analyzes equipment and systems’ characteristics.  Takes actions required to correct or change a condition as needed.

Operates auxiliary systems and monitoring equipment for sootblowing, fuel handling, and equipment monitoring.

Operates, monitors and records operation of equipment for controlling the air quality and air quality support equipment, including but not limited to, precipitator, urea to ammonia and lime hydration systems, fluidized bed dry scrubber, selective catalytic reactor and baghouse.

Takes readings and keeps logs and records.

Performs routine periodic equipment checks and tests in accordance with standard operating practices, policies, and procedures.  Detects evidence of operating problems and initiates response.

Works with other power plant personnel to start up, troubleshoot, or shut down equipment for corrective or preventive maintenance.

Observes, adheres to and performs proper lockout/tag out of plant equipment and systems in accordance with clearance procedures, policies, and practices.

Provides training and instruction to subordinate personnel and advises the Shift Supervisor of level of job knowledge, skills, and abilities of personnel in training.

Attends training courses to learn operation and maintenance requirements of power plant facilities, equipment, and operation.

Completes established training objectives for craft area assigned to journey level.

Opens and closes valves and switches in sequence in order to startup and shutdown equipment.

Understands theory and applies principles in electrical distribution, electrical generation and voltage regulation, heat rate, combustion, and feedwater/steam flow path.

Understands and applies principles of steam generators and combustion generators.

Complies with information provided on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all products. Handles and stores items properly.

Responds to emergency situations.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists with cleaning of plant facilities and equipment and general housekeeping.

May be required to transport, mix, handle or use hazardous materials (other than cans of gasoline, batteries, pumping fuel or access to normal janitorial cleaning materials) or may be responsible for facilities or equipment carrying current, fluids or gas that could endanger the public or other employees.

Assists with training of Power Plant Trainees, Power Plant Operator Apprentice and other personnel as directed by the Shift Supervisor.

May be required to be trained for and perform duties in emergency egress, accidental spill incidents, and other safety-related emergencies.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily.  Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, and completion of all requirements as established in Progression-Through-Training program(s) for Power Plant Operator - Apprentice, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Progression-Through-Training Requirements

Incumbents in this classification must meet the minimum Craft and Safety Training requirements established in the Power Plant Operator Progression-Through-Training program. 

Failure to complete the Power Plant Operator - Journey Level Progression-Through-Training program requirements within the timeframes established in the program will be grounds for termination of employment.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Florida Driver License.

Certifications

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of startup, operation, and shutdown procedures and practices of central electric generating station steam and combustion turbine generators and auxiliary systems.

Thorough knowledge of theory and practice of combustion of fossil fuels in high pressure, high temperature utility steam generators (boilers).

Thorough knowledge of safe operating practices and procedures of high pressure utility boiler components including drums, headers, water walls, superheaters, reheaters, and associated valves, piping, and assemblies.

Thorough knowledge of power plant auxiliary systems including electrical switchgear and breakers, sootblowers, fuel handling equipment, cooling towers, heat exchangers, fans pumps, and motors.

Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards, safety rules and regulations, and safety precautions.

Working knowledge of potential hazards and procedures for fire and explosion prevention.

Skill in hands-on operation of power plant system controls, switches, monitors and alarms necessary for proper operation of the plant, including local and remote, manual, and automatic devices.

Ability to read and comprehend technical bulletins, manufacturers’ operating instructions, Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), electrical drawings and information dealing with power plant principles and practices.

Ability to respond to urgent or emergency conditions by properly applying job skills and knowledge to take or initiate appropriate action.

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, statistics and their application.  Ability to calculate, understand, and evaluate equipment performance including heat transfer, fuel combustion, equipment efficiencies, water quality, and other related parameters.

Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws and their interrelationships and applications to understand fluid, material and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, and electrical structures and processes.

Ability to keep and maintain work records and make reports.

Ability to guide and train subordinate personnel in performance of their duties.

Ability to read, understand, and comply with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Ability to do intermediate level mathematical calculations.

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to work effectively with coworkers and others, as appropriate..

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work requires normal color vision to distinguish the color and severity of many control and safety devices.

Work requires the use of personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, head protection and use of respiratory protection including self-contained breathing units.  This position requires the ability to use respiratory protection equipment in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Work at heights of over 100 feet on open grating or from aerial devices required, including the ability to climb and descend stairs and ladders.

Work requires physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential job functions including the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull 50 pounds without assistance and to stand, kneel and stoop.

Must communicate orally, see physical surroundings, listen, hear others, respond to oral commands, and demonstrate good communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Rotating shift work may be required.

Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat; and by entering and maneuvering within confined spaces. 

Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Work requires exposure to prolonged high noise levels.

Note: 

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.