Assistant Plant Operator

Summary: Monitor and operate boilers and auxiliary plant equipment from the field to maintain

safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations. With guidance and as requested, operate

boilers and auxiliary plant equipment locally throughout the plant, making necessary

adjustments to maintain safety and efficiency.

Essential Functions:

• Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation and maintenance of the plant in the

field. Investigate changes in instrument readings and equipment operation. Notifies

Plant Operator and/or Shift Supervisor of operational inconsistencies or other concerns.

• Makes required turbine/generator APC and other critical inspections regularly and as

descried in preexisting procedures. Recognizes and mitigates operating difficulties.

Adapts to changing plant conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency

and minimizing down time.

• Documents on log; comments that facilitate problem tracking; work that need to be

preformed and other plant activities that communicate status of plant. Maintains logs

and other written documentation on schedule with clear, accurate and legible writing.

• May relieve the Plant Operator of control room operations in compliance with any

licensing guidelines where applicable. With guidance and as requested, operates

boilers and auxiliary plant equipment locally throughout the plant, making necessary

adjustments to maintain safety and efficiency. Identifies typical and obvious potential or

recurring problems in plant operational systems.

• With assistance, operates all aspects of APC system safely and accurately. Makes

adjustments to APC system so that system performance is equal to or slightly above

facility average. Works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems and assesses

probable cause with assistance from Plant Operator.

• Maintains work areas in a clean, neat and orderly condition at all times.

• Completes the company and plant training programs within the time frame prescribed.

• Follows standard safety procedures, correct safety and environmental hazards and

report them to the shift Supervisor immediately. Reads, understands and applies

information such as, lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, job hazard analyses,

operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

• Works overtime.

• Works rotating shifts.

• Communicates clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing, as well as

communicates clearly whether using in-situ intercom system, two -way radio or face to

face.

• Basic computer operating skills.

• Anticipates typical problems, identify potential or recurring problems, and takes

appropriate action. Troubleshoots equipment and assists in diagnosing problem areas.

Job Title: Assistant Plant Operator

Report to: Shift Supervisor

Department: Operations

• Operates other equipment including, but not limited to, industrial forklifts, manlifts, skid

steer type loaders and other mobile equipment.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) or equivalent.

2 years working in a power plant operation or 3 years related experience.

Mechanical skills sufficient to perform varied mechanical tasks such as replacement of shear

pins, valve repacking or equipment inspections.

Knowledge and understanding of the operation of a steam generating power plant.

Certificates and Licenses:

Certificates and Licenses as required by Local, State, Federal, Environmental and/or

Health/Safety Regulatory agencies.

Supervision Received:

Perform job duties within prescribed standards. Minimal supervision necessary once varied

tasks are mastered.

Work Environment:

• Moving mechanical parts

• Wet or humid conditions (non-weather)

• Airborne particles

• Potential exposure to dust and chemicals

• Extreme temperatures –Hot and cold, indoors and outdoors.

• Outdoor weather conditions

• Noise in work environment

Physical Demand:

• Stand for prolonged periods of time

• Sit for prolonged periods of time

• Walk

• Handle tools, equipment, fine motor skills

• Reach with hands and arms

• Climb and walk on heights often greater than 4 feet

• Stoop, kneel, bend, push, pull, crawl

• Ascend and descend stairs and stationary vertical ladders as part of normal work activity

and emergency egress situations

• Lift 50 lbs.

• Move about all areas of the plant, including catwalks, deck grating, and uneven surfaces

• Close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, corrected or otherwise

• Operate a 1.5 inch fire hose operating at 125 psi line pressure to the extent required to

extinguish fire

• Operate fire extinguishing equipment ranging from handheld extinguishers to 200 lbs.

portable units

• Access confined spaces and pressure vessels through standard 12” by 16” manways

PPE Required:

Work in areas under adverse conditions that may require the donning and use of personal

protective equipment including, but not limited to, the following with average fatigue:

• Negative pressure respirator

• Positive pressure respirator

• Self-contained breathing apparatus (steel or composite bottle)

• Hardhat

• Approved safety footwear

• Eye protection

• Rubber suit and gloves

• Chemical resistant suit

• Heat resistant outerwear

• Flame resistant outerwear

• Approved hearing protection

• Gloves

• Safety harness