LEAD OPERATOR - CRO

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION:

LEAD OPERATOR

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Lead Operator is responsible for overseeing the activities of the control room. The Lead Operator assumes the responsibilities of the Operations Manager in the Manager's absence and provides relief control room duties for the Plant Equipment Operators and Utility Operators. The Lead Operator assures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared and reported, and that operations personnel take appropriate corrective actions.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Assist the Operations Manager in the oversight of daily plant operations, and with plant scheduling and manpower loading.

Assume responsibilities of the Operations Manager in their absence.

Make recommendations to ensure thermal and electrical outputs are at optimum levels and efficiency.

Assure that the daily log and other plant records are filled out in a timely and accurate manner, including electrical output; steam output; emissions output; fuel consumed; water consumed; and heat rates.

Conduct periodic log and record review to ensure that tag out procedures, equipment status and designated administrative systems are functioning effectively.

Participate in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records.

Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager. 

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Lead Operator operates from established and well-known procedures under general directions and minimum supervision. Decisions are made within prescribed operating guidelines. 

The Lead Operator encounters recurring work situations of high complexity, with occasional variations from the norm. 

The Lead Operator has the authority to control the operation of the plant and must do so in a safe manner resulting in no accidents, and in compliance with all environmental permits at all times.

The Lead Operator must effectively communicate information to supervision and fellow plant personnel, relative to the condition of the plant equipment and performance and provide suggestions for plant improvements.

All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer's needs are being met.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Lead Operator reports to the Operations Manager (EH&S), provides guidance and advice to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations and gives direction to Plant Equipment Operators and Utility Operators.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include working on feet for extensive periods, requiring stair and ladder climbing; and routinely lifting 50 pounds. 

Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). 

Work with hazardous materials may be required.

Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. 

"On call" status will periodically be required.

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post­ offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. 

Five years' experience as a Plant Equipment Operator required. 

Associate degree in a technical field desirable. 

Must successfully complete a plant operators knowledge examination.

Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements is required.

Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is highly desirable.

Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable. Extensive working knowledge of power plant industry desirable.

The statements contained in this job description are not necessarily all inclusive; additional duties may be assigned, and requirements may vary from time to time.