Plant Operator - Kiowa

Overview

Assist in start-up, shutdown and normal operations of power plant systems. Operate major auxiliary equipment such as air compressors; circulating water systems; boiler feedwater treatment system; wastewater systems; generator cooling system; boiler feedwater and condensate system; and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment.

• Perform operating tests and inspections, and make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment, as required, to achieve proper operating conditions.
• Execute instructions from the Control Room Operator for performing equipment clearances or making equipment/systems ready for service in accordance with operating instructions and procedures, including system alignments, isolation, clearing, tagging and locking, testing, etc.
• Perform daily routine water chemistry analysis. Record chemistry results in the chemistry software and discuss with the CRO.
• Maintain proficiency in performing chemistry samples.
• Log readings and review using PI for trend analysis.
• Maintain plant cleanliness; report problem areas to the CRO and Operations Manager.
• Maintain logs as assigned; report abnormal or irregular conditions and take corrective measures within operating instructions.
• Assist maintenance personnel during maintenance periods.
• Complete other tasks as required by the Control Room Operator or the Operations Manager.
• Plant Operators who are fully qualified in their position (Step
  3) are required to complete the qualification requirements for Control Room Operator; timeline determined by the Plant Manager.
• Dependable, reliable and predictable attendance is required.
• Must maintain a valid, in-state driver’s license at all times.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The PO operates from established and well-known procedures under minimum supervision, performing duties independently with general direction.
• Encounter recurring work situations of moderate complexity, with occasional variations from the norm. Decisions are made within prescribed operating procedures and guidelines for normal and abnormal situations.
• Work in a safe manner resulting in no accidents, and in compliance with environmental policy/permits.
• Effectively communicate information to supervision and fellow plant personnel regarding condition of equipment and performance; provide suggestions for plant improvements.
• Perform duties that result in an optimum cost-benefit ratio.
• All employees meet plant objectives and customer needs in a precise and timely manner.

Education and Experience:

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions as would be acquired in four years of high school.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in power plant operations is desirable.
• 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 systems 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 the power plant industry is desirable.
• Must successfully complete a plant operator’s knowledge examination.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Vision:
  Must be able to read reports and use computer.
• Hearing:
  Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers.
• Standing/Walking:
  Must be able to stand for long periods and walk to various areas throughout the plant.
• Bending/Stooping/Kneeling:
  Must be able to bend, stoop or kneel to work with equipment or materials; must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Stair/Ladder Climbing:
  Must be able to climb stairs and/or ladders on equipment at the plant; must be able to walk on platforms at high altitudes (80 feet or higher).
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing:
  Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds and pull or push equipment or materials; moderate overhead reaching and lifting and grasping is necessary.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling:
  Must be able to write, type, and use phone system.

Working Conditions:

• Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions.
• On-call status will periodically be required.
• All employees participate in Fitness for Duty Program (pre-employment physical, drug screening, and random drug screening during employment).
• Extensive smoking restrictions exist in and around the facility.

TENASKA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.