Equipment Operator

Job Purpose

Responsible for operating equipment for stopping, starting, or regulating power plant boilers, steam generators, and systems under the direction of a Unit Operator or station management; inspect and maintain plant equipment, steam turbines, power boilers, turbine driven generators, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, fuel systems, ash handling equipment, lubricating systems, and water recirculation and treatment systems; monitor the automatic control functions of auxiliary equipment;

manually operate breakers, circuits, valves, switches and similar equipment; determine operating status of equipment from previous shift personnel, log book entries, local inspection and observation of equipment, instrumentation, and controls; review and edit station's operating procedures and technical instructions; operate ash and slag handling equipment; is a member of the station's fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments;

perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties; troubleshoot plant malfunctions; interact with station personnel, contractors and others to perform equipment operator functions;

respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

• Operate equipment under the direction of a Unit Operator or station management, for maximum efficiency and output while maintaining environmental compliance and safety.

• Monitor equipment conditions using all indications available in the control room, on site, and portable test equipment.
• Diagnose equipment problems, report abnormal conditions to the Unit Operator or station management, and prepare detailed work requests for plant defects.

• Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturer's and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.

• Inspect plant and equipment, including carrying out scheduled plant checks, and prepare necessary reports and log entries; ensure maintenance requests are completed to a satisfactory standard; assist in planning, organizing, and executing unit outages for inspections, overhauls, repairs and cleaning.
• Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment for which the Equipment Operator is responsible.
• Perform disconnect switching and electrical and maintenance operations to place equipment in and out of service; render electrical circuits and mechanical equipment safe for permit work.
• Monitor and as necessary perform routine chemical analysis of plant water to determine the chemical constituents and take corrective action to maintain plant quality within prescribed limits as required.
• Prepare, maintain, and administer procedures and reports related to the operation, monitoring and maintenance of the plant; maintain accurate logs of daily operations, complete check sheets, change charts and ink recorders.

• Prepare work orders and input data into work history file.

• Prepare and maintain quality assurance procedures and technical instructions and actively supports and participate in the use and continuous development of the quality management system.

• Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts and equipment identification and needed to complete the job.

• Assist Unit Operator with control room activities.
• Perform maintenance activities as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Clean, paint, and lubricate equipment.
• Conduct shift change by briefing the incoming Equipment Operators of current plant status and issues.
• Assist other classifications as may be required.
• Participate in ongoing training to maintain and enhance skills required to perform all Equipment Operator duties and assist in the training of others.
• Conduct and assist OJT instruction of other operators and/or trainees.
• Maintain housekeeping standards in all areas of the plant, as required.

Any combination equivalent to, but not limited to, the following:

• High School degree or equivalent education.
• Valid Driver's License
• 1 year experience operating and/or performing maintenance on equipment such as engines, generators, boilers, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, fuel, or chemical and water systems.
• An Associate's degree in an industrial related field.

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three - seven prior years of experience related to power plant operation and maintenance, generators, boilers, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries fuel, chemical, and…