Coal Plant Operator

Job Purpose

Working together under general supervision coordinate, instruct, train, and check the work of employees responsible for coal handling activities; operate locomotives and railroad cars; operate, inspect and service coal handling equipment; operate car dumpers and their auxiliary equipment; operate ash handling cranes; shift barges and railroad cars; lubricate equipment; 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; interact with station personnel, contractors, and others to perform coal plant operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and lubricate such coal handling equipment as conveyors, trippers, crushers, feeders, breakers, screens, stackers, and loaders, ash and slag handling equipment, dust control equipment and bag houses.
• Shift barges and railroad cars by operating pullers and manipulating cables; operate car heating equipment; inventory railroad cars; act as a weigh master; prepare locomotives for operation and standby, and other related railroad car activities.
• Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturers’ and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P &IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.
• Operate, inspect, and lubricate ash handling cranes, car dumpers and auxiliary equipment, locomotive and gantry cranes, barge unloaders, fuel handling mobile equipment such as tractor-bulldozer-scraper combinations, vacuum trucks, street sweepers, water wagons, backhoes and other mobile equipment.
• Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment under the control of the Coal Operator.
• Maintain records of coal cars, barge movements, and tonnages and input information into computerized system.
• Write work orders and input data into work history file.
• Maintain equipment and working area in a clean condition including shoveling, vacuuming, degreasing, washing, sweeping, and utilize other various cleaning methods.
• Perform electrical disconnect switching and grounding; perform electrical and mechanical operations to place equipment in and out of service safely, for permit work.
• Perform maintenance activity as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts identification and ordering of equipment needed to complete the job.
• Congduct shift change by briefing the incoming Coal Plant Operators of current plant status and issues.
• Adjust belt scrapers, seals, and side skirting; align feeder belts.
• Perform routine equipment testing and maintain environmental logs.
• Monitor equipment condition utilizing control room indication, field devices, and portable test equipment.
• Utilize computer-based management systems as made available for operational and management requirements.
• Assist other job classifications as may be required.

Qualification Guidelines

• High School degree, or equivalent education
• Valid Drivers License

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: - Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn. Three years of previous experience related to power plant operation, maintenance and operating coal handling equipment is strongly preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels. The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb.