Control Room Operator

Job Summary

The person holding this position is responsible during his/her shift for all personnel and equipment involved in the safe and efficient production of steam and electricity. He or she leads in the coordination, monitoring and controlling all on-shift operations. As the senior individual on duty, he or she has the responsibility and authority to take whatever action may be necessary to protect people, environment, and equipment.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensures that all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures are followed and takes corrective actions as necessary
• Aids the Operations Supervisor to plan, direct and perform housekeeping duties
• Oversees all station operations, including startup, shutdown, inspection, routine chemical testing, all switching and tagging, equipment troubleshooting, writes, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures
• Aids the Operations Supervisor in maintaining administrative documents, generating reports and initiating action to replenish consumables
• Provides feedback to the Operations Supervisor regarding the technical and administrative conduct of shift operations
• Aids in the development and implementation of the planned daily operations schedule
• Aids the Operation Supervisor in the planning of routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment
• Supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment
• Communicates with other company personnel on-site and at other locations. Represents the company in dealing with the public, steam and power customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and other non-company personnel
• Maximizes plant efficiency and shareholder value without compromising personnel and equipment safety, environmental compliance, or the long-term commercial viability of the facility
• Available for scheduled and unscheduled shift coverage, performs tasks that require physical exertion and is expected to respond to off-hour call-ins when contacted by phone or company furnished pager or cell phone
• Establishes and maintains high personal and professional standards of safety and environmental conscientiousness and compliance
• Supports all departments and performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Three (3) years of power plant experience in operations and maintenance, including experience as a qualified O&M Tech III

Preferred Other Qualifications

• Experience with wood fired steam turbine electrical generation

Other Requirements

• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license
• Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, and first aid
• Basic knowledge of or ability to understand fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, chemistry, water treatment process, thermal dynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow
• Demonstrated knowledge regarding operation of valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants
• Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill and prior hands-on operational experience relating to instrumentation and control systems used in modern power stations, including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, machine condition monitoring and continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS)
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill and prior hands-on operational experience relating to electrical systems used in modern power stations, including 13.8KV switchgear and motors, 4160-volt switchgear and motors, 480-volt motors and control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters and chargers, main generator, and excitation equipment
• Outstanding skill in leadership and interpersonal relationships

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Sit, stand, or walk for a minimum of 8-hour shifts, including walking long distances, up and down stairs and on uneven ground
• Frequently lift objects of up to 75 pounds in weight and carry objects of up to 35 pounds in weight
• Occasionally the employee will have to push or pull objects of up to 70 pounds in weight
• Frequently climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or occasionally, crawl
• Talk & hear; use hands & fingers; handle & feel; and able to reach with hands and arms extensively
• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery and burns
• Exposed to protected and unprotected heights, which requires the use of a personal fall protection system (harness/lifeline)
• Occasionally exposed to vibration and fumes or airborne particles which will require the use of personal protective equipment including respirators; flame retardant clothing; self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), etc.
• Enter and work in confined space areas

Additional Information

• Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned.
• This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.
• PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS
  At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity, employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable federal and/or state laws.