Fuel Handler (Power Plant)

About the role

This is semi-skilled and heavy manual work in the handling of coal and other bulk material at the municipal electric power plant. Work involves responsibility for the performance of a variety of duties in the operation and maintenance of transporting bulk material. Work also involves the operation of heavy equipment to move, load and unload coal and combustion residual products. The equipment may include but is not limited to wheel loaders, rail car mover, road grader, skid steer, water truck, dump truck, and cranes. Work is reviewed while in progress and through observation of results obtained. Supervision is received from an administrative superior.

Responsibilities

• Operates coal handling equipment and controls conveyor systems to transport and pile coal for use in boilers of generating equipment; operates rail car mover to position rail cars over unloading pits.
• Starts and controls conveyors to transport bulk material to and from pits, bunkers, and storage piles.
• Operate equipment to move, shape and/or compact storage piles.
• Performs maintenance on bulk material handling equipment and assists in the maintenance of plant equipment and structures including but not limited to: cooling tower, boilers, turbines, steam and water lines.
• Maintains the bottom ash equipment; removes ash, repair valves, screens, and water nozzles as needed on the dewatering and settling tanks.
• Performs other work which is consistent with the essential functions of the job and other duties as assigned.
• Implements and follows the Lockout/Tagout safety program, assists in the development of procedures for specific equipment and works on related plant safety issues.

Qualifications

Graduation (diploma) from an accredited high school or equivalent GED plus some experience in a mechanical and laboring capacity; or any other equivalent combination of training and experience that provides an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Knowledge, abilities and skills

• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance requirements of motorized heavy equipment which is used in a coal fired electric power plant.
• Knowledge of the hazards and safety precautions of work involved in the operation of a coal fired electric power plant.
• Knowledge of plant equipment and structures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work rotating shifts.
• Skill in the use and operation of assigned equipment.
• Ability to safely operate Power Industrial Vehicles (PIV), including but not limited to forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift, skid steer, crane and aerial lift devices.
• Ability to learn and utilize various computer software programs necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Employees must be willing to be trained on and retain the knowledge to safely work in a complex electric generating plant.
• Mechanical skills needed to perform minor maintenance of heavy motorized equipment.
• Ability to perform maintenance of bulk handling equipment, conveyors, crushers.

Pay

Wage Range: $35.79 - $109,993

Schedule

• Hours of work may vary and involve late hours, weekends and rotating shifts, and the employee must be able to respond to after-hour calls.
• Work is performed in an outdoor/indoor environment under varying weather conditions with temperatures ranging from below zero to above 100 degrees.

Working conditions

• Some occasional exposure to fumes, high noise levels, chemicals, working at heights and in confined spaces, fall hazards, hazardous materials, dust, and paint.
• Hazards include working around equipment and railroad cars.
• Interaction with co-workers is an everyday occurrence and requires the ability to direct, negotiate, and mediate.
• Work may involve lifting, climbing, and carrying of equipment and materials up to 40-60 lbs.
• Work will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Special requirements

• Employee must possess and maintain a valid Nebraska Driver's License when operating a vehicle.
• When operating equipment that falls under the Nebraska Commercial Driver's License (CDL) status, the employee is required to possess and maintain the proper license and endorsements as a mandatory condition of employment.
• Must meet current residency requirements.