Operator Helper

About the role

Under supervision, perform semi-skilled manual work in connection with an entry level position in power plant operation.

What you'll do

• Assist equipment operators while learning plant operation duties
• Isolate, clean, open, replace, inspect, close and return to service plant equipment
• Isolate equipment and place/remove clearance tags in the plant and switchyard
• Operate, regulate, adjust, clean and perform minor maintenance on plant auxiliary systems
• Monitor and inspect all plant equipment for normal operation; identify and report abnormal conditions and write work orders
• Operate, clean, service and lubricate portable power driven tools and equipment
• Maintain tools, equipment and work areas in a clean and orderly condition
• Utilize portable meters, analyzers and equipment to conduct tests and monitoring
• Lubricate and check lubrication equipment; adjust packing glands as necessary; perform necessary operative maintenance using appropriate hand tools
• Operate oil filtering equipment
• Erect and remove simple scaffolding and rigging
• Perform routine cleaning of plant areas and equipment, including outside areas
• Load, unload, move and handle materials, supplies and equipment; open boxes, barrels, bags and other materials using material handling equipment
• Monitor water chemistry as required; maintain water pH and follow EPA guidelines
• Assist in preparing boilers and auxiliaries for operation and removal from service
• Monitor coal feed to mills and burners and observe conditions of fires and furnaces (if applicable)
• Hand lance slag in boilers, hand-operate soot blowers, unplug ash lines, dispose of clinkers and similar work
• Use flow diagrams to identify system piping and equipment and revise prints as required
• Make required equipment checks and assist in performing tests and preparing related reports, graphs and curves
• Perform duties in accordance with safety rules, operating regulations and practices; report unsafe conditions and practices
• Train for and carry out assignments in firefighting, first aid and other emergency response programs
• Perform other job duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Two year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology or equivalent
• Equivalent combinations: Associates degree in another discipline with two years of related work experience; OR high school diploma with four years of related work experience; OR high school diploma with two years of related military experience
• Successful completion of the Plant Operator Selection System (POSS) is required
• Appropriate State driver's license
• Must satisfactorily complete all required training to advance to Equipment Operator within established time frames
• Must gain a working knowledge of all applicable operating instructions and procedures
• Must successfully qualify for Equipment Operator 1st Yr. within three months
• Must be available to work rotating shifts, holidays, weekends and call-out

Physical requirements

• Climb ladders and stairs multiple times each day
• Use fine dexterity to move switches and controls to precise locations
• Detect color on alarms, equipment and other devices
• Hear announcements on the Plant PA system and abnormal sounds of plant equipment
• Communicate plant information by phone, in person or by radio
• Work on heights, grating, platforms and catwalks
• Exert up to 50 lbs of pressure to manually turn off valves
• Stand or walk continuously for up to 8 hours
• Medium Work: exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds constantly

Pay

$30.76 per hour