Operator Helper

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Assist equipment operators while learning job duties, including:
• 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 to the proper authority 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 and perform 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, as assigned.
• 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 as applicable.
• 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, and dispose of clinkers.
• 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 the Company's 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 as required.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Education: Two-year Associate degree in power plant technology, industrial technology, engineering technology, or equivalent. Equivalent includes:
  • Associate degree in another discipline and 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.
• Possess an appropriate State driver's license.
• Must satisfactorily complete all required training to advance to Equipment Operator, including gaining 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, and weekends as required.
• Must be available for call-out.

Physical Demands

• 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.
• Able to stand or walk continuously for up to 8 hours.
• Physical Demand Level: 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

• Operator Helper: $30.76 per hour
• Equipment Operator (after 1st year): $35.80 per hour

Benefits

AEP offers a unique, comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of employees.

Location

Tulsa, OK