Power Plant Auxiliary Operator

About the Role

This position is located at the Talen Energy Lawrenceburg facility in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The Lawrenceburg Power Plant is a 4-unit, natural gas-fired combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) facility consisting of 4 gas turbines and 2 steam turbines.

Responsibilities

• Perform piping and conduit installation in the plant for system upgrades and modifications.
• Operate demineralizers, compressors, and turbine components.
• Perform Inspection of Watch on each system within the plant.
• Maintain equipment by tightening fittings, replacing valve packing, gaskets, valves, and gauges.
• Clean, replace, oil, and lubricate component parts and equipment as required.
• Read meters, gauges, or automatic devices to record data such as temperature, vibration, hours of operation, pressure, and fluid levels, and water chemistry to verify operating conditions.
• Perform general housekeeping and continuous improvement of the facility, including painting projects.
• Maintain cleanliness of all areas of the plant and control room.
• Perform capital project and/or major program responsibilities as assigned by Plant Management.
• Coordinate purchasing with appropriate personnel and vendors for timely repair of plant equipment.
• Operate and maintain Combined Cycle power generating facility equipment with minimal guidance or assistance.
• Identify and resolve emission monitoring problems (CEMS). Assist in calibrations and gas bottle change outs.
• Keep Manager informed of unusual plant conditions and job progress related to facility operations.
• Order chemicals through established vendors.
• Utilize the facility’s computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Work with the Manager to manage plant inventory and perform audits as needed.
• Open and close circuit breakers for proper system operation and electrical isolation.
• Participate in outage planning and scheduling.
• Assist with development of Operations and Maintenance procedures.
• Assist with administering the Operator training program.
• Assist with performing Root Cause Analysis of failures.
• Operate heavy equipment such as man lifts and forklifts.
• Perform water chemistry analysis on heat recovery system generator (HRSG), auxiliary boiler, and cooling tower systems.
• Ensure water chemistry is within proper control ranges and adjust as needed by controlling chemical feed and/or blowdown rates.
• Work with plant chemist, operations, and water treatment vendor to monitor overall chemistry program.
• Operate demineralized water system in accordance with OEM and plant procedures and monitor water quality.
• Read, understand, and comply with all regulatory procedures and facility safety programs.
• Follow all plant environmental permits.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school preferred.
• Minimum of vocational training and/or mechanical experience; 2-4 years of power plant experience preferred.
• Ability to walk, reach, climb, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to work a 12-hour rotating shift, be available for call-ins, and work overtime as needed.
• Authorized to work in the USA.

Skills

• Knowledge of all facets of power plant operations.
• Ability to make competent decisions in emergency situations.
• Capable of writing operating procedures, work requests, and written records.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel and Word.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical one-lines, logic drawings, technical manuals, and P&IDs.
• Mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical equipment knowledge.
• Adept at troubleshooting and diagnosing problems with mechanical equipment.
• Proficient at repairing, replacing, dismantling, and inspecting defective plant equipment and parts (e.g., pumps, valves, fans, gearboxes, demineralizers, compressors, turbine components).
• Capable of operating welding and cutting equipment and completing metal fabrication projects.
• Proficient in water chemistry.
• Capable of setting up and operating tools such as drill presses, pipe threading machines, grinders, and other equipment for making and repairing parts.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and prescription plans.
• Life insurance and disability insurance.
• Eligibility to participate in Talen Energy’s 401(k) plan.
• Competitive vacation and sick time.