POWER PLANT OPERATOR

Open competitive recruitment; open to all qualified candidates. Tentative examination phases: blind application and supplemental scoring (week of 11/30/26), followed by oral examination (week of 12/07/26). Dates may change; candidates who pass each phase will be notified of official dates.

Under supervision, on an assigned shift, assists in the general operation of a turbo electric generating plant and is responsible for the operation of boiler controls and/or plant auxiliaries; performs related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Operates plant equipment; stands watch at boiler controls
• Makes regular rounds to attend to operation of plant auxiliary equipment
• Adjusts load and voltages of electric generators
• Lubricates machinery and maintains lubrication records
• Operates water treatment equipment; makes tests on plant waters
• Adds chemical treatment to boilers, feed water, and cooling water
• Makes frequent inspections of plant equipment
• Reports abnormal conditions to Power Plant Shift Supervisor and takes corrective action
• Closely observes plant instrumentation and maintains operational standards
• Makes adjustments to plant equipment including packing on valves, gauge glasses, and pumps
• Enters required and pertinent data on logs
• Calculates plant fuel consumption
• Keeps records, and files plant operating records and charts
• Closely monitors burners, furnaces, and settings; cleans and adjusts burners
• Keeps control room and assigned areas clean and orderly
• Assists in maintenance work when operating assignments are not required
• Assists in training new Power Plant Operators and Utility Workers
• Drives on City business

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of construction details and operating characteristics of steam turbo electric plants
• Knowledge of principles of combustion and water treatment
• Knowledge of the boiler safety orders of the State of California
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions and compliance with safe operating practices
• Ability to operate high pressure boilers
• Ability to make accurate observations and recordings
• Ability to accurately evaluate emergency conditions and take immediate corrective action
• Ability to work on a rotating shift or relief shift
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and fellow employees

Education and Training

Graduation from high school or equivalent; two years experience associated with high-pressure boilers (a minimum of 400 psi and a minimum of 100,000 pounds steam per hour in steam electric, mechanical drive, or marine propulsion service) and steam plant auxiliaries; or completion of a Power Plant Operator Trainee program.

Special Conditions and Requirements

Employees in this classification who are required by applicable laws and regulations to have respiratory protection shall comply with the American National Standards Institute's requirements on Practices for Respiratory Protection.

License and Certificates

A valid California Class "C" driver's license or equivalent at time of appointment.