Power Plant Operator

Established in 1858 in Kansas, the Sisters of Charity live their mission in the spirit of their founders, St. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Mother Xavier Ross. The Sisters, as Gospel-centered women, share a tradition of responding to the needs of the time, ministering to the vulnerable and marginalized, and caring for the fragile Earth. They share their mission in partnership and collaboration with those committed to working for peace and justice.

About the role

Serves as a shift operator in the power plant which produces high-pressure steam and chilled water.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain the equipment at the SCL power plant to include high-pressure boilers, mechanical chillers, cooling towers, HVAC, emergency power generation, and related mechanical equipment.
• Adjust gauges and dials, read temperatures, and record output. Perform maintenance as needed.
• Exercise considerable independent judgment to adapt and apply guidelines to specific situations.
• Monitor equipment related to the production of high-pressure steam and chilled water.
• Monitor equipment related to heating, ventilating, and air conditioning.
• Record meter readings. Must be able to do simple math and have legible writing.
• Troubleshoot and perform repairs on related equipment. Must be able to read and understand written instructions from shop drawings, blueprints, equipment manuals, and wiring diagrams.
• Use test equipment related to the repair or testing of related plant equipment.
• Use hand tools and specialized tools required in the repair of related equipment.
• Use a BAS and CMMS computer system to monitor work orders and equipment.
• Maintain a clean and safe plant environment.
• Monitor weather conditions and forecasts to adjust heating or cooling loads.
• Communicate in writing or verbally with manager and other operators to notify of changes or problems in the operation of the plant or equipment.
• Answer office and/or cell phone for service calls and emergencies on campus. Must be able to respond in a timely manner and/or call required personnel to respond.
• Keep accurate records of work requests, the person calling, and the nature of the call.
• Familiar with immediate steam-generating equipment and all pertinent control equipment.
• Carry a company-issued cell phone.
• Perform related work as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Trade school certification in HVAC, electrical, or mechanical equipment preferred.
• Six months to one year of experience with boilers and HVAC systems preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret shop drawings, blueprints, equipment manuals, and wiring diagrams.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of medium-pressure boilers, HVAC equipment, and related mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with electrical, pneumatic, and computer controls for boilers, CMMS, and HVAC systems.
• Understanding of relevant mechanical and electrical systems.
• Awareness of occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions.
• Ability to use hand tools and specialized equipment for maintenance and repair.
• Proficiency with computer equipment for equipment monitoring and control.
• Ability to work around high-voltage equipment and high-pressure piping.
• Ability to read meters and gauges and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to detect operational defects and report them to management.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work with high-voltage equipment and high-pressure piping.
• Frequently bends, stoops, reaches, climbs, or stands for extended periods.
• Must be able to move heavy objects and carry tools that weigh 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to climb on ladders and equipment that are of considerable height.

Working Conditions

• May be exposed to hazardous work environments, including tanks and boiler drums.
• Required to enter spaces that may be damp, poorly lit, or poorly ventilated.
• May encounter unpleasant fumes, odors, toxic chemicals, and fuels that could cause burns.
• Constant exposure to high-temperatures, high-pressure systems, and high-speed rotating equipment.
• Potential exposure to cutting, grinding, or welding operations that could cause burns or eye injuries.
• Work may involve extreme temperature variations in all seasons.