Electric Plant Operator I, Electric Production

City-of-Alexandria,-L; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria seeks a power plant operator to manage routine and moderately complex tasks during the conversion from a steam-driven plant to gas-fueled reciprocating engine generation.

The role involves monitoring equipment, rounds, reporting issues, and assisting in control room operations as engines and boilers are started and shut down. A high school diploma or GED is required, with experience in similar plants and a Louisiana driver’s license at appointment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Experience operating steam-driven and/or reciprocating internal combustion engine power plants.
• Completion of Wartsila gas fueled stationary reciprocating engine/generator training after completion of commercial operations date.

Responsibilities

• Monitor plant equipment and system demands; perform hourly inspection rounds.
• Report malfunctions to supervisor and dispatch appropriate personnel.
• Operate control room equipment; start/stop gas-fueled engines and generators.
• Maintain water quality; take samples and perform routine analysis and chemical treatment as needed.
• Lubricate and service equipment; assist maintenance crew with inspection, overhaul, and repair.
• Enter and manage data on a computer; operate high pressure turbines and associated equipment.
• Paint and clean equipment and plant to maintain appearance and operation.

Skills

Operation of steam-driven power plant

Operation of reciprocating engine

Water quality monitoring

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The purpose of this classification is to perform routine and moderately complex work involved in the daily operation of a steam driven electric power plant being converted to gas fueled reciprocating engine driven generation at this time.

Monitors the equipment and system demands: makes hourly inspection rounds of plant to observe the water level in tower and the operation of a variety of motors, pumps, compressors, fans, condensers, heaters, and gas fueled reciprocating engine driven generation as well as related equipment; reports equipment malfunctions and any other concerns to supervisor.

Tests temperatures of bearings; reads gauges, meters, and recorders; logs required data and reports any unusual readings to supervisorUnder close supervision, brings the gas fueled reciprocating engine driven generation, boilers and turbines on and off line: starts up and shuts down pumps and fans; adjusts flow controls on turbine auxiliary equipment; adjusts load to cover demand.

Performs customer service functions: receives and addresses complaints, questions, and service requests; dispatches the appropriate personnel; logs telephone calls and radio transmissions; records information regarding the situation and action taken to fulfill request.

Operates and maintains equipment: lubricates and services equipment; performs various maintenance tasks; assists the maintenance crew in the inspection, overhaul, and repair of turbine generators and auxiliary equipment; paints and cleans equipment and plant to maintain plant appearance and operation.

Assists in the operation of the control room, gas fueled reciprocating engines and appurtenant generators, high pressure boilers, steam turbines and allied auxiliary equipment.

Under supervision evaluates and maintains water quality: takes water samples; performs routine analysis and administers proper chemical treatment as needed.

Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; operates high pressure steam turbine, electric generator, crane, power tools, high voltage switchgear, pumps, motors, compressors, gas fueled reciprocating engine driven generation, hand tools, grease gun, switchgear motor, hand, power, air and mechanics tools.

High School Diploma or GED; experience in the operation of a steam-driven and/or reciprocating internal combustion engine driven electric utility power plant; or a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

After the commercial operations date of the new units, completion of Wartsila gas fueled stationary reciprocating engine / generator training. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment for this classification.