Plant Operator

BHE Renewables; City of Plattsburgh (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BHE Renewables is seeking a Plant Operator to safely operate and monitor plant equipment outside the control room, recording data, and reporting anomalies. The role includes assisting with startup, operation, and shutdown of equipment, and training new crewmembers where needed.

The successful candidate will perform routine maintenance, read meters, and communicate daily actions to the control operator. A high school diploma and power plant knowledge are required.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED, with typical power plant knowledge.
• Minimum one year of outside operator experience preferred in plant operations.
• Proficient with basic PC software (spreadsheets, word processing, databases).
• Able to work rotating 12-hour shifts and read/interpret safety and operating docs.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities are essential.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and monitor plant equipment outside the control room.
• Record operational data and report abnormalities.
• Coordinate, direct, and train new crewmembers as required.
• Perform routine maintenance and housekeeping tasks.
• Read meters and gauges to verify plant conditions.
• Initiate work orders and communicate daily actions to the control operator.
• Provide precise reports and communicate clearly via radio/telephone.
• Assist in startup, operation, and shutdown of equipment including turbines.

Skills

Power plant operations

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Rotating shift work

Record keeping

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

PC literacy

Job description

Responsible for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the plant and process facilities. Responsible for operating and monitoring plant equipment outside of the control room; recording operational data and reporting any abnormalities; and performing minor maintenance tasks. The plant operator also assists in coordinating, directing and training new crewmembers. All duties are performed in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines and operating directives in effect. Work is performed with minimal supervision and direction from the control operator.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and support all company safety and environmental rules, policies and procedures
• Perform a variety of chemical analysis, including obtaining samples, performing the analysis and interpreting the results of the analysis
• Inspect and monitor equipment to detect malfunctions, need for repair, adjustments or lubrication
• Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify plant-operating conditions
• Records and uses equipment data to make necessary control changes in plant equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant
• Assist in start-up, operation and shutdown of all equipment, including starting and stopping turbines, synchronizing, monitoring alarms, responding to trips and maintaining a safe working environment
• Perform minor maintenance, housekeeping, preservation tasks and emergency repairs
• Accurately record and communicate daily operations and maintenance actions taken during a shift to control operator and shift relief
• Conduct training for others in areas such as safety, equipment operations and environmental procedures
• Initiate work orders as needed
• Operates plant vehicles, forklift and personnel cart
• Responsible for progressing in the company-training program and assisting others
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (Typically, one year of demonstrated knowledge of power plant operation and outside operator job skills or equivalent education and experience is required for candidate applying for this position who do not possess a high school or general education degree)
• Minimum of one year of demonstrated outside operator experience with knowledge of power plant operations and outside operator job skills preferred
• Knowledge of personal computer software applications, including spreadsheet, word processing and database
• Ability to work a rotating 12 hour shift schedule
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence accurately
• Ability to speak effectively, use acceptable telephone and radio etiquette necessary to communicate needed plant responses
• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts including percentages, area, circumference and volume
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
• Effective ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Must have a valid driver's license

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.