Plant Operator I (Smithland Hydroelectric Facility)

American Municipal Power, Inc; Smithland (KY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

American Municipal Power, Inc. seeks a Plant Operator I for the Smithland Hydroelectric Facility in Smithland, KY. This full-time role reports to the Operations and Maintenance Supervisor and will operate from the Smithland facility, monitoring unit performance and coordinating daily plant activities.

You will handle control room operations, routine maintenance, and safety procedures, while ensuring regulatory compliance and accurate record-keeping. Experience with PLCs is a plus.

Qualifications

• Two-year technical degree in Engineering Technology or two years of plant operations/maintenance experience.
• Ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and schematics.
• Knowledge of control devices and metering systems used in power plants.
• Experience with PLCs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor hydroelectric units from the control room.
• Coordinate unit start/stop and discharge rates.
• Maintain upstream pool in coordination with the Army Corps of Engineers.
• Record hourly readings: flow, temperatures, DO, and metering.
• Perform routine plant maintenance and assist with equipment upkeep.
• Manage daily log and work orders in Maximo system.
• Address alarms and faults from control switchboard promptly.

Skills

Control room ops

Manuals & schematics

Problem solving

Mechanical skills

Team collaboration

Education

Two-year technical degree in Engineering Technology

Tools

Programmable logic controllers (PLC)

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Plant Operator I (Smithland Hydroelectric Facility)

Smithland Full Time Regular Smithland, KY, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 2331

AMERICAN MUNICIPAL POWER, INC.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position will report out of the Smithland Hydroelectric Facility

Reports To:Operations and Maintenance Supervisor

FLSA Status:Non-Exempt

Basic Functions:Responsible for the overall daily monitoring and maintenance of the hydroelectric plan.

Essential Functions:

1. Functions as a control room operator. Assists or performs the responsibilities associated with starting and stopping units, coordinating unit discharge rates, monitoring and maintaining upstream pool in cooperation with the Army Corps of Engineers, records and reports operating information such as hourly readings of distribution metering, river flow, unit blade positions, unit temperatures, and dissolved oxygen monitoring equipment.


2. Cleans debris from intake racks utilizing the trash rake, log grabber and other equipment to provide for the maximum head for the units.


3. Acknowledges and responds to faults or alarms from the plant control switchboard and takes appropriate action to clear the associated alarms.


4. Assists in the performance of plant maintenance on equipment throughout the plant and transmission line including, but not limited to pumps, motors, fans, valves, instrumentation, transmission line poles and substations.


5. Assists with the operation of the oil purification system on a scheduled basis.


6. Prepares and updates the daily log of work performed including creating, performing and updating work orders and inventory in the Maximo system.


7. Recommends improvements in operation manuals, plant procedures, preventive maintenance plans, and plant safety including insuring that supervisor and AMP’s safety staff is aware and has been consulted with regard to ongoing maintenance and outage related work activities of staff and outside contractors. Participates in job hazard analysis and pre and post safety briefings and safety discussions for work activities.


8. Executes established environmental and regulatory compliance procedures, ensuring compliance with various state and federal agencies.


9. Performs work necessary to maintain other plant facilities including cleaning, trash removal and other tasks as assigned.


10. Assists with scheduling and coordinating the delivery of power from the hydroelectric plant to grid and ensures that the maximum power is delivered on a minimal interruption basis.


11. Prepares and updates a daily log of work performed, visitors, and general upkeep of the plant.


12. Picks up and delivers plant equipment supplies as needed.


13. Performs other assigned duties.

Knowledge, Skills, & Qualifications:

1. Two year technical degree; in Engineering technology ; or two years experience in plant operations and/or maintenance or equivalent military experience.


2. Demonstrates working knowledge of plant equipment and principles of operation.


3. Must demonstrate the ability to read instruction manuals, blueprints, and schematics.


4. Must have knowledge of the operation and maintenance of control devices and recording/metering devices common to power plants.


5. Experience with programmable logic controllers is a plus.


6. Must have good problem solving skills, and basic mechanical and electrical skills.


7. Must have the ability to follow complex oral and written instructions and react calmly during plant emergencies.


8. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.