Power Plant Mechanic

Fremont; Fremont (NE); On-site; USD 53,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Fremont is seeking a skilled journey level worker for a municipal electric generation plant. The role involves maintaining and repairing pumps, valves, and boiler equipment using precision tools, welding, and fabrication.

You may lead a crew or work independently with supervision as needed. The job requires high school graduation or GED with mechanical trades experience and the ability to read blueprints, sketches, and diagrams.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED with mechanical trades courses.
• Experience in building and mechanical trades in a plant setting preferred.
• Ability to read sketches, diagrams, blueprints and fabricate parts.

Responsibilities

• Use tools to repair and maintain pumps, valves, and plant equipment.
• Install, inspect, and overhaul equipment and components.
• Diagnose issues in auxiliary equipment and perform repairs.
• Fabricate pipes and lines and weld where required.
• Operate machining and fabrication equipment safely.

Skills

Power plant knowledge

Precision measurement

Safety practices

Mechanical troubleshooting

Blueprint interpretation

Education

High school or GED + courses in mechanical trades

Tools

Machining equipment

Lathe

Welding equipment

Dye penetrant/ultrasonic inspection tools

Job description

Pay Range: $38.52 - $54.20

NATURE OF WORK

This is skilled journey level work in the building and mechanical trades at a municipal electric generation plant.

Work involves responsibility for the application of mechanical and industrial trade skills required to maintain and repair power plant buildings, machinery, equipment, and support systems. Work also involves performing independently or as a member of a crew, depending on the nature of the task. The incumbent in this classification exercises technical independence in determining work methods and procedures to complete assignments within the context of policies, procedures and regulations. Special tasks are performed under close supervision. Supervision is received from an administrative superior with work being reviewed through inspections and discussion. Supervision may be exercised over employees of a lower classification acting as a lead worker.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following examples of work are illustrative only and are not intended to be all inclusive

• Uses manual, bench, machine tools, and precision measurement tools, in the repair and maintenance of pumps, valves, pulverizes, fans, wells, and other plant auxiliary equipment.
• Installs, modifies, inspects, and overhauls equipment.
• Replaces, repairs, and adjusts bearings, shafts, belts, sheaves, and related parts; builds components; maintains and repairs boilers, turbines, and their related equipment.
• Diagnoses and repairs problems in auxiliary equipment such as pumps, blowers, fans, compressors, and ash and dust collection systems.
• Inspects and repairs precipitators and baghouses, rebuilds cylinders and dampers.
• Performs critical coupling and equipment alignment.
• Does static and dynamic balancing on rotating equipment to keep units operating within tolerances.
• Uses vibration analysis equipment to determine issues and perform routine inspections on equipment.
• Lubricate and clean equipment which may require the use of special chemicals and procedures.
• Assists in conducting acceptance and performance tests on new and existing equipment.
• Troubleshoots and repairs problems in steam traps, valves, water level gauge glasses, check valves and flow control valves.
• Fabricate and install water, steam, gas, air, and hydraulic lines.
• Cuts, welds, bends, and threads varying types of pipes, conduit, or copper and plastic tubing, according to accepted practices.
• Ability to operate machining and fabrication equipment including but not limited to lathe, press, brake, welding and cutting machines, and milling machines.
• Fabricates special tools and replacement parts for equipment.
• Performs non‑destructive inspection using dye penetrants, and ultrasonic and magnetic particle inspection equipment.
• Performs various cutting and welding tasks on boilers, coal handling equipment, and other plant equipment, and structures using various types of electric and gas welding and cutting equipment.
• Operates heavy motorized equipment and other special equipment as tasks require.
• May serve as the lead worker of a crew when designated.
• Prepares accurate records required for documentation and preventive maintenance.
• Ability to input information in various electronic formats.
• Performs other work which is consistent with the essential functions of the job and other duties as assigned.
• Implements and follows the Lockout/Tagout safety program, assists in the development of procedures for specific equipment and works on related plant safety issues.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Considerable knowledge of materials, methods, procedures, tools, and equipment appropriate to the maintenance and operation of a power plant.
• Understanding and adherence of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in a power plant.
• Ability to use precision measuring tools.
• Ability to perform a variety of mechanical tasks; to detect defects in equipment and to make proper repairs and/or adjustments; and to work rotating shifts as required.
• Ability to understand and work from oral and written instructions, work from sketches, diagrams, schematics, blueprints, and fabricate new parts from broken parts.
• Skill in the use of tools, materials, and equipment used in the building and mechanical trades.
• Ability to safely operate Power Industrial Vehicles (PIV) including but not limited to forklift, pallet jack, scissor lift, skid steer, crane and aerial lift devices.
• Ability to learn and utilize various computer software programs necessary to perform the job and record information.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
• Employees must be willing to be trained on and retain the knowledge to safely work in a complex electric generating plant.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or equivalent GED supplemented by courses in the mechanical trades; considerable experience in the building and mechanical trades, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, abilities, and skills to perform the job functions.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee must possess and maintain a valid Nebraska Driver’s License when operating a vehicle.
• When operating equipment that falls under the Nebraska Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) status, the employee is required to possess and maintain the proper license and endorsements as a mandatory condition of employment (Employee will have 6 months to obtain the certification if they currently do not possess one).

Employee must reside within the current residency requirements.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an outdoor/indoor environment under varying weather conditions with temperatures ranging from below zero to above 100 degrees.
• Some occasional exposure to fumes, high noise levels, chemicals, working at heights and in confined spaces, fall hazards, hazardous materials, dust, and paint.
• Interaction with co-workers is an everyday occurrence and requires the ability to direct, negotiate, and mediate.
• Hours of work may vary and involve late hours, weekends and rotating shifts, and the employee must be able to responds to after-hour calls.
• Work may involve lifting, climbing, and carrying of equipment and materials up to 40-60 lbs.
• Work will require the use of Personal Protective Equipment.
• Other hazards that may be encountered are high traffic areas where trucks, loaders, and rail cars are moving and being loaded or unloaded.
• Working with components and equipment that utilize high pressure steam and hydraulics.