Power Plant Specialist Senior - Electrical Craft

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 61,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Austin is seeking a Power Plant Technician Sr. to troubleshoot and repair complex electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation/control equipment at Decker Power Plant, Austin, TX.

This essential role requires mastery in one craft and ability to operate power plant equipment with strict safety and procedural compliance. Responsibilities include overseeing startup procedures, reading logs, maintaining equipment, and leading maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent; four years' maintenance/operations craft experience.
• An Associate's degree may substitute for two years of experience.
• Preferred: high voltage certification within six months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Estimates startup times for idle generation units and brings units online.
• Implements loading changes for turbine/generator from the DCS or other control systems.
• Install, repair and maintain plant mechanical equipment including turbines, pumps, piping, boilers and related systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment, test protection circuits and relays.
• Install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation and control systems on boilers, turbines, and generators.

Skills

Electrical maintenance

Mechanical maintenance

Instrumentation

DCS operation

Troubleshooting complex equipment

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree substitution

Tools

DCS console

Electrical testing devices

Measuring instruments

Job description

About This Position Under minimal supervision, troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment problems requiring mastery in one of the following areas: is a demonstrated ability in maintenance of electrical, mechanical, or instrumentation/control equipment, ability to operate power plant equipment and provide and utilized appropriate documentation and system updates of work orders. Develop work plans by researching and determining operational or equipment repair requirements. The “Power Plant Technician Sr.” position requires demonstrated mastery in one Craft.

Job Description:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

OPERATIONS Craft:

• Estimates starting time for the idle generation units and follows prescribe startup procedures to bring units on line at a specified time.
• Implements the Changes the loading of turbine/generator as required from the DCS (Distributed Control System) console or through other electronic control systems.
• Reads meters and records data at specified intervals in appropriate logs and computers and interprets results from the readings.

MECHANICAL Craft:

• Responsible for installing, repairing and maintaining structural or mechanical equipment at the plant including, turbines; pumps; piping systems; boilers; cooling towers; condensers; scrubber; pressure vessels; and all other associated systems and equipment to maintain efficient plant production of electrical energy.
• Performs or directs millwright functions in setting up; aligning; balancing; and testing various machinery and equipment, such a turbines; pumps; shafts; bearings; gearboxes; and valves.
• Work with precision tools and instruments within close tolerances to maintain precision alignment and balance which is critical for maximum life and performance of machinery and equipment.
• Evaluate the measurements to ensure they meet designed tolerances.

ELECTRICAL Craft:

• Troubleshoot, maintain, repair, program, and replace complex electrical equipment, A/C and D/C control circuits, magnetic starters, interlock systems, and alarms, to ensure reliable and safe electric generation.
• Maintain and calibrate electrical equipment such as circuit breakers, main generator, voltage regulator, exciter, protection circuits and relays, in plant transformers, bushings, transfer switches, and other electrical devices.
• Set up and test various electrical equipment with the use of special testing devices to measure voltage, current, and resistance or locate faults, malfunctions, or device failures.

INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL Craft:

• Responsible for installing, calibrating, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining protective circuits, computers, metering, monitoring, and control systems on boilers, turbines, generators, and plant auxiliary equipment.
• Remove, dismantle; clean; maintain; and assemble instruments and replace defective components.
• Perform in shop bench work and component troubleshooting on instrumentation.
• Reads, and interprets electric generating plants piping & instrument diagrams, wiring and logic diagrams to locate, identify, troubleshoot, and repair plant systems, instrumentation interlocks, etc.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Provides leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of lock out/tag out procedures for removing equipment from service for maintenance. Knowledge of proper methods and procedures used in cleaning work area and equipment. Knowledge of applicable procedures, methods, equipment, tools, and materials involved in the operations, maintenance and repair of large equipment. Knowledge of safety rules, codes and regulations applicable when working on or near energized electrical systems, steam systems, and high‑pressure water systems. Ability to make accurate gauge readings. Skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with other City employees and the public. Skill in performing basic mathematical calculations. Skills for mastery in one maintenance craft or in the operations craft. Ability to reference/interpret technical manuals sufficient to perform job tasks. Ability to work in extreme environments. (Hot or Cold) Ability to climb ladders and work in a noisy environment. Ability to lift 50 pounds. Ability to wear a respirator where work environment requires. Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts if work assignment requires. Ability to sit in front of a computer control console for a 12 hour shift if work assignment requires. Ability to use various hand and power tools. Ability to train others and assign work.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years' experience performing a maintenance or operations craft in a power plant or heavy industrial environment.
• Graduation with an Associate's degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• High voltage certified or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Experience working with SEL relays.
• Experience interpreting wiring diagrams.
• Experience performing electrical maintenance craft in a power plant or heavy industrial environment.
• Experience with diagnostic and test equipment used in high‑voltage troubleshooting.
• Experience with substation equipment, breakers, transformers and switchgear.

Notes to Candidate:

• Maintaining and repairing electrical equipment associated with the plant.
• Taking and maintaining plant battery readings.
• Working with the other maintenance groups as directed.
• Performing scheduled maintenance on plant equipment.
• Troubleshooting and repairing plant equipment as required.
• Perform work on equipment with voltage up to 13.8kv.
• Work with grounding devices to ground out transformers.
• Perform safe isolation of equipment in accordance with plant lock out tag out procedure.
• This is an considered Essential position in Austin Energy and you will be required to work during emergent situations.
• Work overtime to include weekend and holidays.
• Working in a hazardous environment that includes natural gas, water treatment chemicals and high voltage electricity.
• Ability to work in extreme environments. (Hot or Cold)
• Ability to climb ladders and work off of raised platforms in a noisy environment.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear a respirator where work environment requires.

Work Schedule:

Monday – Friday, 0700-1600. This position is essential to the City of Austin and may require weekends and overnight hours.

Work Location:

Decker Power Plant, 8003 Decker Ln., Austin, TX

Pay Range:

$44.53 (min) to $56.78 (mid) per hour

This has been designated as an Essential Employee position. In the event of a City-designated emergency, Essential Employees provide services that impact the public health, safety, utility services, and welfare of members of the Austin community and other employees and ensure the continuity of essential operations. In such an emergency, Essential Employees may be called back in, may be required to modify their schedule, may be assigned to a City-designated work site, or may be retained on site to assist with operations and recovery. Work hours may include evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call assignments, call back, and additional hours outside the regular schedule. Shifts may change based on departmental or business needs. This position is eligible for on-call and call back pay, as applicable. Employees are required to follow all applicable City policies, procedures, and work rules related to on-call and call back assignments.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer— we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.