Watch Engineer

Calpine; New York (NY); On-site; USD 101,942 - 104,697; Full time

Job summary

Calpine is seeking a Watch Engineer to operate plant equipment at the JFK Energy Center. You will manage start-ups, startups/shutdowns, and emergency operations while maintaining safe, efficient and economical plant performance.

You will direct operators, train apprentices, maintain logs, and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols. Applicants should have a high school diploma and relevant licenses with at least one year of experience in a similar role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with refrigeration and boiler licenses recommended.
• Experience as Watch Engineer or assistant/watch engineer and one year in a similar role.
• Knowledge of operating procedures, rules and instructions for plant duties.
• Understanding of major plant equipment and startup/shutdown procedures.
• Ability to read, interpret blueprints and vendor manuals; report and document records.

Responsibilities

• Operate control panels during startup, shutdown, and emergencies to keep safe operations.
• Synchronize and parallel generators to regulate voltage, frequency and load.
• Direct and train equipment operators and apprentices on site.
• Maintain logs, prepare reports and troubleshoot operational issues.
• Adhere to safety, environmental procedures and lockout/tagout practices.
• Perform emergency operations during trips and abnormal conditions.

Skills

Operate plant equipment

Troubleshoot & diagnose

Supervisory responsibilities

Safety procedures

Reading blueprints

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

NYC & Federal Refrigeration Licenses and NYC Boiler License

Tools

Vendor service manuals

Job description

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Manager, Operations and in accordance with standing orders, operate plant equipment as necessary during normal and emergency operating conditions to ensure a safe and economical operation.

Job Responsibilities

• Operate control panels during start-up, shutdown, normal, and emergency operations on the gas turbine, heat recovery steam generators, high-temperature hot water generators, electric driven chillers, and other major equipment in accordance with operating procedures and instructions to maintain a safe and efficient operation.
• Synchronize and parallel generator to regulate voltage, frequency and load.
• Perform and direct operational tests.
• Direct Equipment Operators and/or Apprentices to place equipment in or out of service. Provide on-the-job training to assigned personnel.
• Work within and ensure strict adherence to all safety and environmental procedures. Lock out and tag out equipment to ensure a safe work environment for plant personnel working on equipment. Prepare equipment and make ready for service after repairs are complete.
• Maintain operational logs and prepare reports as directed by the Operations Manager. Report any abnormal or irregular conditions that develop during the progress of the work and take corrective measures within the scope of operating instructions.
• Perform troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs to correct the cause of any operational abnormality or problem.
• Perform emergency operations during unit trips and abnormal operating conditions to place plant equipment in a safe operating condition.
• Perform/Direct housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean safe work environment and professional appearance.
• Perform other tasks as directed by the Operations Manager.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the essential functions of the job and are not to be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Job Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent experience, Recommended NYC & Federal Refrigeration Licenses and NYC Boiler License.
• Must meet (Completed) all the Watch Engineer, Assistant Watch Engineers and Apprentice requirements as outlined in the JFK Energy Center. Must have had at least one year's experience as an Assistant Watch Engineer or equivalent.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of established operating procedures, rules and instructions pertaining to the duties to be performed.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of the function and operation of major plant equipment. Must know the full procedure for starting up and shutting down the gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators, high temperature hot water generators, chillers and other major equipment.
• Must be able to give, receive and execute orders with accuracy. Must be capable of assuming the supervisory responsibilities related to the work he/she will perform.
• Must be able to troubleshoot and diagnose problems in systems, read and interpret blueprints, equipment specifications, and vendor service manuals. Ability to understand, develop and/or complete records and reports as required.
• Must be cooperative with those he/she contacts in this work (Co-Worker, Terminal Operators, Port Authority Personnel and General Public) and have the ability to work without direct supervision.
• Must know the hazards involved and the safety precautions to be practiced in the operations/maintenance of power plant equipment and machinery. Work within and insure strict adherence to all safety procedures.
• The Watch Engineer must be able to climb at least 50 feet of rung ladder to access scaffolding, platforms, and other plant sites. Must be able to lift and carry heavy objects. Must be able to distinguish colors and perceive depth. Ability to remain alert during extended working hours. Ability to be fitted with full-faced respirator or ability to use a self‑contained breathing apparatus. Ability to work in confined spaces.
• Ability to drive a company vehicle. Must possess a valid driver's license. Ability to learn new skills and knowledge. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by plant conditions.
• All employees will participate in the fitness for duty program which includes pre-employment physical examination and drug screening.

Salary Information

• Hourly Rate: $75.03 per CBA

Additional Calpine Information

• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e‑mail with your request to [e-mail]. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case‑by‑case basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity

• Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.
• This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
• For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
• Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP.