WTE Power Plant Operator

City of Spokane; Spokane (WA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Power Plant Operator to oversee the efficient operation of a waste-to-energy plant. In this role, you will monitor and control critical equipment, ensuring safety and compliance with environmental standards. Your expertise will contribute to maximizing power generation while managing in-plant power consumption. Join a dynamic team where your technical skills and commitment to safety will play a vital role in delivering sustainable energy solutions. This position offers opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Power Plant Operator or equivalent.
• Completion of relevant coursework may substitute for experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control boiler and turbine operations for efficiency.
• Train and direct plant personnel in safe operations.

Skills

Boiler Operation

Power Generation

Safety Compliance

Technical Troubleshooting

Data Monitoring

Education

High School Diploma

90 Quarter or 60 Semester Credits in Physical Science or Engineering

Tools

Nondestructive Testing Equipment

Job description

Performs supervisory and technical work monitoring and controlling boiler, turbine, and auxiliary waste to energy (WTE) plant equipment from the control room on an assigned shift.

Maintains safe, efficient and productive boiler operation, including combustion; maximizes power generation and manages in-plant power consumption; operates plant within all applicable permits.

Monitors and inspects plant operational and emissions data; detects and responds to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency.

Adjusts manual controls or overrides automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, switch to backup equipment or systems, or to shut down equipment. Inspects equipment to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.

Oversees the operation of plant equipment; dispatches Assistant Plant Operators and Utility Operators for local monitoring. Works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems, ascertain probable cause, and perform basic maintenance tasks. Coordinates, directs, and trains subordinates as required.

Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify operating conditions. Records data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operation, fuel consumed, temperature or pressure, water levels, analysis of flue gases, voltage load and generator balance. Records operation and maintenance actions taken during shift in operator’s logbook.

Directs plant personnel in the safe operation of plant equipment and casualty control measures.

Conducts nondestructive testing of boiler tubes.

Performs tasks as required to comply with safety and environmental standards, including but not limited to fire watch, confined space attendant, confined space entrant, chemical spill response.

Performs related work as required.

Open Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: Two years of experience as a Power Plant Operator or equivalent position in the operation of a solid waste combustion facility or in occupations concerned with the design, start-up, or operation of boilers, steam turbines, or related machinery which supply power or steam to an industrial, maritime, or commercial process or facility.
• Substitution:Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university in courses closely related to physical science or engineering may substitute for one year of the required experience.

License and Certification:

• All applicants must possess a valid driver’s license.
• All applicants hired must obtain a valid Provisional Certification under the ASME QRO Certification for Operators of Resource Recovery Facilities program, as well as required local, state and federal licenses, within the probationary period.

NOTE: Individuals in this classification must successfully complete the WTE Power Plant Operator training program and additional required environmental, health, and safety training (as designated on the Environmental Training Matrix and the Training Requirements spreadsheet) within their probationary period.

For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

EXAMINATION DETAILS:

The examination will consist of a T&E and an online, multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 70%
• T&E Examination 30%
  

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION DETAILS:

The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online, at the time of application.

• Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
  

ONLINEEXAMINATION DETAILS:

The online examination will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.

Multiple-choice examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane ([e-mail]).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, May 5, 2025, and Monday, May 19, 2025, will test Thursday, May 22, 2025, through Monday, May 26, 2025.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 2 hours complete the examination. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Safety
• Blueprint/Schematic Reading
• Steam, Turbines, and Combustion
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status or disability status. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.