Unit Operator - Hugo Power Plant

 

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Shift supervisor, the Unit Operator safely, reliably, and efficiently operates the Hugo Power Plant, including the boiler, turbines, generator and all related auxiliaries under the supervision of operations personnel. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Coordinates with and provides direction and instruction to the Unit Auxiliary Operator, Boiler Auxiliary Operator, and Fuel System Operator to achieve the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant, within guidelines set forth by the Shift Supervisor. Operates the plant systems within established operating guidelines and direction. Makes necessary adjustments to the DCS control system to assure the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the plant to meet demands and conditions. Under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, coordinates start-up operation and shut-down of equipment and systems. Completes required reports, forms, and makes daily log entries. Assists in training other plant personnel. Advises the Shift Supervisor of any unusual conditions, enters maintenance requests as required and keeps the System Operator informed of any plant equipment condition that may limit unit output. Responds to abnormal or emergency situations, and takes prompt and proper action as necessary to protect equipment from damage and personnel from danger or injury. Performs periodic functional tests. Maintains areas of responsibility in a clean, orderly and safe condition. Completes required training within established time frames. Performs Shift Supervisor duties when required. 

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: 

Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others. 

Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity. 

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality. 

Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully. 

Attendance/Punctuality: Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner. 

Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values. 

Dependability: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan. 

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly. 

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.  

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources. 

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required. 

Education and Experience: Requires an Associate's degree with a minimum of three (3) years of experience in power plant operations (turbine/generator and related equipment) or two (2) years at the Unit Auxiliary Operator level. Preferred experience is in a coal fired power plant with a DCS control system. Directly related education may be substituted for experience at a rate of two (2) years of experience for one (1) year of education. Additional site-specific training may be required.  

Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively with other employees. 

Math Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. 

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Computer Skills: Ability to use a personal computer to access the Intranet and use Microsoft Office software and other software programs as required. Also, must be familiar with DCS Control System. 

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This job requires a current driver's license. 

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: This job works a rotating shift schedule that may require overtime and short notice work. May also require travel on short notice. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires climbing ladders and stairs and working on elevated platforms or scaffolding; walking and/or standing for extended periods of time; kneeling, crawling, stooping, bending, or twisting for extended periods of time; pushing, pulling, and reaching above the shoulders; wearing personal safety equipment including breathing apparatus; manual and detailed hand work using both hands and may require repetitive manual tasks. Requires lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of weights equal to 50 pounds or more. Requires quick, calm action in response to emergency situations. Requires vision within normal range. Corrective lens are permitted. Requires hearing within normal range. Hearing aids are permitted.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Requires working in varying weather conditions outside and temperature extremes inside with extreme ranges of humidity or dryness; working in confined spaces for extended periods of time; walking or standing on elevated platforms or working from a ladder, inclined, uneven, or slippery surfaces; working with or near hazardous chemicals, materials, fumes, dust, or smoke; and working in areas of constant high noise and vibration levels.  

Requires working with and near high voltage; working at night inside or outside in all weather conditions; and working inside in a controlled environment. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".