Power Plant Control Room Operator

Job Description

Job Description

The Scrubgrass Generating Plant is located in Kennerdell, Venango County, Pennsylvania.
The facility is designed to convert the bituminous mining refuse (GOB) left over from decades of coal mining in the region into energy. Employing state-of-the art circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler technology, the facility is able to efficiently burn low BTU refuse in an environmentally safe and beneficial manner. Scrubgrass produces approximately 85 megawatts of electricity-enough for about 80,000 homes.
GENERAL SUMMARY
The primary role of the Control Room Operator is to operate the plant from the distributed control system while ensuring that all plant equipment is operated within design parameters. Monitors plant operations, making adjustments as needed to optimize performance. Monitor the operations of emissions control equipment and adjust to meet State and Federal permits.
PRIMARY FUNCTIONS
Monitors and Evaluates plant status and adjusts plant processes, as necessary, to maintain the efficient operation of the facility.
Coordinates plant operations with dispatchers.
Performs start-up, shutdown and emergency procedures, as necessary, for safe equipment operation.
Complies with all Safety, Environmental & FERC/NERC/RFC regulations, ensuring that safe operating practices are followed.
Performs functional testing of plant systems and components. Interprets acceptability of data in comparison with established standards of sound power plant practices. Determines the need for and performs routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required.
Assists in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents and unusual events, and provides analysis, recommendations, reports and appropriate follow-up plans.
Performs switching and tagging and housekeeping duties as required.
Maintains logs, records and data sheets; prepares reports, trends, material requisitions, work orders and other administrative documents related to the business of power and steam production. Informs Shift Supervisor of plant status and abnormal conditions. Helps develop and revise plant operating procedures. Accountable for communicating plant conditions to plant technicians and team with them to maintain optimum plant performance.
Communicates with and represents the Company in its relations and communications with contractors and other non-Company personnel.
Qualifies to perform station lockout/tagout procedures within policy.
Monitors Continuous Emissions Monitoring System, (CEMS), and Distributed Control System (DCS) and takes appropriate action.
Possesses the skills and knowledge to conduct job position and situational training, as well as safety meetings and tailgate meetings with the subordinates.
Performs duties of Shift Supervisor when needed.
Performs all other duties as assigned.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Requires knowledge of own assignments and eventually others in the department, as well as, that of company structure and operations. Should possess an understanding of the departmental goals and activities. Perform other duties as required by plant conditions.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
The Control Room Operator reports to the Shift Supervisor and provides work direction to the O&M Technicians and Assistant Plant Operators. The Control Room Operator may also give direction to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
Physical requirements include: working on feet for 12 hour periods, requiring stair and ladder climbing; and routinely lifting 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required.
Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.
All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to read and write in English and perform mathematical computations; high school or vocational school diploma preferred.
Ability to pass the respirator fit test and to use respiratory protective equipment or self-contained breathing apparatus at any time.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
Successful completion or the ability to complete of all required Control Room Operator training and qualifications within expressed guidelines.
Minimum of four years of power plant experience.
Proven ability in the following areas: basic math, electricity, chemistry and power plant physical sciences; print reading; communications skills. Competency demonstrated through satisfactory completion of accredited courses, company course, or equivalency exams.
Ability to maintain composure, function, prioritize, and respond in high pressure, stressful operational situations.
Technical troubleshooting ability.
Ability to communicate effectively via telephone and public announcement systems.
Ability to work required overtime (scheduled and call-in's) which includes being reachable by telephone and responding to the round-the-clock plant problems.
Knowledge of, or ability to become knowledgeable of, hazardous waste handling procedures mandated for this location by federal, state and/or local law.
Neat penmanship to record readings and maintain log book.
Job Type: Full-time