Utility Plant Operator Associate

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Job Summary

Under general oversight of the Senior Plant Operator (SUPO), safely and efficiently operate natural gas combustion and steam turbine generators, 300 psi steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and other utility plant equipment located in the Caltech Central and Satellite Utility Plants.

This is an Essential Reporting position. In the event of an emergency on campus, an employee designated as essential reporting has essential job skills that are needed for response and recovery and is expected to report to Campus as soon as possible.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform inspection tours of all equipment in the Central Utility Plant, satellite facilities, and (as needed) the utility tunnels.
• Start and shut down boilers as directed. Fire boilers to maintain safe and efficient operation. Record temperatures and pressures on log sheets and enter work time and measurements in the work management system. Maintain proper steam pressure, water level, fuel-to air ratios, and emission levels. Inspect flame patterns, water levels, and emission levels of all operating boilers.
• Perform chemical analysis on all operating boilers; perform boiler bottom blow downs; adjust boiler surface blow down and chemical injection as required.
• Calibrate water quality analyzers. Monitor, troubleshoot, backwash, and regenerate sand filters, charcoal filters, zeolite water softeners, reverse osmosis units, demineralizers, and ultraviolet sterilizers. Perform water analysis of boiler feed water, condensate, chilled water, tower water, closed loop hot water systems, and condensed steam samples.
• Start and stop air compressors and air dryers.
• Start and stop pumps and change valve line-up.
• Start and shut down centrifugal chillers.
• Assist in the operation of combustion and steam turbine driven generators.
• Troubleshoot operating equipment problems, recommend corrective action to the SUPO and take actions as directed; report maintenance problems beyond his ability to resolve to the SUPO.
• Clean machinery and spaces. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Legibly record readings of plant parameters
• Answer phone calls for the Institute. Carry a reliable communication device during assigned shifts. Maintain radio or cell phone communications with on-duty and emergency personnel at all times and respond to emergencies when necessary.
• Keep the SUPO informed of all activities. Monitor the control room during SUPO tours and breaks. Respond to all emergencies in the utility plant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• Four years' experience in power plant operation or one year of experience and a valid City of Los Angeles Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement.
• Able to follow written and oral instructions; must have demonstrated strong oral and written communication skills and must be able to maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's license throughout the course of employment. Must be able to drive Institute vehicles and be able to adhere to the Institute's Motor Vehicle policy.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds on a daily basis, bend in all directions, climb stairs and ladders, squeeze with arms and hands, operate machinery using hands, and work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
• Must be able to distinguish red and green indicator lights on equipment and controls.
• Must be able to work all shifts as assigned. The Plant operates continuously, and some overtime work is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a related two-year certificate course in trade school
• 4 years of experience in co-generation/combined cycle power plant operations.
• One-year experience in water chemistry, testing water softeners and boilers.
• Familiarity with a computerized maintenance management system and mobile, electronic input devices

Required Documents

• Resume.