Power Block Operator

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

The Power Blocker Operator (PBO) assists in the safe and efficient operation of the power plant and the supporting equipment and systems. The PBO carries out all routine water/gas chemistry analysis, inspects and monitors operating components and reports plant status. Assist in start-up, shut down and normal operations of power plant systems. Operate major auxiliary apparatus such as: air compressors; circulating water systems; boiler feed water treatment system; waste water systems; generator cooling systems; boiler feed water and condensate system; and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform operating tests and inspections and make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment assigned to achieve proper operating conditions.
• Take direction from the Control Room Operator at isolated panels for clearing equipment or making it ready for service in accordance with operating instructions and procedures; clear, tag, test and safety tape these operations.
• Perform routine water chemistry analysis and operate continuous Emissions Monitoring equipment.
• Maintain logs as assigned.
• Report any abnormal or irregular conditions to the CRO that develop during the progress of the work and take corrective measures as directed by the CRO and within the scope of operating instructions.
• Assist maintenance personnel during maintenance periods.
• Complete other tasks as required by the Control Room Operator or Plant Management.
• The PBO operates from established and well-known procedures under minimum supervision performing duties independently with only general direction given. The PBO encounters recurring work situations of moderate complexity, with occasional variations from the norm. Decisions are made within prescribed operating and casualty procedures and guidelines.
• The PBO must perform work in a safe manager resulting in no accidents, in compliance with all environmental permits at all times. The PBO must effectively communicate information to supervision and fellow plant personnel, relative to the condition of the plant equipment and performance and provide suggestion for plant improvements. The PBO must perform duties in such a way to result in an optimum cost-benefit ratio.
• All employee has the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customers' needs are being met.
• The PBO reports to the Operator Manager. Receives work direction from the CRO.

Job Requirements

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignments as would be acquired in four years of high school.
• Bachelors in Engineering Preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in Power Plant Operations, desirable.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operation and chemical handling requirements is required.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed systems steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is highly desirable.
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable.
• Extensive working knowledge of power plant industry desirable.
• Must successfully complete a plant operator's knowledge examination.
• Physical requirements include: working on feet for 12 hours periods, requiring stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be work 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.).
• Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions.
• All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.
• Employees hired after the date of this CBA are expected to progress through the line of progression into which they are hired of transferred. The company reserves the right to offer progression training to all employees covered under this CBA. Specifically, employees entering the operations department are hired with the intent that, when a vacancy arises, they will train and develop so they can be ready to assume the next position when it becomes available either on a temporary basis or permanent basis. An employee interested in applying for the position would be eligible under Article VII.
  
  
  
  • If an employee fails to become fully qualified for the position they were for or the next higher position, the employee is subject to counseling, and progressive discipline up to and including termination.
  
  
  
  

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 hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here