Lab Tech & Plant Operator

Essential Job Functions:

Monitor and operate water plant equipment including clarification, filtration, demineralization, and neutralization equipment. Offload chemical trucks, perform samples and analysis for evaluation of operation parameters associated with the water treatment facility.

Monitor and operate the cooling tower and associated water treatment processes associated with the cooling tower to maintain within the parameters identified by the Operations Manager. Offload chemical trucks and perform samples and analysis for evaluation of operation parameters associated with the cooling tower.

Monitor and operate the boiler chemical feed systems. Perform samples and analysis on condensate, boiler feed and steam drums.

Monitor and operate the retention pond and associated discharge equipment. Perform samples and analysis on water discharged from the retention pond.

Perform all required samples and analysis for ensuring environmental compliance with associated environmental permits including but not limited to storm water permit and potable water permit.

Perform calibrations of chemistry monitoring equipment at the site.

Perform water chemistry analysis on a daily basis.

Assure that the daily lab logs and other pertinent water treatment, chemical, and environmental records are complete and accurate.

Develop Xbar charts on a daily basis to analyze for chemistry trends.

Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for chemicals used and compare to the approved budget.

Insert all required reports and due dates into the plant computerized maintenance management system.

Daily check all automated chemistry samples against plant operator samples. If not within required tolerances, take appropriate actions as needed.

Assist with chemistry training of other plant personnel, as assigned.

Maintain cleanliness of the chemistry lab and the water treatment building.

Develop checklists and operating procedures for job functions including, but not limited to, off-loading chemicals, collecting samples for on-site analysis as well as off-site analysis, performing chemical analysis on samples, and performing environmental reports.

Participate in the administrative maintenance of the plant chemistry manual and all technical references, prints, diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records associated with water treatment equipment.

Report any abnormal or irregular conditions that develop during the progress of the work and take corrective measures within the scope of operating instructions.

Assist maintenance personnel during the shutdown of any water treatment system.

Monitor plant water chemistry program and environmental effluents and provide recommendations to CROs and POs on necessary adjustments.

Qualify as Plant Operator and Control Room Operator, with timeline determined by Plant Manager.

Provide routine relief for shift operators as assigned.

Complete special projects as directed by the Operations Manager or Plant Manager.

Dependable, reliable and predictable attendance is required.

Must possess a valid, in-state motor vehicle operator's license at all times.

Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

This position operates from established and well-known procedures performing duties under general direction and minimum supervision. Decisions are made within prescribed operating procedures and guidelines. The position encounters recurring work situations of moderate complexity, with occasional variations from the norm.

The Lab Technician/PO must perform work in a safe manner resulting in no accidents and be in compliance with all environmental permits at all times. This position must effectively communicate information to supervision and fellow plant personnel, relative to the condition of the plant equipment and performance, and provide suggestions for plant improvements.

All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer's needs are being met.

Education and Experience:

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school is required. Two years of experience in power plant operations. Experience in water chemistry control, water condition analysis, water treatment facility operations and chemical-handling requirements are required. Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is required. Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls required. Extensive working knowledge of the power plant industry is desirable. Must have excellent oral and written communication skills and excellent organizational skills.

Physical Demands:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

0-24%

25-49%

50-74%

75-100%

Vision: Must be able to read reports and use computer.

X

Hearing: Must be able to hear well enough to communicate with co-workers.

X

Standing/Walking: Must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk to various areas throughout the plant.

X

Bending/Stooping/Kneeling: Must be able to bend, stoop or kneel down to work with equipment or materials. Must be able to work in confined spaces.

X

Stair/Ladder Climbing: Must be able to climb stairs and/or ladders on equipment at the plant. Must be able to walk on platforms at high altitudes (80 feet or higher)

X

Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: Must be able to lift up to 75 pounds and pull or push equipment or materials. Moderate over-head reaching and lifting and grasping is necessary.

X

Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use phone system.

X

Working Conditions:

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 pre-employment physical examination and drug screening; and random drug screening during employment. Extensive smoking restrictions exist in and around the facility.

TENASKA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER