Power Block Operator Job Summary

To operate and maintain solar field and power block auxiliary equipment while ensuring safety of personnel and all equipment and systems. To prepare detailed reports related to equipment status and availability. Keeps all equipment in optimum operating condition. Develops and participates in continuous improvement of operating procedures for plant equipment to ensure consistent and safe operation. Valuable non-core level skills in the area of administrative, mechanical, instrumentation and control, and/or electrical maintenance skills are also required. Incumbents work rotating shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays and overtime as required.

Power Block Operator Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitors and inspects all assigned equipment, determines the operating condition, performs routine cleaning, and makes minor repairs as required.
• Assists in plant start-ups, shut-downs, normal and emergency plant operations as required.
• Isolates equipment for maintenance activities in accordance with the safety clearance procedure.
• Maintains neat, accurate logs and records obtained from routine inspections of operating equipment.
• Operates all assigned equipment including, but not limited to, boiler, steam generation, turbine/generator set, solar field, condensate, feed water, and cooling water systems, all balance of plant equipment, etc., as required.
• Leads equipment or system problem identification and recommends solutions
• Advises Control Room Operator of daily activities and irregularities in plant operations.
• Performs routine housekeeping and cleaning for work area.
• Performs Emergency Response Team and Fire Brigade duties as required, within the level of training completed.
• Develops operating procedures for plant equipment to ensure consistent and safe operation.
• Assists other plant operators and maintenance personnel as required.
• Assists in monitoring and adjusting solar field performance including but not limited to field balancing and minor repairs.
• Understands and operates facility to maintain all compliance requirements. Notifies Supervisor/Manager or appropriate agency if compliance exceedance occurs.
• Ability to perform basic computer skills.
• Completes assigned training requirements.
• Additionally, the incumbent may be tasked with the operation of other mobile equipment for which the incumbent is qualified to operate such as back hoes, front end loaders, road graders, vacuum equipment, trenchers, forklifts, or other lifting devices.
• Performs other duties as required.

Power Block Operator Working Conditions

Works in a remote power plant environment. Potential exposure to hot, cold, sudden change of temperature, dry, wet, dusty, dirty, quiet, noisy, and working alone or with others. Potential hazards include CTS, minor cuts, falls, eyesight and hearing impairment. Safety critical position.

Power Block Operator Prerequisites

High school education or equivalent, plus two years' experience primarily working with steam generating power plant equipment, or equivalent training and/or operations experience. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Thorough knowledge of power plant operations. A good working knowledge of power plant instrumentation and controls, including routine maintenance.

Power Block Operator Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out detailed instructions with limited supervision.
• Ability to use logical and divergent reasoning to solve problems.
• Ability to work safely and effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain clean work area and neat, accurate logs and journals.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read, interpret and retrieve information from technical drawings, specifications, and manuals.
• Ability to learn and execute emergency response and firefighting techniques.
• Ability to operate, monitor and analyze problems with assigned equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willingness to assist in training other personnel as directed.

Essential Functions of the Job

The ability to speak, read and write in English. Ability to perform heavy physical work, occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force with assistance, 50 pounds of force on a frequent basis, and up to 20 pounds constantly, performing such activities as grasping, lifting, reaching, crouching, standing, walking, running, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, sitting, and repetitive tasks. The ability to discern assorted colors.