Senior Utility Plant Operator

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Job Summary 

Under minimum supervision and from a central control room via computer interface, and in conjunction with the Utility Plant Operator (UPO), operate natural gas combustion and steam turbine generators, 300 psi steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and other utility plant equipment located at the Central Utility and Satellite Plants. Also analyze, diagnose and correct problems within the utility generation and distribution systems. Monitor and report problems in the Building Management System (BMS). Directs the actions of the Utility Plant Operator for plant operations and the Service Mechanic when the Building Systems Operator (BSO) is not available. 

This is a Campus Critical position. An employee designated as campus critical is expected to be aware of the campus emergency management plan and to report to Campus as soon as possible in the event of an emergency to assist in campus wide response and recovery efforts. 

Essential Job Duties 

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of utility plant conditions for all systems and equipment at the Central Utility and Satellite Plant. Diligently observes and controls the cogeneration, heating, chilled water, compressed air, and water treatment plants in accordance with standard. operating procedures and supervisory directives to maximize safety and efficiency. 
• Monitors the combustion and steam turbine generators to ensure proper operation while recording and trending readings from the Factory Link control system. Responds to all variances. Monitors boiler operations and reacts to varying load requirements. 
• Monitors Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) and ensures operating combustion equipment is maintained in regulatory compliance with governing agencies. 
• Monitors the BMS and directs the Service Mechanic to respond to alarms and unusual conditions when the BSO is absent. 
• Utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Software (CMMS), creates work orders for the night Service Mechanic. Writes work orders for the day shift maintenance and operations crew regarding maintenance issues that are not able to be resolved on off shifts. 
• Conduct inspection tours of the Central Utility and Satellite Plant and provides instruction to the Utility Plant Operator as required. 
• Maintains radio or cell phone communications with on-duty and emergency personnel at all times and respond to emergencies when necessary. 
• Keeps the Central Utility Plant Supervisor apprised of unusual and emergency conditions. 
• Maintain the Central Utility Plant Log and review all operator logs. 
• Must be able of performing Utility Plant Operator (UPO) and other duties as assigned. 

Basic Qualifications

Education and Experience: 

• High School graduate or equivalent with at least one year of additional steam plant, power generation or engineering related education. 
• Five years’ experience in power plant operation including power generation, steam and/or combustion turbines and water chemistry analysis. 
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. 
• Able to follow written and oral instructions and have the ability to instruct others in their work. Able to prepare concise and accurate reports and records. Must be able to build collaborative relationships with others. 
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid, City of Los Angeles, Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement throughout the course of employment within the probationary period. 
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to drive Institute vehicles and operate a hydraulic lift gate truck. 
• Must be eligible and be able to adhere to the Institute's Motor Vehicle policy.
• Complete an in-house qualification procedure within three (3) months of commencing employment. 
• Computer literacy in Windows, MS Office, CMMS and time-keeping software. 
• Must demonstrate the skills and the abilities necessary to assume a "take charge" role during technical operations and emergencies. 
• Must demonstrate proficiency as Utility Plant Operator. 

Physical Requirements 

• 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 various weather conditions
• Must be able to work all shifts as assigned. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Possess a valid, City of Los Angeles, Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement. 
• Five years experience as a Control Room Operator in a combined cycle power plant. 

Required Documents

• Resume