Plant Technician

General Summary Operates boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment for the production of steam and electricity: Monitors control board and regulates equipment, according to procedures and information obtained from recording and indicating instruments. Adjusts controls of water and fuel feed systems, blowers, and igniters to start up or shut down boilers. Controls operation of boiler auxiliary equipment, such as water and vacuum pumps, coke and limestone feeders, steam condensers, and soot blowers, to ensure efficient operation of boilers within the permit conditions of the Air Quality Permit. Adjusts boiler controls to provide steam at specified temperature and pressure to the turbine generator. Adjusts controls to regulate speed, voltage, and phase to coincide with voltage and phase of the transmission line. Synchronizes generating units with power company system. Monitors gauges to determine effect of generator load on related equipment, such as bus bars and voltage regulators. The plant technician is responsible for monitoring all plant environmental monitoring equipment, and reporting any malfunction or breakdowns to the appropriate personnel, to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory agencies. Responsible for maintaining accurate and comprehensive operating logs and records, for recognizing when there are problems in the operations or with the plant equipment, and for implementing the necessary changes to correct these problems. Participates in system checkouts, writes plant operating procedures, troubleshoots plant problems, perform special duties, and orders supplies as needed. Other duties include communicating with the grid dispatcher, state and federal environmental groups, vendors, plant managers, and owners when necessary. Follow all plant safety and housekeeping rules. Read and understand P&ID’s vendor instructions, assist in training other technicians. Assist maintenance department in the repair of equipment. Perform maintenance duties as directed by plant maintenance orders. Any other responsibilities as assigned by plant management. Abides by all plant operating procedures. II. Aptitudes Must have high degree of mechanical and process aptitude. Must be able to use algebra, geometry or shop math; must be able to define problems, collect data, and draw conclusions about all kinds of problems; understand and communicate using technical written and spoken English. III. Physical Demands Heavy lifting – may require lifting up to 100 pounds with frequent lifting of objects up to 50 pounds, good physical condition. Must be able to work at heights. Technicians will be required to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, and frequently climb stairways. The work is physically strenuous. Technicians frequently bend, stoop, and lift heavy objects. Must be able to work rotating shifts covering 7 days a week, 24 hours per day. IV. Work Environment Indoors/outdoors, extreme cold and high ambient air conditions can exist. Exposure to electrical equipment, radiant heat, toxic chemicals, fumes and dust from limestone grinding and coke distribution. Some areas of high noise require wearing hearing protection for long periods. V. Hiring Practices This is not an entry level position. Most skills are learned through training on-the-job. High school graduate preferred who has technical training or related work experience. VI. Licensing Must qualify and pass the test for a State of Montana 2nd Class Operators License 2 years after assignment as plant technician, and a 1st Class License after 4 years working as a plant technician. Must also successfully pass the test for a crane operators license within 18 months of employment.