STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Lead Power Plant Operator (40 Hour)

University of Connecticut

Recruitment #180522-9323FM-001

Introduction

UConn’s Facilities Operations & Building Services Department has two job openings for Lead Power Plant Operators.  These positions will be accountable for acting as a working supervisor for Power Plant Trainee, Power Plant Operator 1 and Power Plant Operator 2 employees engaged in performing duties related to economically, efficiently and safely operating the cogeneration (CoGen) power plant to provide energy to its Storrs campus.  This position is key and must perform highly skilled tasks to maintain the operational reliability of the CoGen plant.  The plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to supply energy to its Storrs campus.  These positions will perform duties including the operation of 3-7 MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5 MW steam turbine and all associated support equipment.  Lead Power Plant Operators are expected to be experts in the supervision, operation and monitoring of all the equipment at the plant and be willing and capable as filling in as a PPO1 or PPO2 as needed.  It is also expected that the Lead PPO will be in training to be a Power Plant Supervisor by aggressively learning the responsibilities of the higher grade position.  

These are permanent, full-time positions, with a rotating eight-hour shift. Hourly salary is $29.65 and is non-negotiable.  A full benefit package including medical and dental insurance is available.   These positions may be eligible for weekend and shift differential.

Questions pertaining to these positions should be directed to UConn HR’s Services Unit phone number, 860-486-3034.

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for these job openings, you must meet the minimum qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify your qualifications on your application.

If selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide the following: last two (2) performance appraisals and attendance records for the last two (2) years (current State employees only) OR the names, titles and phone numbers of three, current professional references (non-state employees).  

Employment of the successful candidates will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a criminal background check.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut, Storrs, this class is accountable for acting as a working supervisor for Power Plant Operators engaged in performing duties in the operation and maintenance of the cogeneration power plant.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Plans shift workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees, and reviews work; establishes and maintains shift procedures; provides staff training and technical direction to Power Plant Operators to ensure economical dispatch of major equipment such as combustion and steam turbines, emergency generators, boilers, chillers and ancillary equipment through use of distributed control system; conducts or assists in conducting performance evaluations; authorizes specific equipment shut-down and start-up; may make recommendations on policies or standards; may prepare reports and correspondence; may perform duties of Power Plant Operator 2 as necessary; may perform routine and scheduled maintenance and repair duties on a rotating shift; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of cogeneration power plant operations; knowledge of theory and application of operation of large steam turboelectric generating equipment and large high pressure boilers equipped with super heaters; knowledge of regulatory and reporting requirements; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to utilize computer software; some supervisory ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in a cogeneration power plant which includes the operation, maintenance and repair of combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators, steam turbines, emergency generators, boilers, chillers, distributed control systems and ancillary equipment.

Note: Based on an individual’s technical experience, the length of credited service will be determined at the discretion of facility management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have been performing highly skilled duties in the control room of a cogeneration power plant or equivalent industrial plant capable of producing high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs.

Note:  For State employees, this is interpreted at the level of Power Plant Operator 2.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

College training in mechanical engineering or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of three (3) years for a Bachelor's degree.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to read and interpret piping and instrument diagrams, electrical one-line, schematic and logic diagrams as well as experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines.  Demonstrated leadership skills are preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Job requires use of a respirator, hearing protection and periodic examinations thereafter.  Applicant must possess a current motor vehicle operator license.  

These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff.  Must be willing and able to work during emergency closures/delayed openings due to inclement weather or for significant events that effect campus operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.

2. A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights, use protective equipment such as respirators and safety goggles and may be exposed to significant levels of noise, dust, heat and risk of injury from equipment and or environmental conditions.

Conclusion

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at: http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp

Information concerning the University’s policies regarding the Cleary Act Statement, Non-Discrimination Policy, Accommodations for Applicants with Disabilities and Recruiting Veterans can be found on UConn’s Job page at:  https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs/

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

 

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.