Power Plant Operator 1 (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut’s Facilities Operations Department has a job opening for a Power Plant Operator 1.   The Co-Generation Plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to supply energy to its Storrs campus.  The plant has three 7 MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5 MW steam turbine and associated support equipment.

This is a permanent, full-time position working a rotating shift.  Five (5) teams of three (3) persons rotate working eight (8) hour weekdays and twelve (12) hour weekends. This is often called the “8 Plus 12 Plan”.   This position offers a full benefits package including medical and dental insurance.  

This position is 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.  Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays).  Applicants must possess a current motor vehicle operator license.

In order to be considered for this job opening, 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 names, titles and phone numbers of three professional references.  In addition, current state employees will be asked to provide copies of the last two (2) performance appraisals.  Employment will be contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment physical examination, including drug testing, as well as a criminal background check.

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

At the University of Connecticut, Storrs, this class is accountable for performing duties in the cogeneration power plant.

Performs moderately skilled duties in operation of multiple power plant equipment for safe operation and production of high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs; works with gas and steam turbine engines, boilers, duct burners, feed water and condensate systems, water chemistry, generators, fuel system, ammonia and emissions monitoring systems, blowdown system, cooling tower and chilled water distribution systems; tours power plant to ensure reliable operation of equipment and to detect faulty or erratic operation of systems through excessive vibration, abnormal noises, extreme temperatures and/ or leakages; monitors gauges to ensure proper performance in accordance with defined ranges set by state and federal regulations and/ or manufacturer guidelines; records performance indicators on log deficiency report; notifies control room Power Plant Operator 2 of equipment abnormalities and assists in diagnosis; receives notification from control room Power Plant Operator 2 of equipment or entire plant shut down and/or start-up and performs operations within approved plant procedures; performs preventive maintenance repairs such as changing of fan belts, valves, gauges, greasing of motors and minor plumbing; applies lock out tag out procedure when necessary; completes and submits work orders; adds anti-corrosive and deoxygenizing chemicals to boiler water tanks; attends safety meetings; may perform routine and/or scheduled maintenance and repairs on a rotating shift; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of theory and application of large high pressure boilers equipped with super heaters, heat recovery steam generators, steam turbines and auxiliary systems; knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control systems; knowledge of arithmetic functions including algebra and geometry; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams; ability to apply basic principles of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow, and combustion; ability to utilize computer software.

Two (2) years of experience in a power plant or industrial setting to include the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers, generators or other mechanical equipment.

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

1. Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a program related to mechanical equipment, mechanical engineering or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the General Experience.

2. College training in mechanical engineering or a related field may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience up to one (1) year.

3. Two (2) years of successful completion in the Power Plant Operator Trainee class may be substituted for the General Experience of the Power Plant Operator 1 class.

Preference will be given to those applicants who can effectively demonstrate the following in their submitted applications:

• Experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines
• Experience operating industrial boilers over 50KPPH capacity
• Experience operating industrial steam turbines
• Experience operating gas, electric, and steam driven chillers
• Understanding of an electrical high voltage 69 kV / 13.8 kV distribution power grid

1. Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain specific education and/or experience to meet various certification requirements.

1. Incumbents 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.

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.

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.