STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Power Plant Operator 2 (40 Hour)

Recruitment #190401-9322FM-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut’s Facilities Operations Department has two (2) Power Plant Operator 2 (PPO-2) job openings.  The PPO-2 performs highly skilled tasks to maintain the operational reliability of the Cogeneration (Co-Gen) power 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 three 7 MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5 MW steam turbine and all associated support equipment.  The PPO-2  is a control room specialist in the cogeneration power plant and is expected to be highly proficient in the operation and monitoring of all of the equipment at the plant.  The PPO-2 is also expected to fill in as a PPO-1 and work in the space as needed.  Performs other related work as needed.  Applicants must possess a current motor vehicle operator license.

These are permanent, full time positions working a rotating shift. Five (5) teams of three (3) persons rotate working eight (8) hours weekdays and twelve (12) hour weekends. This is often called the “8 Plus 12 Plan”.  These positions offer a full benefits package including medical and dental insurance. 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.  Applicants must also be willing to respond to emergencies on overtime (nights, weekends or holidays).   

Watch the video below to learn more about our Power Plant Operator positions at UConn:

 

Selection Plan

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.

 

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PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut, Storrs, this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of duties in the control room of the cogeneration power plant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead lower and train Power Plant Operator 1’s and Power Plant Operator Trainee(s), as assigned.  

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Performs highly skilled duties to ensure safe operation and production of high pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs; utilizes a distributed control system to monitor performance of cogeneration power plant's equipment and systems such as gas and steam turbine engines, boilers, duct burners, feed water and condensate systems, water chemistry, fuel system, ammonia and emissions monitoring systems, blow down system, cooling tower and chilled water distribution; makes necessary production process control and performance adjustments within defined ranges set by state and federal regulations and manufacturer guidelines; detects faulty or erratic equipment operation through improper reads on display screens or system generated reports; notifies Power Plant Operator 1 to make manual adjustments and/or shut down or startup of equipment or plant; monitors hours of run for all equipment to ensure balanced usage and mixes to influence energy spending rate; mathematically calculates conversion tables to determine steam pressure, water flow and temperatures; determines proper course of action for remediation and advises proper authority; prepares work orders for faulty equipment; reports and responds to chemical, fuel, oil leaks or spills in accordance with plant emergency response plans; prepares daily logs and reports; attends safety meetings; may perform work outside of control room; may perform routine and/or scheduled maintenance and repairs on rotating shift; performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of theory and application of operation of large condensing extracting steam turboelectric generating equipment and related auxiliaries; knowledge of theory and application of large high pressure boilers equipped with super heaters; knowledge of industrial instrumentation and control systems; knowledge of arithmetic functions including algebra and geometry; knowledge of fire and accident prevention techniques and methods of responding to fires; interpersonal skills; oral and written communications skills; ability to use technical manuals; ability to read and interpret schematic diagrams such as piping and instruments, electrical one-line, logic, etc.; ability to apply some principles of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow and combustion; ability to utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of the General Experience must have included work performed at a cogeneration power plant or an 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 1.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

1. Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a 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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

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

  1. At least Four (4) 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.
  2. Demonstrated leadership ability. 
  3. Experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines.
  4. Experience operating industrial boilers over 50KPPH capacity.
  5. Experience operating industrial steam turbines. 
  6. Experience operating gas, electric, and steam driven chillers. 
  7. Understanding of an electrical high voltage 69 kV / 13.8 kV distribution power grid.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  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.
  3. 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.
  4. Applicants must possess a current motor vehicle operator license.

PHYSICAL 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.

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.