Lead Power Plant Operator (40 Hour)

The State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut’s Facilities Operations Department has a job opening for a Lead Power Plant Operator.    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 acting as a working supervisor for Power Plant Operators engaged in performing duties in the operation and maintenance of the cogeneration power plant.

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 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.

Four (4) 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.

One (1) year of the General Experience must have included work performed at 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.

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 equaling one-half (1/2) year of experience up to one (1) year.

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

• Demonstrated leadership ability
• 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. 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.

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.