STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Lead Power Plant Operator (40 Hour)

Recruitment #210317-9323FM-001

Introduction

The State of Connecticut, University of Connecticut, Facilities Operations Department, Storrs Campus, has three (3) job openings for Lead Power Plant Operator positions.  The Co-Generation Plant produces high-pressure superheated steam, electrical power and chilled water to supply to its Storrs campus.  The plant has three 7MW Solar combustion turbines as well as a 5MW steam turbine and associated support equipment.

These positions are permanent, full-time positions, 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".  These positions are categorized as Emergency Support Services/Essential Staff.  Incumbents in these roles 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.

NOTE:  These positions are categorized as "Open to the Public."

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 supply the names, titles and phone numbers of three (3), work related references, which must include one current or previous supervisor.  In addition, state employee applicants may be asked to provide copies of their last two (2) performance appraisals and may be asked to provide a copy of their attendance record for the last two years. 

NOTE:  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 at 860-486-3034.

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

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

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.

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  1. State of Connecticut Trades License preferable a Plumbing License or a Heating, Piping and Cooling License.
  2. Knowing and experience working with a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) preferably AiM.
  3. Demonstrated supervisory and leadership ability.
  4. Experience operating 7MW Solar combustion turbines.
  5. Experience operating industrial boilers over 50KPPH capacity.
  6. Experience operating industrial steam turbines.
  7. Experience operating gas, electric, and steam driven chillers.
  8. Understanding of an electrical high voltage 69kV/13.8kV 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.

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

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.

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.