POWER PLANT OPERATOR3295N2 Pay Grade: 16 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is semi-skilled work in the operation of low or high-pressure steam boilers and related mechanical equipment and systems in a power plant. Work involves operating and maintaining low or stationary high-pressure boilers, water softeners, chillers, compressors, generators, and other equipment in a central heating and power plant. Employees in this class either work on a shift under the immediate supervision of a higher level operator, or are responsible for operating and for performing minor, routine maintenance and repair work on power plant equipment. Work includes maintaining constant surveillance over equipment operation by reading gauges, meters and charts, and by testing water and recording this information to ensure efficiency and safety. Work also includes assisting in maintenance and repair work in the power plant. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - LEVEL A: "Under immediate supervision…" "Immediate" means that the employee has little or no authority to select alternative work methods or to render independent judgments of any consequence. Each task is performed according to detailed instructions, written or oral. Assignments are usually for a short duration and when completed are usually checked for accuracy, adherence to instructions and established regulations, as well as the worker’s rate of performance. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL B: Work is of a structured nature including duties that have several related steps. This level involves simple analysis of data, identification of easily distinguishable facts and recognition of differences in related situations. Workers at this level exercise limited independent judgment in determining methods or procedures to be used in making minor decisions. Work is normally controlled by frequent review and consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they are usually specific and aid in determining an approach to problems or situations. Workers at this level must be able to identify basic differences in situations to determine the actions which need to be taken. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL B: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are minor as the work is normally reviewed regularly and errors are usually detected in following operations. Errors may be disruptive to co-workers or may cause minor inefficiency. Costs due to errors are minimal. Contacts - LEVEL A: The purpose of the contact is to obtain, clarify, give or screen established factual information, regardless of the type (i.e., easily understood or technical) within a well-defined relationship. Normal communication skills are required. Physical Demands - LEVEL C: The work requires moderate physical exertion. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL C: The work environment involves hazards, risks or discomforts typical of working with or around machinery with exposed moving parts, irritant chemicals, heavy equipment or abusive or hostile clientele and patients. Exposure to disagreeable weather conditions and extreme levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are normal. Protective clothing or gear and specific safety standards or procedures may be required. Serious injury is possible. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL A: No supervisory or leadership responsibility; may explain work instructions or assist in training others. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Power Plant Operator Senior class in which skilled work is performed in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers and other power systems. Differs from the Building Systems Technician class in which electrical and mechanical systems which control the building environment are operated and maintained. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Fires boilers with gas or oil; reads gauges and charts and records information; operates manual controls; makes adjustments as needed to ensure a continuous supply of hot water and steam. Maintains water level, temperature, and steam pressure; checks safety alarms, automatic controls, pumps, valves, and lines for proper operation and leaks. Opens valves to blow rust and sludge from boilers; makes change over to auxiliary boilers or standby fuel and relights boilers when necessary. Operates and maintains chillers, water softeners and related equipment. Tests alkalinity and hardness of water; mixes and adds compounds; lubricates equipment; recharges softeners; renews packing in pumps, and assists skilled workers in the more difficult tasks. Assists in performing minor repair or maintenance work on other mechanical systems, or on various types of equipment or property; paints, cleans, and maintains power plant. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the methods and practices used in the operation and maintenance of low and high-pressure gas or oil-fired boilers and related equipment. *Knowledge of the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of mechanical equipment operation, maintenance, and repair. Abilities *Ability to perform standard inspections and make minor adjustments to boilers and related mechanical equipment. *Ability to follow and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare standard reports. *Ability to perform minor repair or maintenance work on mechanical systems. Skills Skill in operating and maintaining various types of power plant equipment. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Six months of experience in power plant operation. Education may be substituted for experience as determined relevant by the agency. NC: 12/87 |