Utility Plant Operator

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Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Senior Plant Operator (SUPO), the Utility Plant Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating natural gas combustion and steam turbine generators, 300 psi steam boilers, chillers, cooling towers, and other utility plant equipment located in the Caltech Central and Satellite Utility Plants.

This is a Campus Critical position. An employee designated as campus critical is expected to be aware of the campus emergency management plan and to report to Campus as soon as possible in the event of an emergency to assist in campus wide response and recovery efforts.

Essential Job Duties

• Perform inspection tours of all equipment in the Central Utility Plant, satellite facilities, and (as needed) the utility tunnels.
• Start and shut down boilers as directed. Fire boilers to maintain safe and efficient operation. Record temperatures and pressures on log sheets and enter work time and measurements in the work management system. Maintain proper steam pressure, water level, fuel-to air ratios, and emission levels. Inspect flame patterns, water levels, and emission levels of all operating boilers.
• Perform chemical analysis on all operating boilers; perform boiler bottom blow downs; adjust boiler surface blow down and chemical injection as required.
• Calibrate water quality analyzers. Monitor, troubleshoot, backwash, and regenerate sand filters, charcoal filters, zeolite water softeners, reverse osmosis units, demineralizers, and ultraviolet sterilizers. Perform water analysis of boiler feed water, condensate, chilled water, tower water, closed loop hot water systems, and condensed steam samples.
• Start and stop air compressors and air dryers.
• Start and stop pumps and change valve line-up.
• Start and shut down centrifugal chillers.
• Assist in the operation of combustion and steam turbine driven generators.
• Troubleshoot operating equipment problems, recommend corrective action to the SUPO and take actions as directed; report maintenance problems beyondability to resolve to the SUPO.
• Clean machinery and spaces. Perform routine maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Legibly record readings of plant parameters.
• Answer phone calls for the Institute. Carry a reliable communication device during assigned shifts. Maintain radio or cell phone communications with on-duty and emergency personnel at all times and respond to emergencies when necessary.
• Keep the SUPO informed of all activities. Monitor the control room during SUPO tours and breaks. Respond to all emergencies in the utility plant.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications

• High School graduate or equivalent.
• One year of experience in the maintenance or maintenance repair field and/or successful completion of power plant operator coursework or military technical training.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions; must have strong oral and written communication skills.
• Must maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Must have ability to obtain within 18 months of start of employment a valid City of Los Angeles Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement and then maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Must possess or have the ability to obtain by the date of hire a valid California driver's license and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Must be able lift up to 50 pounds on a daily basis, bend in all directions, climb stairs and ladders, squeeze and turn equipment, operate machinery properly, and work outdoors in all weather conditions. Must be able to distinguish red and green indicator lights on equipment and controls.
• Must be able to work all shifts as assigned.The Plant operates continuously. Some overtime is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two years' experience in power plant operation and/or maintenance.
• One year experience in water chemistry, testing water softeners and boilers.
• Completion of a related two-year certificate course in trade school.
• Two years of experience in co-generation/combined cycle power plant operations.
• Possess a valid City of Los Angeles Unlimited Steam Engineer license with Turbine Endorsement.
• Familiarity with a computerized maintenance management system and mobile, electronic input devices.

Required Documents

• Resume.