State of Connecticut Executive Branch

Power Plant Operator - Energy Center (40 Hour) (9324FM)

$33.45-$42.83 Hourly / $2,675.45-$3,425.98 BiWeekly /
$69,829.00-$89,418.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At Central Connecticut State University this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of duties in the cogeneration power plant.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Lead Power Plant Operator - Energy Center or other employee of higher grade.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs highly skilled duties to ensure safe operation of multiple power plant equipment for economic and efficient production of high pressure steam, electrical power and chilled water to meet energy needs; 
  • Tours plant to observe operation of equipment and detect faulty or erratic operation of systems such as reciprocating engines, boilers, steam absorption chillers, electric chillers, pumping systems, large motors, cooling towers, medium voltage switch gear systems, urea and emission systems; 
  • Uses visual and audio observation to monitor vendor and manufacturer calibrated settings in accordance with state and federal regulations; 
  • Records performance indicators on log deficiency report; 
  • Makes preventive maintenance repairs such as changing fan belts, valves, gauges, greasing of motors and minor plumbing; 
  • Samples and performs a chemical test to eliminate hardness in water; 
  • Cleans pumps; 
  • Applies lock out tag out procedure when necessary; 
  • Adds sand to tower water filters; 
  • Replaces filters; 
  • Compares logged deficiencies with distributed control system pre-set control points in control software in control room; 
  • Makes adjustments to control system's set points for proper equipment performance; 
  • Makes adjustments to maintain electrical production to a defined kilowatt measurement to minimize commercial power consumption; 
  • Monitors control system for necessary production process control and performance; 
  • Refers to defined ranges set by vendor and in accordance with state and federal regulations; 
  • Detects faulty and erratic equipment operations through improper reads on display screens and responds to equipment site to diagnose and repair equipment problem; 
  • Contacts supervisor and or outside vendor to repair as appropriate or to follow power outage procedures; 
  • Prepares reports as required; 
  • Monitors energy management system for building environmental controls, records critical data and contacts appropriate trade worker for repairs; 
  • Takes general maintenance phone calls and directs calls to appropriate trade worker and completes work orders if necessary; 
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Knowledge of
    • theory and application of high pressure boilers, heat recovery steam generators, reciprocating engines and auxiliary systems; 
    • industrial instrumentation and control systems; 
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills; 
    • oral and written communication skills; 
  • Ability to
    • read and interpret piping and instrument diagrams, electrical one-line, schematic and logic diagrams; 
    • apply some principles of physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid flow and combustion; 
    • utilize computer software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in a cogeneration power plant or industrial setting including the operation, maintenance and repair of high pressure steam boilers, heat recovery steam generators or other mechanical equipment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

  • Graduation from a vocational or technical school with a diploma in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the General Experience.
  • 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 to a maximum of three (3) years for a Bachelors degree.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • 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.
  • 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.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(16)-Labor-Trades, Laundry

BARGAINING UNIT

(06)-SERVICE/MAINT (NP-2)

EEO

(8)-Service Maintenance

SALARY INFORMATION

FM 20

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of Power Plant Operator-Energy Center (40 Hour) in Salary Group FM 20 approved effective July 15, 2022. (Reviewed in accordance with Connecticut General Statute § 5-200a. Revised to modernize format and add Acknowledgement section) Final No. 24-162

EFFECTIVE DATE

10/02/2024
CLASS: 9324FM; EST: 4/13/2007; REV: 10/25/2024;