City of Tampa

This is technical work monitoring and operating plant equipment at the Waste to Energy (WTE) plant.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class performs technical work in the operation and monitoring of designated waste to energy plant equipment to maintain safe, efficient and continuous plant operations.  Under general supervision and guidance, the employee performs duties and assigned tasks in conformance with established procedures requiring the exercise of some initiative and independent judgment. Employee maintains regular contact with both inside and outside sources to supply or obtain factual information. Duties will typically require climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, operating fire extinguishing equipment, exposure to large machinery and confined space entry.  Shift work will be required including nights, weekends, and holidays. Tasks require the ability to work in a team environment. Work is reviewed by observation and results attained.

• Maintains safe and efficient operation of the lime slakers, ash handling system, and other plant equipment.
• Makes rounds and inspects designated plant equipment; records operational data on log sheets or handheld device.
• Assists the Assistant Plant Operator in the daily operation and maintenance of the plant from the field.
• Completes water testing and treatment; test and treats boiler, cooking and other plant water systems; operates demineralization system and maintains efficient demineralization system.
• Secures and conveys materials from storage or work sites to designated area; counts, weighs, and records number of units of materials moved or handled on daily production sheet; stacks or assembles materials into bundles and bands bundles.  
• Operates forklifts and other mobile equipment as necessary.
• Follows standard safety procedures, correct safety and environmental hazards, and reports them to the Shift Supervisor immediately; reads, understands and applies information such as lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules, job hazard analysis, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: operation, maintenance and control of steam generating power plants; basic safety practices; basic mechanical practices; math skills sufficient to complete required job functions.

Ability to: perform such routine tasks as opening vessel and equipment access doors, placing and removing furnace access equipment, placing overhead protection and staging, operating power tools, and performing minor mechanical repairs to plant equipment or structures; anticipate and identify potential and recurring problems, and to take corrective actions; troubleshoot equipment and assist in diagnosing problem areas; establish and maintain productive working relationships with internal and external contacts; perform tasks such as replace shear pins, valve repacking and equipment inspections. 

Skill in: operation of power plant auxiliary equipment, such as air compressors and dryers, hydraulic power units, forced draft fans, pumps, spray dryer and absorbers, and lime slakers.

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with one (1) year of experience as an Assistant Utility Operator or equivalent position in the operation of a solid waste combustion facility or in occupations concerned with the design, start-up, operation, or maintenance of engines, boilers, turbines, and air compressors which supply power or steam to an industrial, maritime, or commercial process or facility.  

Current employees with one (1) year of experience as WTE Utility Operator I or WTE Crane Operator who have completed the internal training program for their position may apply for consideration. 

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license. 

Must successfully complete the Utility Operator training program within six (6) months.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.