WTE Plant Operator I

An employee in this class performs technical work monitoring and controlling boiler, turbine and auxiliary waste to energy plant equipment during an assigned shift. Under limited supervision, duties are routine within prescribed limits, requiring special knowledge of the equipment used in the waste to energy plant. Duties typically require climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, operating fire extinguishing equipment, exposure to large machinery and confined spaces, and normal concentration.  The position requires analyzing facts to determine the proper course of action within limits of standard procedures requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment. Employees must comply with appropriate safety precautions when dealing with gas system, electrical system and other similar components and processes within the plant environment. Shift work will be required including nights, weekends, and holidays. Tasks require the ability to work in a team and goal oriented environment. Work is reviewed by observation, results and goals attained, and reports submitted.

• Assists the Plant Operator in the daily operation of the plant in the field; investigates changes in instrument readings and equipment operation; notifies Plant Operator and/or Shift Supervisor of operational inconsistencies or other concerns; may relieve the Plant Operator of control room operations in compliance with any licensing guidelines, where applicable.
• Inspects turbine/generator, air pollution control and other crucial systems; recognizes and mitigates operating difficulties and adapts to changing plant conditions.
• Operates and adjusts air pollution control system to maximize performance; troubleshoots problems and assesses probable cause; coordinates work with maintenance crews and the Plant Operator.
• Maintains plant operations logs and other documentation; uses standard office and specialized computer systems, as well as a mobile maintenance management tracking device.
• Operates demineralization system and makes required adjustments; test and treats boiler water, records data, and performs chemical adjustments.
• Performs related work as required.

Advanced knowledge of: operation, maintenance and control of steam-generating power plants; waste to energy plant lockout/tagout procedures, safety rules and procedures, job hazard analyses, operating and maintenance instructions, and other procedure manuals.

Knowledge of: mechanical skills sufficient to perform such routine tasks as opening vessel and equipment access doors, placing and removing furnace access equipment, overhead protection and staging, operating power tools, and performing minor mechanical repairs to plant equipment or structures; basic safety practices; mathematics sufficient to complete required job functions.

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships; communicate clearly and concisely; apply intermediate computer skills Microsoft Office and CMMS.

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with two (2) years of solid waste combustion facility experience or related occupations such as design, start-up, or maintenance of steam turbines, boilers or related machinery which supply power or heating service to an industrial, maritime or commercial process or facility; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Current employees with 1 year of experience as a Utility Operator II who have completed the internal training program are encouraged to apply for consideration.

Possession of valid Florida driver’s license.

Possession of valid Provisional Certification under the ASME QRO Certification for operators of Resource Recovery Facilities with the ability to obtain the certification within 6 months.

Must complete Assistant Plant Operator training within 6 months. 

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.

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