WTE Plant Operator II

This is skilled lead work at the Waste To Energy (WTE) plant.  Bargaining unit position.

An employee in this class performs lead and technical work monitoring and controlling boiler, turbine and auxiliary waste to energy plant equipment during an assigned shift. Under minimal supervision, duties are varied and require analyzing facts to determine the proper course of action within limits of standard procedures requiring the exercise of reasonable initiative and independent judgment. Most work is subject to checks and controls; if not detected, errors could cause serious damage to equipment or a health/environmental hazard. Employees in this position are considered lead technicians with extensive skills in troubleshooting, job planning and training of junior technicians. Many work activities involve climbing ladders, stair or catwalks, hazardous materials and equipment and confined spaces. 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.

• Acts as a lead operator in planning jobs and overseeing work of junior technicians.
• Maintains safe, efficient and productive boiler operation, including combustion; maximizes power generation and manages in-plant power consumption; operates plant within all applicable permits.
• Monitors and inspects plant operational and emissions data; detects and responds to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency.
• Adjusts manual controls or overrides automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, switch to backup equipment or systems, or to shut down equipment; inspects equipment to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.
• Oversees the operation of plant equipment; dispatches Assistant Plant Operators and Utility Operators for local monitoring; works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems, ascertain probable cause, and perform basic maintenance tasks; coordinates, directs, and trains subordinates as required.
• Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify operating conditions; records data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operation, fuel consumed, temperature or pressure, water levels, analysis of flue gases, voltage load and generator balance; records operation and maintenance actions taken during shift in operator's logbook.
• Directs plant personnel in the safe operation of plant equipment and casualty control measures. Performs tasks as required to comply with safety and environmental standards, including but not limited to fire watch, confined space attendant, confined space entrant, chemical spill response.
• 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.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent with five (5) years of solid waste combustion facility experience or related occupations such as design, start-up, steam turbines or boiler operation 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.
• Must possess a minimum of two years’ experience as an Assistant Plant Operator or equivalent position in a power plant environment.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Possession of site specific QRO certification or the ability to obtain within 18 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.

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