Plant Technician I

Overview:

Operates boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment for the production of steam and electricity. Monitors control board and regulates equipment according to procedures and information obtained from recording and indicating instruments. Controls operation of boiler auxiliary equipment. Adjusts controls to regulate speed, voltage, and phase. Synchronizes generating units with power company system. Monitors gauges. Monitors plant environmental monitoring equipment. Maintain accurate and comprehensive operating logs and records. Read and understand P&ID’s vendor instructions. Assist maintenance department in the repair of equipment.

II. Primary Responsibilities

§ Operate boilers, turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment for the production of steam and electricity.

§ Monitor control board and regulate equipment according to procedure and information obtained from recording and indicating instruments.

§ Adjust controls of water and fuel feed systems, blowers, and igniters to start up or shut down boilers.

§ Control operation of boiler auxiliary equipment, such as water and vacuum pumps, coke and limestone feeders, steam condensers, and soot blowers, to ensure efficient operation of boilers within the permit conditions of the Air Quality Permit.

§ Adjust boiler controls to provide steam at specified temperature and pressure to the turbine generator.

§ Adjust controls to regulate speed, voltage, and phase to coincide with voltage and phase of the transmission line.

§ Synchronize generating units with power company systems. Monitors gauges to determine effect of generator load on related equipment, such as bus bars and voltage regulators.

II. Primary Responsibilities (continued)

§ Monitor all plant environmental monitoring equipment, and report any malfunction or breakdown to the appropriate personnel, to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.

§ Maintain accurate and comprehensive operating logs and records, for recognizing when there are problems in the operations or the plant equipment, and for implementing the necessary changes to correct these problems.

§ Participate in systems checkouts, assist in writing plant operating procedures, troubleshoot plant problems, perform special duties, and orders supplies as needed.

§ Other duties include communicating with the grid dispatcher, state and federal environmental groups, vendors, plant managers, and owners when necessary.

§ Read and understand P&ID’s vendor instructions.

§ Assist in training other technicians.

§ Assist maintenance department in the repair of equipment.

§ Perform maintenance duties as directed by plant maintenance orders.

§ Abide by all plant operating procedures.

§ Maintain a clean and safe work environment by following all plant safety and housekeeping rules.

§ Any other responsibilities as assigned by plant management.

III. Aptitudes

§ Must have previously worked 2,000 hours as an Auxiliary Technician II and completed the Plant Technician Task Inventories.

§ Must possess high degree of mechanical and process aptitude.

§ Must be able to use algebra, geometry or shop math.

§ Ability to define problems, collect data, draw conclusions, interpret instruction and use logic to solve problems, and to communicate using technical written and spoken English.

IV. Physical Demands

Heavy lifting – may require lifting up to 70 pounds with frequent lifting of objects up to 50 pounds. Required to climb ladders and stairs, and work on scaffolding. Must be able to work at heights. Frequently bends, stoops, and lifts heavy objects. Must be able to work rotating shifts covering 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.

V. Work Environment

Indoors/outdoors. Extreme cold and high ambient air conditions can exist. Exposure to mechanical equipment, electrical equipment, radiant heat, toxic chemicals, and fumes and dust from limestone/coke/boiler ash distribution. Certain areas require the use of personal protective equipment, as well as mandatory hard hats, safety glasses, and hearing protection for long periods. Subject to call out hours.

VI. Hiring Practices

This is not an entry level position. Most skills are learned through training on-the-job. High school graduate preferred who has technical training or related work experience.

VII. Licensing

Must qualify and pass the test for a State of Montana 2nd Class Operators License two (2) years after assignment as Plant Technician, and a 1st Class License after four (4) years working as Plant Technician. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $42.52 per hour

Expected hours: 40 – 50 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compensation package:

• Bonus opportunities
• Profit sharing

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Billings, MT: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person