Power Plant Operator jobs in Santa Rosa, CA

Final Filing Date: The first review of applications will be on April 3, 2024. NCPA reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received. 

This position performs a variety of engineering tasks relating to plant reliability and performance efficiency, troubleshoots plant and equipment problems, leads plant based NERC/CIP reporting requirements, manages implementation of system/equipment repairs and upgrades, acts as project manager for a variety of plant efficiency upgrade and retrofit projects, acts as construction manager for a variety of projects including public works projects, assists in personnel training and scheduling of operations and maintenance functions. This position may also undertake special projects as assigned by and through the Plant Manager. The level of supervision will be dependent upon the incumbent’s classification level (Engineer II, III, IV, or V), but all levels will perform a variety of assigned complex technical and professional work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This position requires the incumbent reports for work on time and maintains satisfactory attendance in accordance with Agency policy; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives to meetings and appointments on time; Performs special assignments for the Plant Manager or others as assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Level II:

This is the entry-level class within the Engineer series for an employee assigned to a Power Plant. Under supervision, employees perform a wide variety of fields and office engineering assignments within the work unit. Engineers as this level are expected to manage smaller projects with direct oversight.

Level III:

Employees at this level receive only general instruction or assistance as new, unusual, or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Engineers at this level manage smaller projects with minimal direction. 

Level IV: 

This is the journey-level class within the engineer series. Working with minimal direction, employees at this level assist or lead capital projects, including project management, giving project assignments, reviewing work, providing guidance, and giving instruction to project personnel, including professional engineering staff, other staff, and contractors.   

Level V: 

This is the senior-level class within the engineering series. Working with minimal direction and often taking department goals and translating them into work assignments for individuals and other departments. Employees at this level manage the most complex projects. 

Responsibilities:

Level II:

Participates in the review and technical/economic analysis of new projects, and with the development of specifications, and negotiation of agreements with counterparties. Prepares periodic reports on progress and issues relating to the above.

Manages the covered piping system program and boiler code compliance. Perform inspections. Determine corrective actions. Oversee welding procedures and testing for code welds.

Manages the NERC Compliance Program for the project site.

Provides input to the Plant budget and Business Plan. 

Participates in the facility safety program.

Manages the plant drawing files, including updating files with as-built changes.

Prepares reports and makes oral presentations at public meetings.

Stay informed on industry events, technological advancements, and regulatory issues.

Performs other related duties as required.

Level III:

In addition to Level II class, this item:

Interfaces with plant staff to optimize plant output.

Provide specific support as needed to the Operations and Maintenance Supervisors, FOA and Materials Warehouse Coordinator.

Investigates and determines methods to improve performance and efficiency of power plant equipment and systems including turbine generators, condensers, pumps, cooling towers and heat exchangers, etc. and conducts engineering and economic analyses for consideration by the supervisor.

Stays abreast of electricity market conditions and communicates findings regularly to Plant Staff.

Develops technical specifications and assists with the development of equipment supply and construction contracts.

Provides on-site technical support for all DCS, Business Network, Historian and Communications Equipment.

Acts as a point of contact with the NCPA Generation Services Engineering Department and provides engineering assistance as requested.

Level IV:

In addition to Level III class, this item:

Develop commissioning and testing procedures as well as operations and maintenance procedures.

Participates in troubleshooting Plant equipment operating problems, performs “root cause” analyses and assists in the implementation of measures to prevent future problems.

Leads in the review and technical/economic analysis of new projects, and with development of specifications, negotiation of agreements with counter parties. Prepares periodic reports on progress and issues relating to the above.

During the development and engineering phase of projects this position will review, comment, modify and approve the plant designs as proposed by the Engineer of Record. Recommends purchase of equipment, and trains users to use new or modified equipment.

Acts as project manager on assigned projects which includes planning, interdepartmental coordination, budgeting, implementation, progress reporting, quality control, payment approval, etc.

Level V:

In addition to Level IV class, this item:

Maintains and communicates within the Generation Services Department up-to-date information on relevant trends and modern technologies in the field of Reliability and Plant Engineering. Analyzes the need for maintenance activities such as condition based, predictive, preventative, and scheduled. Participates in planning and scheduling maintenance activities.

During construction of projects this position provides management, coordination and quality assurance and control of various contractors. Coordinates and resolves problems with the Chief Building Official.

Regularly performs engineering systems calculations and analysis applicable to power plants, review and approval of engineering drawings and designs, coordinating with various contractors and the Chief Building Official to resolve problems during modifications and improvements. Provides support during the start-up and commissioning of the power plants or any related subsystems. Uses computer assisted engineering and design software and equipment to perform engineering tasks.

Steps into the Plant Manager or Operations and Maintenance Supervisor role from time to time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Level II:

Education and/or Experience

This level requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) at an accredited four-year college or university; and a minimum of two (2) years of related experience in power plant/production engineering. A California Engineer-in-Training Certificate is desired.

Level III:

Education and/or Experience

This level requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) from an accredited four-year college or university is required; and a minimum of three (3) years in power plant/production engineering. At a minimum, have a California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Certificate. A California Professional Engineering License is highly desirable.

Level IV: 

Education and/or Experience

This level requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) an accredited four-year college or university; and a minimum of five (5) years of related experience in power plant/production engineering. A California Professional Engineering License is highly desirable.

Level V:

Education and/or Experience      

This level requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) an accredited four-year college or university; and a minimum of seven (7) years of related experience, preferably within a combined-cycle/steam-generating plant. A California Professional Engineering License is highly desirable.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES 

Knowledge:

Knowledge of power plant operations and plant design parameters; methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of geothermal power generating plant. General power plant safety principles and practices; Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations applicable to electric utility generator operators and generator owners; Knowledge of utility industry, generation practices, and new developments; Understanding of electric generation plant control systems; Good technical knowledge of electrical terminology and applications;  use and application of computer aided design software; Principles and practices of applicable ASME codes and standards; Principles of budget preparation and administration; Proficiency with MS Word and Excel;  Experience with MS PowerPoint, MS Project, MS SharePoint, OSIsoft PI, CMMS, AutoCAD, and relational databases (e.g. MS Access) is desirable; Demonstrated application of business and systems analysis techniques, SQL, client- server and web base technology, and report writing tools is also desirable; Requirements of Public Works Contracts including, Public Works bid process, roles and responsibilities of NCPA project manager versus contractor, bonding Public notices and registration requirements; project closure; NCPA leadership standards and expected leadership behaviors and considerable skill in verbal and written communications.

Abilities:

Observe and enforce NCPA safety procedures and to establish and maintain project priorities and to reason logically and creatively. Must develop and evaluate alternatives; analyze data and perform research work; analyze situations accurately and take effective action; communicate and negotiate effectively; prepare reports, correspondence, safety oversight plans, and exhibits; translate engineering calculations and analyses into concepts usable by decision-makers; Testify on results of completed studies; Consult with and advise administrators, decision-makers, and other interested parties on a broad range of subject-matter areas; serve as a lead person and gain and maintain the confidence and cooperation of those contacted during the course of work; Perform general plant performance calculations and engineering duties with minimum supervision; initiate, develop a variety of projects from concept to completion;  Develop technical specifications, drawings, and work scopes; Conduct bid walks and Safety orientations; Control project costs and report progress; Conduct post project reviews and consistently manage NCPA staff or contractors in pursuit of facility goals.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid California Driver's License and insurance, as travel by car to NCPA facilities is required.

Additional coursework or certifications in information technology would be helpful.

Engineer II- III has no supervisory responsibilities. 

Engineer IV may lead projects and function as interim supervisor as needed. 

Engineer V – Leads large-scale projects, may supervise other employees, and may function as interim plant manager as needed. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is required to walk, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee may be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat, and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination.