Step 4 Apprentice to Plant Operator

Description

The Plant Operator in SD is responsible for operating power plants in a safe and accident-free manner and to maintain compliance with environmental permits and regulatory guidelines.

• Perform startup and shutdown on plant components and auxiliaries
• Perform, plan, organize, and direct work of operations and maintain the power plant in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner Maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment during emergency situationsPerform startup and shutdown on plant components and auxiliariesPerform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as requiredConduct routine inspections of plant systems and equipment including reading and recording gauges and meters Assemble/disassemble, investigate, trouble shoot and repair problems including turbine control equipment, electrical and mechanical systems; provide follow-up reports/analysis as neededPerform preventive and predictive maintenance duties on all major equipment and systems as well as emergency backup systemsInspect, repair, install, and remove all types of electrical equipment including motors, generators, transformers, breakers, switches, control equipment, wiring, electrical signal and communication systems, and storage batteriesTroubleshoot and correct, various instrumentation, mechanical, electrical, and human machine interface issues.
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Safely perform individual lifts of parts, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds from floor to high chest level (less than 52" height)
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
• Represent NorthWestern Energy and interact effectively and responsibly with internal company employees and external agencies; includes providing feedback to production teams and operators
• Issue Lockout/Tagouts as required
• Troubleshoot and correct, various instrumentation, mechanical, electrical, and human machine interface issues.
• Assemble/disassemble, investigate, trouble shoot and repair problems including turbine control equipment, electrical and mechanical systems; provide follow-up reports/analysis as needed
• Conduct routine inspections of plant systems and equipment including reading and recording gauges and meters
• Apply creative solutions to unique mechanical and IC&E problems preferred
• Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required
• Receive and respond to Southwest Power Pool ("SPP") generation requests. A dispatch call may require a 10-minute response time from startup to full load to comply with SPP guidelines.
• Perform routine cycle chemistry testing, make necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency; this includes checking daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water, and other consumables; monitoring inventories and initiating action to replenish when appropriate
• Set up and operate machine shop tools and complete machine work to close tolerances; align and balance rotating equipment
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance duties on all major equipment and systems as well as emergency backup systems
• Complete and maintain accurate operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents and computer operations
• Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties including sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, shoveling snow, or operating Bobcat to clear snow from main entry ways
• Perform shipping and receiving duties including material handling, operating forklift, and monitoring inventory; issue, receive and maintain spare parts inventory to ensure plant reliability
• Comply and follow all site safety requirements and procedures, identify and correct safety hazards including documented procedures and guidelines of external agencies
• Maintain and update plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records; develop and revise plant operation and maintenance procedures
• Complete assigned training requirements
• Maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment during emergency situations
• Inspect, repair, install, and remove all types of electrical equipment including motors, generators, transformers, breakers, switches, control equipment, wiring, electrical signal and communication systems, and storage batteries

Requirements

Background Check: Required

Step 4 Apprentice to Plant Operator

Drug Test: Required

• Must be able to work rotating shift work between the hours of 6am-midnight with occasional overtime on weekends and holidays as requested and to response to acute service needs.
• Knowledge in working with systems up to 13.8 kV volts preferred
• Must be able to effectively understand and work with plant drawings
• Complete and passed required pre-employment testing
• Working knowledge of rotating electrical and mechanical equipment and mechanical diagrams
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to work well with others and be self-directed
• Knowledge and experience with installing and troubleshooting instrumentation and control equipment, relaying, and interface equipment including alarms, data loggers, historians, and Plant Information (PI)
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Minimum of 3 years operations and maintenance experience in gas turbine electrical power generation preferred
• Travel up to 25% and stay overnight on occasion
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Forklift operation certification preferred
• Degree from an accredited Instrument Technician Program and 2-years work experience preferred

Benefits

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Pay range: Union Rate $35.31 to $49.04 per hour

• Rotating weekend standby
• Tuition reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Employee Assistance Program (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents)
• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid training opportunities

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance