The Power Plant Technician is responsible for controlling and monitoring the equipment found in power plants, such as boilers, turbines, and generators.  Technicians operate, perform regular preventive maintenance, troubleshoots, tests, and make rounds taking regular readings on all power plant equipment and systems.  Provides safety and environmental stewardship; ensures compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations and plant procedures keeps all equipment in optimum operating condition and develops operating procedures for plant equipment to ensure consistent and safe operation.  DUE TO THE EXTENSIVE TRAINING REQUIRED, THIS POSITION HAS A THREE (3) YEAR COMMITMENT TO THE OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, any one of the following assigned areas:

• Operates assigned power production equipment to achieve maximum output while observing safe and prudent operating standards.
• Shift operations including plant startup, shutdown, and monitoring equipment.
• Follow operational directions as given by the Shift Supervisor and Control Room Operator.
• Operate and maintain plant equipment in compliance with established safety procedures and environmental regulations.
• Operate and maintain plant equipment within specified operational temperature, pressure, and rate of change parameters.
• Maintain logs and records of operational milestones.
• Performs regular preventive maintenance, troubleshoots, tests, and makes rounds taking regular readings as required to assure operations continuity and maximization of asset value.
• Actively participates in operator training and continuing training.
• Manages preventive maintenance tasks and records preventive maintenance activities.
• Trains and develops other employees in performing preventive maintenance and routine equipment service activities. Practices situational leadership, safety, and environmental stewardship.
• Leads and/or participates in equipment or system problem identification and recommends solutions.
• Develops operating procedures for plant equipment to ensure consistent and safe operation.
• Assists in requisitioning parts and supplies.
• Performs other duties, including non-core responsibilities as directed.
• Understand and follow all PSGC policies and procedures.
• Work with others in preparing and implementing equipment LOTO orders for maintenance work.
• Identify malfunctions in operating equipment. Take initial steps to discover the problem by performing basic troubleshooting.  Report issues through the PSGC’s CMMS by providing detailed information via a service request.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

NONE - Expected to provide authority of knowledge to less experienced power plant operators.

Qualification Requirements:

• Additional technical/professional training from military or trade school is preferred
• Demonstrate ability to analyze equipment problems utilizing drawings, OEM manuals, and previous experience.
• Minimum of two years recent operations or maintenance experience preferred.
• Five years operations in similar facility preferred.
• Knowledge of power plant fundamentals in physics, electricity, and mathematics preferred.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office applications and Maximo work management system preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Able to work a rotating shift assignment.
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs., work at heights, qualify for Confined Space entry and pass respirator fit test
• Must successfully pass the EEI POSS test battery.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential duties in assigned area in a satisfactory fashion.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.

Education/Experience:

• Two-year Associate Degree in a technical field or 2+ years of power plant operations experience is preferred.
• Mechanical, instrumentation and control, and/or electrical maintenance skills are preferred
• Heavy industrial operational experience preferred
• High School diploma or GED required.

Certification/Licensure:

N/a

Knowledge of:

• Operating assigned equipment in a safe and effective manner.
• Power Plant operations
• Safety and health hazards associated with the production of electricity.

Skills, abilities, and physical requirements:

• Ability to clearly communicate with co-workers, supervisors, and others.
• Ability to read and understand operating procedures.
• Ability to read and understand safety procedures.
• Ability to read and understand Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ability to work rotating shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to work overtime as required. May be forced to work overtime.
• Ability to work unsupervised as required.
• Physical Requirements:
• Work from elevated positions, walk or climb up and down stairways and ladders and climb on and off equipment and must be able to bend or stoop for a full shift as a result of plant elevations.
• Don and wear required safety equipment including respirators, hearing and eye protection, and protective clothing.

Work Environment:

The characteristics listed herein describe the work environment the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this employment position.  REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ENABLE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS.  While performing the duties of this employment position, the employee:

• Will work in confined spaces and will also be subjected to extremes of ambient weather conditions.
• Will work in elevated building temperatures.
• Will encounter noise levels that will necessitate the wearing of hearing protection.

Compensation and Benefits:

At Prairie State, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as one grows and develops within a role. The base pay range we reasonably expect to pay for this role is between $38.62 per hour and $46.61 per hour. Individual pay decisions depend on various factors, such as skills, qualifications, and relevant experience. In addition, this position is eligible to participate in the Company’s monthly incentive program. 

Employees are also eligible to receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement savings plan with Company match, life and disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Click here to learn more about Prairie State’s benefits. 

Prairie State offers all full-time employees paid time off, accruing 160 hours annually with gradual increases based on length of service, as well as nine paid holidays per year. Paid maternal and paternal leave is also available to employees that meet the eligibility requirements. 

Note: Prairie State benefits, compensation, and employee incentive programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.