Auxiliary Operator

At PIC Group, Inc., our emphasis is on excellence. We recruit the strongest candidates in the power generation industry. As a global service provider, we continually seek talented individuals.

Title: Auxiliary Operator

Position Type: Direct Hire

Location: South Boston, VA

Reports to: Operations Manager

Status: Non-Exempt

Job Summary

The Auxiliary Operator (AO) will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a 50MW wood fired biomass facility in South Boston, VA. The Auxiliary Operator controls, monitors, starts, stops, and regulates turbine generators and auxiliary equipment. The Auxiliary Operator will also perform routine maintenance.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• The Auxiliary Operator controls, monitors, starts, stops, and regulates turbine generators and auxiliary equipment.
• Monitors and adjusts related set points locally to optimize plant performance and reliability.
• Observes, records, and interprets equipment indicators outside of the control room. Calculates, evaluates, and report’s findings.
• Performs functional testing of plant systems and components. Interprets data in comparison with established standards or sound power plant practices. Determines the need for and performs routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required.
• Assists in the investigation of plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, and provides analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans.
• Checks daily chemical, fuel and water consumption rates, monitors inventory and initiates replenishment.
• Operates plant equipment (trucks, forklifts, high lift etc.).
• Performs, monitors and records boiler and cooling tower water analysis. Makes adjustments to maintain steam and water quality.
• Performs regenerations; neutralize effluent water to the sewer.
• Performs switching, tagging, and housekeeping duties as required.
• Conducts routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment when property trained or supervised.
• Uses computerized programs such as LOTO, Microsoft Office 365, Excel and Word on a daily basis.
• Maintains logs, records, and data sheets; prepares reports, trends, time sheets, material requisitions, work orders, and other administrative documents related to the business of power and steam production. Writes, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures.
• Provides input to the O&M Manager, CRO’s and maintenance personnel regarding technical and administrative conduct and shift operations.
• Ability to work rotating shifts, working on feet for 12-hour periods, work overtime and work weekends and holidays.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Knowledge of power plant equipment such as motors, pumps, boilers, turbines, generators, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment (i.e., dust suppression, bag house, scrubber, selective catalytic reduction unit), AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc.
• Basic understanding of fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, chemistry, and metallurgy.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings such as P&IDs, single line diagrams, schematics, and logics.
• Knowledge of power plant safety, especially in areas such as chemical handling, high energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, heavy equipment operations, etc.
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plant equipment as well as basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, rigging equipment and other implements.
• Excellent oral and written communication and skills are required.
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Working in varied outdoor environments such as all-weather conditions, all noise levels, hazardous conditions, and on the full range of outdoor work surfaces.
• The frequent use of protective equipment (i.e., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.) may be required. Work with hazardous materials may also be required.
• Working in proximity to high voltages and current with proper training and equipment, operating heavy equipment and rolling stock and entering confined spaces or hazardous environments may be required while often being exposed to equipment and machinery noises.
• Duties require walking, standing for extended periods of time, crawling, stooping, sitting, climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs, operation of large valves and other tasks requiring up to 100 lbs. of pulling or turning force, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Eye and hand coordination are required to operate switches, pushbuttons, and other controls.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.
• All candidates will participate in the post-offer drug screening.
  
  

Education / Experience

• High School diploma or GED
• 5+ years’ experience in a power plant/control room environment.
  
  

PIC Group, Inc. offers competitive wages and benefits. We seek out and employ talented individuals who meet the qualifications for each position. Due to the large number of responses we receive to our postings, only those applicants with the required experience and qualifications will be contacted. PIC Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.