Power Plant Operator

Power Plant Operator (PPO)

Location: Safe Harbor, PA

General Overview:

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Power Plant Operator (PPO) is required to operate the 417MW Safe Harbor Hydro-Electric Generating Station and Dam safely, efficiently, and economically.  Personnel and public safety is of the utmost importance. The PPO is responsible for the operation and high-voltage switching of the Generators, Frequency Converter, Step-Up Transformers, and all of the associated auxiliary equipment. The Safe Harbor PPO is responsible for the safe operation of the Filtered Water and Wastewater systems to ensure compliance the PA DEP requirements and standards. The Safe Harbor Station is located on the Susquehanna River near Conestoga, PA.

Responsibilities of the PPO:

• Responsible for the 24/7 operation of the station. The PPO shall work assigned shifts including rotating 12-hour shifts. The PPO must be available to work weekends, holidays, night shift and overtime to support the operation of the station.


• Performs all work in a safe manner utilizing proper PPE and following all HSSE policies and procedures.


• Performs, coordinates, and/or directs the safe operation and switching of the generators, transformers, frequency converter, control board, flood gates, and station auxiliary equipment as needed.


• Maintains a thorough knowledge of the station auxiliary power systems and directs 460V ground searches to isolate impacted equipment.


• Maintains a thorough knowledge of generator, bus, and transformer relay protection systems.


• Completes necessary PJM and NERC testing as assigned on generation equipment.


• Directs station operation during high flow and ice jam events which includes directing the operation of flood gates, regulating gates, and the manipulation of lake levels in coordination with the Controlling Authority (Control Center).


• Directs station operation and emergency response during an incipient emergency situation such as fire, flooding, security incidents, railroad emergencies, etc.


• Communicates with internal team members such as the Control Center, Water Resource Managers, and Marketing Team regularly and responds to station alarms as needed.


• Communicates with external entities such as the transmission company and Amtrak and coordinates high voltage switching activities and clearances with those entities.


• Performs daily inspection rounds of the facility and reports any abnormal conditions.


• Performs switching of 460V, 13KV, 69KV, and 230KV equipment.


• Administrates the Lock Out Tag Out program; and performs equipment isolation and return to service in accordance with station procedures.


• Operates the facility in compliance with regulatory agencies (FERC, NERC, RFC, DEP, and OSHA).


• Writes and reviews station procedures as assigned.


• Operate the Filtered Water plant to produce finished water within state water quality standards.


• Operate the Wastewater facility to produce clean effluent within state water quality standards.


• Work with the Compliance Team and Operations Supervisor to ensure the plant is maintained, operational, and all state regulatory requirements are met. This includes gathering samples and scheduling lab pick-ups.


• Obtain and maintain necessary state licenses for the operation of the Filter Plant and Wastewater Plant.


• Ability to adapt to changing situations, emergencies, and multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.


• Performs such other related duties as assigned or as necessary.

Requirements:

• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.


• Ability to read and understand electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical prints.


• Ability to use MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, etc.)


• Ability to perform physical work such as lifting heavy objects, walking stairs, climbing ladders, working at elevated heights, working in confined spaces, working in adverse weather conditions, as required.


• Clear communication skills are required (oral, written, and electronic communication).


• Experience in hydro-electric dam operations is preferred.


• Experience with the repair and maintenance of hydro turbine/generator systems and related electrical, mechanical, hydraulic equipment is preferred.


• Maintain medical clearance for respirator use and ability to pass a respirator fit and use test


• Must be willing and able to travel for training as needed


• Ability to obtain NERC/CIP PSP clearance


• Maintain a valid driver’s license

Qualifications:

• An Associates Degree in Electrical/Electronic Technologies or equivalent work experience is preferred.


• Knowledge of hydro station regulatory compliance and knowledge of related mechanical and electrical OSHA safety standards is preferred.


• 3 years or more of experience in power plant operations or switchyard operations is preferred.


• Troubleshooting experience in electrical and/or mechanical systems.