SOLAR FIELD OPERATOR

Description

Job Summary:

The Solar Field Operator/Technician is responsible for the day to day quality control of site-wide solar field operational status reporting and maintenance repairs in accordance with company standards, procedures, and safety practices. Assists in coordinating the activities and priorities of Operations and Maintenance personnel relating to solar field repairs. Incumbents are expected to work rotating shifts covering 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays and overtime as required. This is a safety sensitive position.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitors and inspects all components (mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, hydraulic drives, etc.) of the site's solar fields to determine their operating conditions and component failures as necessary to determine and/or recommend maintenance priorities and actions to maintain or improve solar field efficiency.
• Inspects all loops prior to scheduled HCE replacement to assure HCE replacement criteria is being followed, and all problems which may be contributing to HCE breakage are repaired in accordance with standard maintenance procedures.
• Inspects all loops prior to scheduled fluid system repairs (flex hose replacement) to assure repairs include HCE replacement if replacement criteria is met, and all problems which may be contributing to HCE breakage are repaired in accordance with standard maintenance procedures.
• Patrol and monitor solar field for indications of vapor release and leaks. In coordination with the control room, isolate a loop if a leak is detected. Safely, understanding the hazards before moving forward. Take all possible measures to reduce the impact on environment and mitigate the consequences of the leak.
• Qualified to work within the LOTO procedure to hang and remove clearances in the solar field for maintenance activities.
• Reports all leaks. Execute the site-wide solar field status reporting program and reporting requirements.
• Reports to unit manager on daily maintenance/operational activities and irregularities in solar field operations.
• Maintains neat, accurate logs and records obtained from inspections of solar field equipment to prepare detailed reports related to solar field component status and availability.
• Conducts housekeeping in the solar field like (Weeds, Trash) that needs to be picked up and transported to the dumpsters as required. Carries out minor maintenance tasks as needed.
• While working rotating shifts, 12 hours per day, all meal periods and breaks shall be considered as paid, on-duty time. The employee will coordinate work activities with co-workers and the supervisor, as appropriate, to facilitate the applicable meal and break periods.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist other plant operators and maintenance personnel as required.
• Requests inspection and/or corrective maintenance using SAP.
• Performs weekly and Monthly PM’s and maintains the “LTU” as required.
• Understands and operates facility to maintain all compliance requirements. Notifies Supervisor/Manager if non-compliance occurs.
• Completes special projects/assignments, and performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.
• Understands company policies, compliance requirements on SF spills and clean ups. Notifies Lead man, Supervisor/Manager if non-compliance occurs.
• Completes assigned training requirements both online and in-person.
• Ability to work overtime when requested and as needed.
• Safety sensitive position is a job or position where the employee holding this position has the responsibility for his/her own safety or other people’s safety.
• Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

Prerequisites:

High School Diploma or equivalent; plus two (2) years' experience primarily working with steam generating power plant equipment, or equivalent training and/or operations experience. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrates the ability to become knowledgeable of power plant operations and develop a working knowledge of power plant instrumentation and controls, including routine maintenance. Must possess a valid driver license.

Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to carry out detailed instructions with limited supervision.
• Ability to use logical and divergent reasoning to solve problems.
• Ability to work safely and effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain clean work area and neat, accurate logs and journals.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.
• Ability to read, interpret and retrieve information from technical manuals.
• Ability to learn and execute emergency response procedures.
• Ability to operate, monitor and analyze problems with assigned equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Willingness to assist in training other personnel as directed.
• Knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office 365, and SAP.
• Advancement through the Tech Levels are determined by completing the requirements for the next Tech Level in accordance with company policy and the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement).

Essential Functions of the Job:

The ability to speak, read, and write in English. Ability to perform heavy physical work, occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force with assistance, 50 pounds of force on a frequent basis, and up to 20 pounds constantly, performing such activities as grasping, lifting, reaching, crouching, standing, walking, running, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pulling, sitting, and repetitive tasks. Ability to use emergency equipment in emergency situations, such as respirators and S.C.B.A. (self-contained breathing apparatus). The ability to discern assorted colors.

Working Conditions:

Works in normal steam power plant environment. Potential exposure to hot, cold, sudden change of temperature, dry, wet, dusty, quiet, noisy, moving objects, exposure to sun and rain, high places, and working alone or with others. Potential hazards include minor cuts, minor burns, electrical shock, falling objects, falls, eyesight and hearing impairment. Wearing of personal protective equipment is necessary, as is the ability to legally operate Company vehicles. Works 12-hour shifts, day or night, with on-duty meals and break periods.