Perform semi-skilled and skilled work in the control and operation of the City's power plants and water pumping systems; and provide related technical and basic maintenance services for the City. Safe work practices are a condition of employment.
This is the entry/journey level class in the power plant operator series. New employees are typically placed at the lowest classification step and advance as they gain knowledge of plant operation. Employees at upper classification levels receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Essential Functions

Qualifications

Knowledge of:
Operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
The correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
The basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
System piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
The operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
The operation and basic maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Safe work practices.
Basic mathematical principles.
General mechanical practices and techniques.
Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Ability to:
Learn the methods and procedures necessary to regulate generator loading, steam flow and fuel.
Learn about operating systems and equipment that make up a power plant.
Learn the correct usage of telephone and radio systems.
Become familiar with the basic concepts of chemistry, electricity and electronics.
Learn about the system piping and its relationship to other equipment within the plant.
Develop an understanding of the operation, regulation and maintenance of boilers, turbines, generators and the auxiliaries of each.
Learn about the operation and maintenance of the equipment involved in the continuous operation of an electric generating plant.
Lift and move heavy articles.
Work at high elevations.
Must have use of arms and legs.
Must be able to operate computer terminal and applicable programs.
Properly wear all safety equipment.
Must be able to see and read gauges, trouble lights and control panel screens.
Must be able to recognize and distinguish colors.
Work in both outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, confined spaces, and with moving mechanical parts, with exposure to heat/cold, fumes, dust, noise, water, oil and grease.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Read and interpret maps, schematics, blueprints and drawings.
Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Supplemental Information

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
This is an entry level position, however, experience with steam boilers and turbine/generators is preferred.
Training:
High school diploma or GED. Course work in Energy Generation Operations is preferred.
License or Certification:
Possession of a Grade IV Nebraska Water System Operator license within six (6) months of hire.
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier. Click here to view our driver eligibility requirements.
Working Hours:
Rotating shifts include: days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays.
Residency:
Residency is required within six (6) months of date of hire. Click here to view the residency map for this position. To meet the residency requirements, you must live inside the boxed area.
Exam:
A mechanical aptitude exam will be administered to a selected amount of qualified candidates.
Salary:
Position will start at the entry level of the City's salary table. Consideration may be given if experience exceeds entry level qualifications.
Other:
Candidates are subject to a background check.