Powerhouse Operator I - Sturgis, MI Plant (3rd Shift)

Hours: 12am-8am

Primary Functions/Primary Goals/Objectives:

Operate and maintain Energy center equipment and systems. Must be able to perform all duties with minimal or no supervision, and must possess a minimum of 2 years' experience in a field requiring good mechanical/technical skills. The requirements of this position include the ability to successfully complete the training and certification for the Sr. Powerhouse Operator, within 2 years.

Major Responsibilities:

• Operate Energy Center equipment and related control systems (e.g. boilers, ammonia refrigeration system, air compressors, chillers, cooling towers, carbon columns, water treatment systems, fire protection system and sewer system)
• Monitor the Industrial Pretreatment Plant and react to situations that may arise
• Perform various chemical tests on steam, refrigeration and water systems such as hardness, conductance, alkalinity, pH, FMA, manganese, sulfite and free chlorine
• These test results will be utilized in maintaining proper control of the different steam, refrigeration and water systems to assure the delivery of high quality utilities in an efficient and safe manner
• Perform routine maintenance on Energy Center systems and equipment such as boilers, natural gas, ammonia compressors, ammonia evaporator and condenser systems, air compressors, wells, carbon columns, steam systems, dealkalizers, softeners, pumps and HVAC equipment

Education:

High School Diploma/GED required.

Background:

Minimum amount of 2 years related experience, to demonstrate the technical aptitude to learn and be successful in this position.

Specialized Training

*Employee will be required to successfully complete the following courses within 3 years of Energy Center start date, as they become available:

• Water Treatment/National Association of Power Engineers (16 hours)
• Combustion Controls/National Association of Power Engineers (16 hours)
• Steam Plant I & II/National Association of Power Engineers (32 hours), or Steam System Specialist Training, Level I/Plant Support & Evaluations (32 hours)
• Fourth Class Power Engineers License
• Refrigeration Training (minimum two courses, must be approved by dept. manager)
• Basic Electrical Circuits/Glen Oaks Community College
• Basis Chemistry/Glen Oaks Community College
• 24 Hour Ammonia HAZMAT Training
• Testing (Oral and Practical Exam)

After one year from operator attaining Powerhouse Operator I status a process known as the Sr. Powerhouse Operator Certification Exam will begin. The employee will be expected to have gained enough knowledge on the equipment and system operations, to score at least a 70% on this exam. This learning process requires the operator to be self motivated and take the initiative to learn the equipment, systems and theories related to the operation of each. At the operator's request this testing can begin sooner providing all other requirements are met, and they have proven their competency at this level. Failure to successfully complete this exam (70% or better) will result in employee being displaced from this position.

Accountability/Scope/Budget:

Provide all utilities for the Sturgis Plant – electric, water, steam, sewage treatment, compressed air, refrigeration, air conditioning and fire protection.