Control Operator

Job Description

Responsible for safely operating and controlling all power plant equipment while ensuring site employee safety. Maintains equipment at established control set points to ensure a reliable, efficient and dependable source of steam and electrical energy. Monitors plant performance and takes corrective action based upon independent judgment of alarms received. Coordinates activities and directs outside operators and others in the plant. All duties are performed in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, and operating directives in effect. Assists in coordinating, directing and training the assigned crew. Work is performed with minimal supervision and direction from the Gas Operations and Maintenance Manager.

Responsibilities

Adhere to, support and enforce all safety and environmental rules, policies and procedures
Maintain the control room in a safe and clean operating condition
Provide leadership to outside operators in both safety and work practices
Responsible for progressing in the company training program and assisting others within the program
Coordinate the startup, operations and shutdown of all equipment
Direct or perform startup of turbine/generator sets and synchronization to the power grid
Provide technical assistance in equipment diagnosis and problem solving as directed by the gas operations manager
Coordinate causality control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions
Maintains plant contractual requirements concerning plant loading and ensures that the plant is operating within all state and federal regulatory compliance guidelines
Continuously monitors plant Distributive Control System (DCS), Gas Turbine/Generator Control systems, Steam Turbine Control System and Plant Electrical Mimic Panel and assesses the information collected, to anticipate plant equipment operating problems
Over rides any automatic control necessary to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges
Switches to backup controls for plant equipment or systems necessary to safely control or shutdown that equipment safely
Responsible for ensuring facility reports are timely, accurate and complete
Accurately records in control room logbook all operation and maintenance actions taken during a shift
Records in control room log all communications with steam hosts and the local electrical distribution company and any other agency that relates to contracts, permits and plant operations
Communicates facility needs with management, fellow employees, customers and vendors
Informs management of any equipment malfunction, or requests by customers concerning steam or power production
Individual is subject to on-call responsibilities
Due to the nature of working 12-hour shifts, overtime work is required to cover vacation and sick time of other shift personnel
Qualifications

Associate's or technical degree; relevant certification or equivalent work experience. (Typically three years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess an associate or technical degree.)
Three or more years of power plant operation experience including full competency in outside operator job duties and distributed control systems experience; completion of or currently participating in the technical skills and certification program; or equivalent education and experience
Knowledge of personal computer software applications, including spreadsheet, word processing and database
Effective oral and written communication skills, including the use of a radio and group presentations
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence accurately
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts including percentages, area, circumference and volume
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
The individual must be able to visualize and comprehend the dynamic conditions and possibilities that occur in the combined cycle electricity and steam generation process
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
Must have a valid New York driver's license

About Us

BHE Renewables delivers sustainable energy solutions for customers and communities. We own, operate and develop wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric and natural gas projects in 11 U.S. states. The power generated is sold into energy markets or directly to customers through long-term purchase agreements.

Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, BHE Renewables is an innovative and growing company with new offices in Phoenix and San Diego. Our 50/50 joint venture with Occidental Petroleum has led to a demonstration project showing how TerraLithium technology is used to extract lithium from the brine presently flowing through our geothermal plants in Imperial Valley, CA.

Our CHAMPION culture drives our success by fostering high expectations, ownership and continuous improvement within a respectful and inclusive team environment. Through the CHAMPION mindset, we focus on the fundamentals - preparation, planning and attention to detail - holding ourselves accountable to do simple better. Alongside this, the BHE Renewables CARES program encourages employee volunteerism and invests in our communities, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and collaboration, making us stronger together.

About the Team

BHE Renewables is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.