Job Details

Description

APPRENTICE ELECTRIC OPERATOR

Position Title: Apprentice Electric Operator

Department: Electric (Gardner Energy)

Reports To: Electric Operations Supervisor

Salary Range: 4

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay)

Last Update: January 1, 2012

Job Summary:

The Apprentice Electric Operator performs skilled work relating to the operation, testing, maintenance, and repair of the City of Gardner combustion turbines, generators, high voltage substations, andassociated facilities. Assists with maintenance, testing, and repairs of power and instrument transformers, breakers, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical positioners, bleed-valves, pumps, motors, controls, thermocouples and relays. Employee is also responsible for monitoring the supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA). This position is trained through a four (4) year apprenticeship program to become a Journeyman Electric Operator

Job Scope:

The Apprentice Electric Operator performs a variety of tasks in the operation and maintenance of combustion turbine generators and high voltage substations. Work is normally performed under the supervision of the Lead Electric Operator or Electric Operations Supervisor although employees will frequently be assigned duties where they work independently. This employee may be required to work long and extended hours or variable-rotating shifts as determined by the Electric Operations Supervisor.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

? Assists with starting/stopping and operating combustion turbine generators as required by KMEA or City of Gardner load demand schedule(s). Assists with operation of turbo-machinery with high rotating speed, load & reduction gears, and diesel engine starting/clutch engagement, turning gear and auxiliary support for lube and cooling systems & fire control.

? Assists with testing, calibrating, maintaining, and repairing mechanical and electronic controls, pneumatic and hydraulic controls, volumetric meters, differential pressure transmitters, analog & digital meters and mechanical equipment associated with combustion turbines and.

? Assists with routine inspections & maintenance on pumps, regulators, valves, gauges, AC/DC motors, turbines & generators, power & instrument transformers, high & medium voltage breakers & switchgear, relays, and 128 volt DC battery & charger system

? Performs routine maintenance including regular replacement of fuel & oil filters, gaskets and seals, generator brushes, and fuel and water treatment.

? Performs minor maintenance on buildings and grounds; cleans generators, substations, control rooms and other areas to insure clean environment for operations and safety; inspects & maintains diesel fuel system and adjoining tank.

? Assists with turbine inspections, repairs & overhaul.

? Assists with electrical switching inside high voltage substations.

? Monitors and records real time data provided by SCADA system and performs routine inspections of substation facilities.

? Performs other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Education, Certification and Experience Requirements:

The position requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years experience in relevant electrical and mechanical work, vocational training, or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills; and possession of a valid Kansas Driver's License.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• General competency of occupational hazards and safety as specified under OSHA 1910.269 for electric utilities.

• General competency with basic mechanical and electrical hand tools.

• General competency for good verbal and non-verbal communication skills that include preparing and keeping records and making periodic reports.

• Immediate ability to respond to adverse working conditions such as unpredictable electric system emergencies & weather related-ambient conditions, confined spaces, heat and noise associated with combustion turbine operating environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with superiors, subordinates, other employees, and the general public contacted in the course of the work.

Tools and Equipment Used:

The technician must employ personal protective equipment such as hard hat, safety shoes, ear protection and electrically safe clothing as specified under OSHA 1910. 269 for electrical workers in a plant or substation environment; be familiar with various tools used in the mechanically dismantling process for inspecting gas turbine & reciprocating engines. The operator will use various trouble shooting devices for measuring circuit continuity, polarity, resistance, voltage and amperage in control circuits, rubber insulated protective gear and equipment, fiberglass-electrical insulated "hot-sticks", high pressure Nitrogen (N2), Sulfur Fluor oxide (SF6) and Carbon Dioxide CO2 gas cylinders. General hand-tools used to make minor and technical repairs on piping and electrical equipment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be capable to negotiate rough terrain on foot to access maintenance problems. Must be capable of operating a variety of motorized equipment. In accordance with Department of Labor guidelines this position must be capable of occasionally lifting fifty to one-hundred (50-100) pounds in confined space during execution of duties, must be capable of exerting 25-50 lbs frequently, and 10-20 pounds constantly. Ability to work under adverse conditions such as confined spaces, heat and noise associated with high speed rotating equipment. Requires mobility to complete errands, flexibility of body, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination adequate to use equipment as assigned. The operator must be able to safely work at heights & on platforms well above ground level.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, this position functions primarily on a job site. Manual labor is required. Adverse weather conditions including prolonged exposure to temperature and precipitation extremes are a factor, as is exposure to fuels, exhaust, chemicals and hazardous implements and equipment, confined spaces, heat and noise associated with high speed rotating equipment.

Selection Guidelines:

Formal application; rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check. Job related tests may be required.

The City of Gardner is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant/employee with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act may request an accommodation to perform the functions of this position. Requests should be directed to the immediate supervisor.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.