Plant Operator

Responsible for the safe, proper and efficient operation of the plant and process facilities. Responsible for operating and monitoring plant equipment outside of the control room; recording operational data and reporting any abnormalities; and performing minor maintenance tasks. The plant operator also assists in coordinating, directing and training new crewmembers. All duties are performed in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines and operating directives in effect. Work is performed with minimal supervision and direction from the control operator.     

Responsibilities

• Adhere to and support all company safety and environmental rules, policies and procedures
• Perform a variety of chemical analysis, including obtaining samples, performing the analysis and interpreting the results of the analysis
• Inspect and monitor equipment to detect malfunctions, need for repair, adjustments or lubrication
• Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify plant-operating conditions
• Records and uses equipment data to make necessary control changes in plant equipment to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant
• Assist in start-up, operation and shutdown of all equipment, including starting and stopping turbines, synchronizing, monitoring alarms, responding to trips and maintaining a safe working environment
• Perform minor maintenance, housekeeping, preservation tasks and emergency repairs
• Accurately record and communicate daily operations and maintenance actions taken during a shift to control operator and shift relief
• Conduct training for others in areas such as safety, equipment operations and environmental procedures
• Initiate work orders as needed
• Operates plant vehicles, forklift and personnel cart
• Responsible for progressing in the company-training program and assisting others
• Other duties as assigned
   

Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (Typically, one year of demonstrated knowledge of power plant operation and outside operator job skills or equivalent education and experience is required for candidate applying for this position who do not possess a high school or general education degree)
• Minimum of one year of demonstrated outside operator experience with knowledge of power plant operations and outside operator job skills preferred 
• Knowledge of personal computer software applications, including spreadsheet, word processing and database
• Ability to work a rotating 12 hour shift schedule
• 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
• Ability to speak effectively, use acceptable telephone and radio etiquette necessary to communicate needed plant responses
• 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
• Effective ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently
• Must have a valid driver's license

Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation. 
 

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.