Position Title: Plant Operator, Ld

Employee Classification: Plant Operator,Ld

College/Division: Facilities and Services

Department: 500680-FS CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  21.11

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  Come join our Team!!

Classification Summary:
Operates high pressure boilers, refrigeration units, gas turbines, electrical production, and potable water systems. Performs standard water analysis and chemical treatment of operating systems. Leads assigned staff in operation and preventative maintenance in the absence of the supervisor.May be required to work occasional 16-hour shifts, as scheduled or as otherwise required.

Classification Standard Duties:
Operates, cleans, and performs preventative maintenance on rotating and stationary equipment, to include high pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers, and auxiliary equipment. Controls the generation of steam, chilled water, electricity, and compressed air through the use of programmable logic controllers or desktop computer based controls. Operates, controls, and adjusts machinery to generate electric power; monitors control and switchboard gauges to determine if electrical power distribution meets specifications. Operates, cleans, and performs preventative maintenance on various kinds of refrigeration units, to include absorption, centrifugal, and heat exchangers. Assists with special projects. Tests boiler water, condensate, feedwater, and cooling tower water samples; adds appropriate chemical treatment to boiling and cooling waters to maintain correct levels of phosphate, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids to protect equipment from internal corrosion and damage. Continuously monitors various gauges and automatic recording devices at specified times to assess operating conditions; records operational data, to include equipment temperatures, pressures, hours of operation, fuel consumption, water levels, water consumption, and electrical production and usage. Tests, operates, and performs preventative maintenance on emergency generators; logs results.Examines machinery or mechanical equipment and identifies reason for malfunction; performs minor maintenance repairs to bring unit back on line. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices. Leads and assists in the training of Utilities Plant Technicians. Maintains records of technical information for the purpose of preventative maintenance; uses and supports a computerized maintenance management system. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:High School diploma or GED certificate.; Required Experience:Eight (8) years of experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:Completion of a post-secondary degree or certificate may substitute for years of experience.; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of high pressure boilers, chilled water production units, compressors, turbines, generating units, and potable water systems. Knowledge of pressure testing on piping and pressure vessels. Knowledge of computerized maintenance management principles as related to supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control. Knowledge of mechanical equipment, plumbing, utilities, distribution systems, controls and/or HVAC systems, including maintenance and troubleshooting. Knowledge of pressure testing on piping and pressure vessels.; SKILLS:Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Organizing and coordinating skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to monitor and/or maintain quality control standards. Ability to lead assigned staff including prioritizing and scheduling work assignments. Ability to operate and maintain utility plant equipment. Ability to work in elevated locations up to 75 feet. Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade. Ability to monitor operating conditions by reading meters, gauges, and automatic recording devices. Ability to test systems and/or operations in compliance with published standards. Ability to provide on-the-job and technical guidance and training to staff. Ability to read, understand, follow, and enforce safety procedures. Ability to enter boiler steam drums, water drums, fireboxes and dearating feed tanks. Ability to test boiler and cooling waters to ensure compliance with set standards. Ability to discern colors for colorimetric testing of water samples and/or reading of color-coded plan instrumentation. Ability to test systems and log results. Ability to perform inspections and make necessary adjustments to conform to job specifications.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
Leads Plant Operations and communicates critical information related to day to day performance of the utility production equipment which includes high pressure boilers, gas turbines, industrial chillers, and auxiliary equipment. Controls the generation of steam, chilled water, electricity, and compressed air through the use of programmable logic controllers or desktop computer based controls. Operates, controls, and adjusts machinery to generate electric power; monitors control and switchboard gauges to determine if electrical power distribution meets specifications. Operates, cleans, and performs preventative maintenance on various kinds of refrigeration units, to include absorption, centrifugal, and heat exchangers. Assists with special projects. Tests boiler water, condensate, feedwater, and cooling tower water samples; adds appropriate chemical treatment to boiling and cooling waters to maintain correct levels of phosphate, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids to protect equipment from internal corrosion and damage. Continuously monitors various gauges and automatic recording devices at specified times to assess operating conditions; records operational data, to include equipment temperatures, pressures, hours of operation, fuel consumption, water levels, water consumption, and electrical production and usage. Tests, operates, and performs combustions on all boilers and logs results.Examines machinery or mechanical equipment and identifies reason for malfunction; performs minor maintenance repairs to bring unit back on line. Ensures proper care in the use and maintenance of equipment and supplies; promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices. Leads and assists in the training of Utilities Plant Technicians. Maintains records of technical information for the purpose of preventative maintenance; uses and supports a computerized maintenance management system. Performs miscellaneous job related duties as assigned. Gathers information of inventory and usage for reference to Air Permits and all compliance. Covers for operators that may be absent and assists as required with the training of lower-level technical staff in the maintenance and operation of all plant equipment; occasionally supports and assists maintenance personnel in the performance of their duties. Assists with preventive maintenance scheduling and execution.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position
Certifications/License- Receipt of valid New Mexico B01/B02 boiler operator's license within nine (9) months of hire date. Possess a valid New Mexico driver's

Department Contact:  Victor Palafox, 575-646-3192

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.