POWER PLANT OPERATOR II 7683

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

This position requires responsible mechanical and operational skills at a journeyman level to maintain, repair and operate a large diesel or gas powered electric generating plant. Employees in this class are responsible for performing skilled mechanical duties to maintain efficient and safe operation of diesel or gas powered electric generating engines. The incumbent is responsible for meeting power supply needs by forecasting peak incoming load periods on an assigned shift. Under general supervision the employee performs responsible routine functions to operate one or more units in a large diesel or gas powered electric power plant. The work carried out includes operating air compressors, starting and stopping large diesel or gas powered electric generating engines, reading and understanding switchboard meters to assure correct voltage and requires the ability to think and act quickly in emergencies. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Starts and stops large diesel or gas powered electric generating engines as needed for efficient and safe operation;

Maintains proper pressure in starting air reservoir by operating air compressor;

Operates power switchboard and associated electrical controls to place generators on the line;

Take generators off line and regulate voltage in accordance with system demands;

Take hourly readings on operating units and feeder circuits;

When engines are not on line, maintain them in ready condition by periodically checking and warming them up;

Checks meter readings;

Checks all auxiliary equipment when required;

Does preventive maintenance on the engines;

Maintains the plant in a clean and orderly condition;

Receives and dispatches fire phone calls and operates fire alarm system;

May assist other departments in their work when required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the construction and operation of large gas powered or diesel engines, electric generators, and the auxiliary equipment associated with such engine equipment; good knowledge of basic electricity; good knowledge of the circuitry of a power distribution system; good knowledge of hand and power tools, materials, methods and practices necessary for the operation of a diesel or gas powered power plant; working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary for this operation; skill in operating gas powered diesel engines, electric generators, auxiliary equipment and hand and power tools; ability to express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing; ability to think and act quickly in emergency situations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma recognized by the New York State Department of Education and three years experience in the operation and/or maintenance of mechanical equipment such as diesel engines, gas engines or electric generating equipment.

NOTE: Additional relevant experience may be substituted for the above education on a year-for-year basis.

R11/18/2021

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Non-Competitive