Assistant Plant Operator

Job Summary

This posting is for an entry level Assistant Plant Operator (APO) position at Urquhart Generating Station, which is part of the Dominion Energy Of South Carolina Power Generation Group, located in Beech Island, SC, just outside the Augusta, GA metro area. 

Primary Responsibilities: Responsible for all functions related to the operation of the steam plant including monitoring, documenting, & maintaining equipment. This includes operating the plant in startup, shutdown, steady state mode & abnormal conditions. Starting & stopping plant equipment, as well as inspecting, & reporting equipment abnormalities to the shift supervisor or plant management.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Regular monitoring, maintaining, and checking all plant equipment.  Includes routine plant inspection rounds, equipment lubrication, vibration monitoring of equipment, troubleshooting, and monitoring of unit conditions during plant startup and shutdown

• Isolate equipment for maintenance by using DESC’s Lockout & Tagout procedures as well as preparation of equipment to return to normal operations

• Qualify for the plant’s fire brigade, hazmat & first responder team(s)

• Maintain continuity among work shifts by communicating daily activities, actions, irregularities and continuing needs during his/her shift

• Respond to audible alarms and unusual conditions to ensure proper operation of equipment within established standards and report irregular or abnormal operating conditions to the shift supervisor or plant management

• Participate in daily preventive, scheduled and repair maintenance activities on plant equipment

• Assist with plant clean-up and housekeeping activities as required

• Must be able to read and understand written instructions, procedures and logbook notations

• Attend and actively participate in environmental, safety and health, technical, business, and leadership training and meetings. Share knowledge, train, and mentor others. Report and correct any unsafe actions, conditions or near misses. Responsible for exercising maximum care and good judgement in preventing accidents and protecting the safety and health of co-workers

• Perform all duties and administrative tasks as assigned by the Shift Supervisor, Operations Manager or other supervisory personnel.

Pay for this position ranges from $27.27 to 35.92 per hour based on experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience

• 0 - 1 year work experience with motors, compressors, pumps, fans, and valves or related experience
• A strong mechanical aptitude, and basic understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics is also preferred
• Must be able to work independently and with others
• Must have basic computer skills
• Must be able to qualify and wear a respirator and maintain annual respirator requalification
• Must be able to do heavy lifting, climbing to high elevation, working in confined spaces
• Work rotating shifts, holidays, scheduled and unscheduled overtime and during inclement weather
• Must be able to demonstrate ability to understand and troubleshoot complex operating systems and controls, evaluate and determine when corrective work orders should be written and capable of making good decisions during an emergency or abnormal conditions

Education Requirements

Degree or an equivalent combination of education and demonstrated related experience may be accepted in lieu of preferred level of education:

Completion of high school or equivalent (i.e., GED) is required.

Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description

Must have a valid driver's license with a safe driving history.

Working Conditions

This position is a 12-hour rotating shift that requires weekends, holidays, and unscheduled overtime. In addition, the candidate may have to work in inclement weather.

The physical conditions include the following:

• Must be in good physical condition with the ability to lift a minimum of 50 lbs. or more on a frequent basis.
• Must be able to safely climb tall structures at extreme heights (fixed ladders and/or stairs up to 100 ft.)
• Must be able to carry up to 20 lbs. while walking, climbing stairs, as well as having the ability to extend arms through normal range of motion while standing and squatting

  Other working conditions include:

• Cold 26-50%
• Heat 26-50%
• Dirty/Dusty Environment 51-75%
• Confined Spaces 26-50%
• Dust / Grease / Oil 76-100%
• Fumes 26-50%
• Loud Noise 76-100%
• Operating Machinery 76-100%
• Pressurized Lines & Valves 76-100%

Union

Test Description

This job requires recommended test results from the EEI Plant Operators Selection System (POSS) aptitude test, administered on site during the pre-employment process.  To view the practice test, cut and paste the following URL in your browser:

https://careers.dominionenergy.com/content/Pre-Employment-Testing/