Power Plant Operator

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCO); Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations; Assistant Director Operations Division; Rotating Operations Branch A, B, C or D. Serves as a Power Plant Operator and is responsible for the safety, environmental compliance, reliability, efficiency, and operation of all equipment in the Capitol Power Plant (CPP) during the assigned shift.

***The incumbent of this position is considered “Emergency Essential Employees” and will be required to work in emergency situations and in inclement weather conditions.*** ***Tour of duty may include holidays, weekends and rotating shifts on a regular and recurring basis.*** Major Duties Include: The CPP operates around the clock to provide steam for heating and chilled water for air conditioning to the buildings of the U.S. Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The incumbent is required to report to work during emergencies, failure of plant machinery and equipment, and inclement weather situations to support the critical mission of the CPP. This position may be filled at the WG-8, WG-10 or WG-11. If starting at the lower levels, developmental assignments will be given with the goal of attaining the full performance level. Promotions can be attained without further competition up to the WG-12. Duties quoted below are for the WG-11 level. PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE Operates the electric generation, steam and chilled water utility systems on a continuing basis. Uses plant equipment control systems to insure operation of all plant systems is within desired parameters and at the highest possible efficiency. Performs proper start-up and shutdown of plant machinery and equipment as instructed by a Supervisor and/or the Control Room Operator Leader. Properly responds to machinery and equipment malfunctions and casualties and restores the plant to normal operations. Takes immediate corrective action to safely operate the plant in accordance with all operating parameters and permits. Troubleshoots to determine the causes of unusual or improper operating conditions; evaluates the situation and initiates corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure. Utilizes portable plant instrumentation such as thermal imaging cameras, refrigerant and combustible gas leak detectors, infrared scanning equipment, digital thermometers, borescopes and vibration testing equipment. Coordinates plant operations to maintain operational, environmental and energy efficiency goals in a manner that ensures plant reliability. Monitors the condition of the plant, coordinates actions between lower grade operators in the field and relays critical information to the Control Room Operator Leader. PROJECT/PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT Completes work as assigned or directed by the Control Room Operator Leader, Power Plant Operator Assistant Supervisor and/or the Power Plant Operator Supervisor. Observes work of lower grade wage grade employees in progress to anticipate and resolve problems. Investigates work-related problems such as inefficient plant operations and recommends solutions. Thoroughly familiar with the use of the plant TMA system to initiate plant work orders, insuring proper documentation and maintenance requests to correct plant deficiencies. Reviews Operations Division assigned work orders and planned maintenance actions on a daily basis. Completes assigned work orders and work order documentation and allocates time to the work order in a timely manner. Provides clear, technical and timely communication on engineering projects. Reviews and comments on project and design documents and drawings as provided to Operations by project personnel. Ensures that customer service disruption notifications are issued in a timely, professional and complete manner. Participates in all aspects of plant commissioning on both large and small projects. LIFE SAFETY LEADERSHIP Ensures that all scheduled safety training is completed on time. Schedules and ensures completion of personal medical surveillance examinations by the due date, as required by the agency. Provides a workplace free of recognized hazards and reports unsafe working conditions and/or hazards. Ensures adherence to the CPP Lock Out/Tag Out program. Maintain proficiency in LOTO procedures and provide feedback on how system can be improved. Applies LOTO as directed by the Power Plant Assistant Supervisor and/or the Power Plant Supervisor and/or Control Room Operator Leader. Participate in EARP Drills. Enforces the Capitol Power Plant safety policies and procedures. Participates in daily watch safety briefings at the beginning of the shift to identify and discuss any current safety issues or concerns. Performs plant safety inspections in accordance with assigned plant safety inspection checklists. Corrects or identifies deficiencies for shop repairs. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND PLANT CHEMISTRY Ensures proper operation of all equipment at all times as directed by the operating CPP operating permits. Qualify to perform water chemistry testing and periodically conduct daily water testing when on shift and adjust chemical treatment systems to ensure that treatment levels are maintained within specification. Ensures plant chemical treatment parameters are understood and maintained at all times.

The work requires the selectee to obtain an EPA Universal Certification for refrigeration systems within the first year of employment.