Description

Under the direction of the Power Plant Superintendent, the Plant Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations. This position may include maintaining operational records, preparing payroll, and supervising major areas of plant activities as assigned. Performs other related duties as required. Due to the company's responsibility to provide 24-hour public service, employees in this class are expected to work overtime as needed, including on short notice during emergencies or power outages.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES: & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assigns and directs the daily work assignments of the Operations Department
• Makes inspection tours to observe operations and operating conditions of station equipment; checks operating gauges, charts, and records; inspects housekeeping conditions; ensures that all equipment is operating satisfactorily and is loaded efficiently and safely
• Makes changes necessary for efficient operations and reports abnormal conditions and unusual situations to the Plant Operations Superintendent
• Plans general work assignments; instructs and trains subordinate employees in job duties; gives necessary assistance and advice to employees in their work problems to maintain maximum efficiency and safety in the operation of the plant
• Determines cause of unusual or improper operations and operating conditions and equipment failure; takes necessary action to prevent recurrence
• Assists in planning and scheduling work of the Production Operations department; works with plant maintenance personnel and other required personnel in scheduling equipment outages
• Investigates and inspects mechanical and electrical equipment, in or out of service, to maintain familiarity with equipment and to ensure coordination of plant generation
• Implements internal operating or administrative procedures compatible with company policies, operating instructions, and directives; develops time standard that applies to new or current operations; prepares and assists in establishing direct and indirect labor, overhead, overtime, and other cost goals for organizational units or programs, and maintains data by which to measure control costs
• Ensures that switches, valves, etc., for equipment being worked on are properly tagged with appropriate information, and that all safety precautions have been complied with to protect the equipment and personnel from damage or injury
• Ensures that the proper amount and quality of materials, tools, and supplies are on hand to assure economical and efficient operations
• Develops emergency plans and ensures effective implementation when needed to assure continuity of service, the protection of plant personnel, and the protection of the public in the event of fire, natural disasters, or other conditions that could adversely affect the normal operations of the plant
• Determines the need for, initiates, and coordinates training programs internally and with external organizations to develop the personnel resources of the Authority to meet future needs for management of technical skills; evaluates the effectiveness of such training
• Ensures that regular plant inspections are conducted; supervises safety training, accident investigation, and other activities for stimulating and maintaining interest in safety
• Informs Power Plant Superintendent of operations problems and coordinates their solutions; assigns priorities to work performed; inspects safety system during major unit outages
• Processes complaints or grievances and counsels employees; evaluates employees' work performance and makes recommendations for improving and upgrading their skills.
• Recommends or initiates personnel actions such as promotions, transfers, and disciplinary measures
• Ensures that regular plant inspections are conducted; supervises safety training, accident investigation, and activities for stimulating and maintaining interest in safety
• Initiates and coordinates a communications program that will facilitate understanding of the objectives, policies, and activities of the plant and which will promote a well-informed and coordinated organization
• Ensures the maintenance of the appropriate files of purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and invoices associated with plant maintenance
• Maintains well-informed and up-to-date on the latest developments in the electric and water utility field by attending seminars, etc., and by reading numerous technical trade publications and pursuing studies on own initiative
• Prepares annual budget item requests; initiates and checks purchase orders for needed equipment and materials; ensures that sufficient material and inventory are requisitioned; initiates or approves performance reports and reviews job evaluations
• Records and computes budgeted and actual expenses, and prepares charts and reports to provide management with budget and expenditure controls and measurements; maintains files and records of estimates, budgets, and expenditures on power and desalination units

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Ability to plan, assign, and direct the activities of technical and supervisory personnel engaged in a variety of plant maintenance functions. 
• Ability to inspect, review, and recommend changes in plant operations policies and procedures.
• Ability to direct the preparation of and to review detailed records and reports relating to power generation.
• Ability to deal effectively and courteously with employees, colleagues
• Ability to read, interpret, and work from complex blueprints and specifications.
• Ability to demonstrate and understand the necessity and desire to provide continuous services of power and water to consumers
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing; knowledge of the engineering discipline required to properly maintain all plant equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of the functions and operations of diesel and steam electric power-generating plant equipment and machinery
• Ability to establish maintenance schedules and to adjust such schedules as plant conditions warrant.
• Knowledge of the rules, safety practices, and procedures applicable to the work

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, and a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in power plant maintenance work; five (5) of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.