Power Plant Operations Supervisor

Job Summary

Location: Bakersfield, California

Offering a $5,000 signing bonus to the successful candidate.

This is a leadership position with responsibility for all aspects of plant operations including direct leadership and supervision of plant operational staff and responsibility for the safe and efficient dispatch and operation of equipment involved in the production of steam and electricity. The leader is responsible for establishing succession and development plans for the plant operational staff, tracking completion of their qualifications, and strategizing internal advancement opportunities.

As a leader, this position will be an integral part of the site management team. A high degree of communication and collaboration with others is required. Proactive leadership (by example) to reinforce DTE's core values of Safety, Reliability, Efficiency, and Responsibility to continuously improve and develop employee culture is critical for the success of this position.

Reporting to the Assistant Plant Manager, the employee functions as part of the site leadership team utilizing their technical expertise, discretion, and judgement within established policies, procedures, and practices.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensures the safe and reliable operation of the facility by ensuring all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures are properly implemented and takes corrective actions as necessary. Regularly exercises discretion and independent judgment in performing such duties.
• Oversees and provides direct supervision and feedback on all operations, including startup, shutdown, inspection, routine chemical testing, all switching and tagging, and equipment trouble-shooting. Writes, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures.
• Regularly and directly assists the Assistant Plant Manager in facets of department administration and power plant management. Maintains administrative documents, preparation, justification and control of annual operations and maintenance budgets. Generates reports and ensures employees are provided the tools and equipment to properly perform their work.
• Provides advice and counsel to the Assistant Plant Manager regarding the technical and administrative conduct of shift operations.
• Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the plant through supervision of direct reports, completing performance reviews, conducting investigations, and administering discipline as necessary.
• Assists in the selection, orientation, training, and development, of new employees and promotions, assuring high work quality of O&M Technicians.
• Serves as the "Manager on Duty" for critical work required after normal hours to ensure oversight and execution of safe and efficient completion of work.
• Plans, directs, and supervises routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment.
• Communicates with other company personnel on-site and at other locations. Represents the company in dealing with steam and power customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and other non-company personnel.
• Maximizes plant efficiency and shareholder value without compromising personnel and equipment safety, environmental compliance or the long-term commercial viability of the facility.
• Available for scheduled and unscheduled shift coverage, performs tasks that require physical exertion and is expected to respond to off-hour call-ins when contacted by phone or company furnished pager or cell phone.
• Establishes and maintains high personnel and professional standards of safety and environmental conscientiousness and compliance.

• Plans and directs housekeeping duties performed by O&M Technicians. Ensures housekeeping standards are maintained or initiates corrective action, as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent and knowledge and capabilities typically acquired though at least five years of supervisory or managerial experience in a solid fuel fired power plant, OR
• An Associates degree or industry-recognized certificate (i.e. the completion of a core group of courses designated by the institution) in a related discipline and the knowledge and capabilities typically acquired through at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience in a solid fuel fired power plant, OR
• Two years of military experience an officer level, OR
• A Bachelor's degree in a related discipline with a minimum of two years of supervisory or managerial experience in a solid fuel fired power plant.
• Must possess and have the ability to maintain a valid driver's license.

Other Qualifications

Preferred: Biomass power plant work experience.

Other Requirements: 

• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively and perform mathematical calculations.
• Knowledge of power plant safety policies and procedures, especially in the areas of high-energy systems, chemical handling, heavy equipment, rotating machinery, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, and first aid.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products, especially Word and Excel.
• Functional knowledge of subordinate and peer duties and responsibilities.
• Basic knowledge of or ability to understand fundamental principles related to physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, chemistry, water treatment process, thermal dynamics, heat transfer and fluid flow.
• Demonstrated knowledge regarding operation of valves, switches, controls, keyboards and other devices associated with power plants.
• Working knowledge of maintenance management systems.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams and schematics) to problem-solving situations and trouble-shooting.
• Ability to locate, trouble-shoot, and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and trouble-shoot plant electrical systems and equipment without "tripping" equipment.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate work on technical subjects with others across job families and with outside vendors.
• Operating and maintenance experience with various analytical and test equipment.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill and prior hands-on trouble-shooting and repair experience relating to instrumentation and control systems used in modern power stations, including burner management, combustion control, boiler controls, turbine controls, machine condition monitoring and continuous emissions monitoring (CEMS).
• Outstanding skill in leadership and interpersonal relationships.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands

• The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• In order to properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is occasionally required to: stand, walk or climb and stoop or kneel. The employee will be required to be able to access all areas within the plant.  Climbing stairs and ladders and maneuvering in awkward positions are all required.  Frequently, the employee is required to sit. It is crucial to the outcome of job tasks that the employee is able to: talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms extensively.
• The employee in this classification will be required to frequently lift objects of up to 10pounds in weight.  Occasionally the employee will have to lift or move objects of up to 25 pounds in weight.  In addition, the employee will push or pull up to 25 pounds in weight occasionally.

• Vision requirements for this position include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works both in a business office setting and at a plant site. In the course of working at the plant site, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and may work near moving mechanical parts and/or machinery. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate in the office, but may become loud throughout the plant site.

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities, and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.