POSITION PURPOSE

This position is located at our Dry Fork Station location in Gillette, WY.

Supervises the operations personnel and directs operational activities to ensure  the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Dry Fork Station (DFS) boiler and generating equipment to economically produce electricity. Ensures compliance with applicable  state and federal regulations and provides leadership for operations training, employee development, and operational systems that support safe and efficient plant performance. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Develops, coordinates, and administers operations training programs and schedules to support employee qualification and development.
• Ensures compliance with plant training, certification, and qualification requirements through effective tracking, documentation, and record maintenance
• Assesses training effectiveness and implements continuous improvement initiatives to enhance employee knowledge, skills, and performance.
• Oversees the operator training simulator and the distributed control system, and aid crew members in determining the root cause of operational problems and the corrective action to resolve the problem. Work with the crew to rectify emergencies as quickly as possible. Question the crewmembers’ reporting equipment malfunctions to ensure the equipment is adequately checked and the problem areas are determined.  
• Closely monitor unit start-ups and shutdowns to ensure no equipment operational limits are exceeded and the evolution is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible. In case of an unexpected unit outage, determine the cause of the trip, approximate time required to repair the malfunction, and when start-up procedures are initiated. Relay information regarding emergency operating procedures or plant conditions to plant leadership whenever possible. 
• In case of an emergency, ensure all station personnel report to the designated stations and receive orders from the incumbent. Perform initial investigations of all accidents and equipment malfunctions and prepare the appropriate forms and reports, as required. 
• Administer the station’s lockout/tag-out system to determine what controls are to be tagged; complete the tag-out form; assign placement of the tags and disabling of equipment to the appropriate crew member. Ensure personnel working on the equipment have released it for operation and have signed the tag-out release form before tags are removed and equipment is placed in service. 
• Approve work requests to the Planning/Scheduling and Maintenance personnel for all non-critical equipment malfunctions and determine which is critical to complete first. Coordinate maintenance with other groups so equipment outage is kept to a minimum. 
• Review station operation logs of the past 24 hours, receive general operating condition updates from the preceding shift, and be informed of any special situations which may exist. Brief the crew emphasize the areas requiring special attention or special operating procedures. Inspect the boiler and auxiliary equipment and assess the unit's operating condition. Record observations and equipment operational status. 
• Conduct weekly "toolbox" meetings to discuss safety items, crew complaints, and communicate plant policies. Conduct daily safety tailboard talks with crew.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree in power plant technology or related field; and 5 years of operating experience in a coal-based generating station or related mechanical, electrical, instrumentation or engineering experience; or 
• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED or HSED) and 7 years of operating experience in a coal-based generating station. Mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or engineering experience in a coal-based generating station or similar facility. 
• Prior experience acting as a lead, in a step-up role, or previous supervisory experience.
• A valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires frequent sitting, walking/standing; and occasional lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, reaching/bending, and climbing. The incumbent will be working with tools and a computer. This position requires finger dexterity, hand coordination, and good color vision/hearing. The incumbent will occasionally be required to work around dirt/dust, fumes, chemicals, areas of extreme heat/cold, vibration/noise, poor ventilation, electrical risks, confined areas, and at heights up to 600 feet. This position must be respirator qualified. 

KEY SKILLS

• Knowledge of plant operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient with personal computers and Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Ability to effectively motivate employees.
• Ability to speak, analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, and supervise others. 
• Ability to develop plans, accomplish goals, evaluate the performance of others, present information, and work under pressure to meet deadlines.