Power Plant Auxiliary Operator at City of Ames, IA

About the Department

The City of Ames is conducting a recruitment in the Power Plant division of Electric Services, which may be filled from an existing Civil Service eligibility list. In addition to those on the Civil Service eligibility list, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have Civil Service rights as a Power Plant Auxiliary Operator and are interested in voluntarily demoting or laterally transferring into this position must complete an on-line application.

The Power Plant Auxiliary Operator performs work related to the operation and care of power plant equipment and performs related work as required.

In order to be considered for this position, all applicants must submit their online application by the deadline listed on this posting. Your application includes complete responses to the supplemental questions. Please keep in mind that submission of a resume in lieu of work history on your application or answering the supplemental questions is not sufficient.
Compensation:
1st 6 months $35.39/hr
2nd 6 months $37.61/hr
3rd 6 months $39.81/hr
4th 6 months $42.06/hr
Thereafter $44.28/hr

The City of Ames offers a comprehensive benefits package for employees. Our comprehensive benefits package can be viewed at:  City of Ames Benefits

This is a full-time position, with rotating 12-hour shifts. Selected candidate should expect to be scheduled on a rotation between night shifts, day shifts and every other weekend shifts. Overtime is expected at different times in order to cover emergencies and/or in situations relief capacity is not available.

Position Duties

Examples of Essential Job Functions: Assists Plant Operator and Fireworker in the operation and inspection of such equipment as boiler feed pumps, circulating water pumps, condensate pumps, fans, feed water heaters, steam turbines and generators, and combustion turbines and generators; operates and inspects auxiliary equipment such as water pumps, air compressors, oil pumps and other plant auxiliary equipment; performs routine inspections of the above equipment; observes pressures and temperatures of the turbine and other equipment and keeps such records; routinely performs water chemistry testing and chemical additions to correctly maintain boiler water, condensate, cooling tower water, makeup water, softner water, demineralized water, and steam; operates boiler bottom ash removal equipment and fly ash removal equipment; operates feeders and related equipment of the refuse derived fuel handling system; operates light vehicle to travel to remote locations for inspections and equipment readings; records data relating to auxiliary equipment of the power generating system. Performs general maintenance duties as required; lubricates auxiliary equipment.

Each employee is expected to continually strive to bring shared values to life through our Excellence Through People organizational culture. ETP values include: committing to continuous improvement; inspiring creativity and innovation; being customer driven; making data-driven decisions; committing to diversity, equity and inclusion; championing employee involvement; striving for excellence; having fiscal stewardship; acting with honesty and integrity; exhibiting leadership; choosing a positive attitude; respecting one another; promoting safety and wellness; and cultivating teamwork. For leaders, this includes creating a work culture that brings these values to life. For all employees, this includes maintaining a Total City Perspective. The purpose of ETP is to deliver exceptional services to the public at the best price, and for employees to experience an enjoyable and stimulating work environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Required:
High school diploma, HiSet, or G.E.D.

Preferred:
-Courses in steam and mechanical fundamentals of power plants.
-Power plant experience.
-Water chemistry testing experience.
-Mechanical maintenance experience.
-Work experience and/or education relating to steam power, mechanical fundamentals of power plants, mechanical work or related area.

Licenses and Certificates: Must possess a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles, methods, procedures, and practices used in the safe operation of the electrical power generation plant; knowledge of the machinery and equipment used in electrical power generation; knowledge of water chemistry and testing as it applies to an electrical power generation plant; knowledge of all safety rules as stated in the adopted safety manual.

Skill in the use of common hand and power tools; skill in the maintenance of simple records; skill in the application of safety practices and procedures.

Ability to recognize an emergency condition and react quickly; ability to make minor repairs to power plant equipment; ability to work safely with and around mechanical equipment; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to operate light vehicle; ability to work effectively with co-workers.

Preference may be given to applicants possessing qualifications above the minimum.

Other Qualifications

Physical and Environmental Characteristics
Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, and hearing.

General Physical Characteristics: The work involves sitting 25 percent of the time; sitting and using arm/leg controls 5 percent of the time; standing (but not walking) 35 percent of the time; standing and walking 35 percent of the time; frequently lifting objects under 10 pounds; routinely lifting objects from 10 to 25 pounds; occasionally lifting objects from 25 to 50 pounds; and infrequently lifting objects over 50 pounds.

Vision Requirements: The minimum standard for use with those whose work deals largely with preparing and analyzing data and figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal, extensive reading, visual inspection, and operation of machines (including inspection).

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin, oils, requirement of wearing a respirator, elevated surfaces up to 210 feet, elevated grating, working from lifts, confined spaces, and darkness or poor lighting conditions.

Veteran’s Preference Points
The City of Ames provides Veteran's Preference Points for Civil Service positions. A copy of your DD214 and, if applicable, proof of disability, must be attached with your application (or faxed to 515-239-5297) prior to the close date of the posting in order to receive Veteran's Preference Points.

Residency Requirement:
The required residence area is the area bordered by the Boone and Story County lines on the north and south, State Highway 65 on the east; and on the west, County Road R27 north of Boone, and the Des Moines River south of Highway 30 to the Boone County line. Communities intersected by the borderlines, and Zearing, shall be considered within the area. The permitted residency area is that area inside the borderlines. The area adjacent to but outside the borderlines is not included. After completing his/her probationary period, a new employee shall, within three (3) months, reside within the residency area. The department head may allow an employee up to an additional three (3) months if the employee provides documentation of financial commitment to move within the residence area.