Operating Technician III

Operating Technician III – Channelview, TX

Altura Cogen is a 600 MW natural gas‑fired, combined cycle cogeneration power plant located in Channelview, TX. Altura Cogen sells steam and electricity to the host petrochemical plant and also exports power to the open wholesale power market.

The Operating Technician III, under the limited supervision of the Chief Operator, will assist with operation and maintenance of power plant equipment and systems in a safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally correct manner while assigned on shift. They will completely support the safe and reliable start‑up, operation, shutdown, and maintenance of the cogeneration facility’s equipment and systems, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and assist in the repair of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment and produce optimal performance in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Qualified senior Operating Technician III personnel may be selected as a Chief Backup. The Chief Backup is responsible for supporting and assisting the Chief Operator. Those items related to the Chief Operator role are italicized.

This position is open to local candidates or those able to relocate on their own as there is no relocation assistance available for this position.

• Ensure that steam and power generation exports are maintained at optimal level and efficiency. Assist and work with Traders, offtakers, and suppliers to ensure safe and optimal operations.
• Observe and monitor overall facility operations from the Control Room.
• Monitor and interpret unit and system readings and information for variances and trending from prescribed operating standards and procedures.
• Report normal, abnormal, or emergency plant conditions to the Chief Operator and Plant Management. Take all necessary corrective action(s) in accordance with established policy, procedure, or at the direction of senior management.
• Monitor plant equipment and systems for safe, reliable, and efficient performance within scope of responsibility. Ensure compliance with all safety and environmental requirements, and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and company policies.
• Responsible for writing and overseeing the upkeep of Site Log and other reports as required in a neat and professional manner.
• Reviews East and West Operators logs and documents after each round during the shift and reports discrepancies to the Chief/Board Operator.
• Directs adjustments and minor maintenance corrections on equipment found operating beyond the prescribed setting or an unsafe condition (oil, air, water, steam, natural gas, leaks).
• Performs routine maintenance of basic plant equipment as directed by the Chief Operator.
• Uses the CMMS system for entering work requests and other maintenance work requirements.
• Support maintenance activities as required such as equipment testing.
• Report and correct unsafe conditions or hazards.
• Inventory materials and maintain at specified levels and reorder as necessary.
• Manage and record the securing and isolation equipment under LOTO for maintenance purposes.
• Coordinates remote start‑up, shutdown, and operations, as well as local startup of all equipment.
• Perform troubleshooting and trending to correct the cause of any operational abnormality or problem.
• Conduct routine observations and tests/trending to ensure power block and balance of plant are operating at optimal levels.
• Participate in facility continued training program, including the training of plant personnel.
• Assist in the development/review of all plant operations documentation (procedures, standing orders, system descriptions, operations training, etc.).
• Maintains proficiency as a qualified Plant Operator (through Board Operator).
• Willing and available to work scheduled and unscheduled overtime as necessary to maintain plant readiness.
• Perform other duties and administrative tasks as assigned by Chief Operator or Plant Operations Supervisor.
• Stops unsafe work.
• Monitors performance to permit limitations and stops operations that violate regulations.
• Maintains high housekeeping standards.