IPL Production - Instrument​/Pneumatic Technician

Power Plant Controls Technician

Under general supervision this position is responsible for installation, repair and maintenance of power plant controls, instrumentation, and electronic equipment in the Power and Light Department Production Division, including power plant combustion instruments, controls and related electro-mechanical or electro-hydraulic apparatus in the safe and efficient operation or control of steam generating units and combustion turbines. Responsible for diagnosing instrumentation/controls problems in the power plants and gas turbine generators;

ensures appropriate responses to emergency, after-hour controls repair needs. Inspects meters, indicators and gauges to detect abnormal fluctuations. Tests accuracy of flow meters, pressure gauges, temperature indicators and controllers. Maintains boiler, gas and turbine control systems. Installs, calibrates, repairs and monitors the boiler combustion control system. Inspects and maintains precipitator high voltage control and precipitator rapper control. Maintains ash removal control system.

Makes daily checks on stack emission monitors and data loggers. Installs, calibrates, repairs and maintains turbine and generator protection systems, vibration monitoring protection systems, generator excitation controls and generator metering for gas turbine and steam generating units. Makes routine vibration level data collection of all pumps, motors, compressors and turbines to help predict bearing failure and excessive vibration. Troubleshoots, repairs and calibrates gas turbine for optimum efficiency and performance.

Makes performance, efficiency and reliability tests on gas generating turbine units. Collects data for analysis; maintains unit remote monitoring system. Maintains pneumatic combustion control system and other critical temperature, level, flow control systems for coal-fired steam turbine generating units and gas combustion turbine generating units.

Minimum Qualifications:

Must have Associates Degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in electronics or related area and a minimum of three years related experience in combustion control theory and maintenance, including pneumatics, electronics, control systems logic and maintenance of utility or industrial, electronic instrumentation and controls. Must possess a valid driver's license. Must complete NIMS level training within first six months of hire.

Maintenance experience with microprocessors and Distributed Control Systems (DCS), including some programming experience preferable. Must have knowledge of safety practices and procedures relating to electronic equipment as well as other mechanical equipment. Must have knowledge and experience with operations and maintenance of Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) equipment and overview of related environmental regulations relating to controls, monitoring, sampling, analyzing equipment and recordkeeping for CEMS.

Requires knowledge and skill in use of computer equipment and applications related to power plant control systems. Must have skills in using a variety of testing equipment to diagnose, repair or calibrate system components, compiling and preparing reports to document activities. Must be skilled in locating and detecting malfunctions in electrical/electronic, pneumatic and mechanical control systems and performing maintenance and repair on plant instrumentation, controls and electronic equipment.

Must possess initiative, sound judgment, and ability to meet deadlines and solve problems. Requires good organizational skills and ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing, and the ability to read, interpret and apply information from technical manuals, logic diagrams, charts, graphs, cable connection and schematic diagrams. Must have ability to recognize emergency or abnormal situations and respond with proper corrective action.

Must possess knowledge of federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards relating to power generating operations, materials and equipment related to electric power generation and steam-water cycle. Requires ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Performs related duties as assigned. Physical Demands:
While performing essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to bend, stoop, crawl, crouch, reach overhead; stand and work on hard, narrow and uneven surfaces; must be able to work in confined spaces; negotiate stairs and ramps; climb ladders; climb and work from scaffolding and other high platforms; lift and/or move up to 75 pounds; good eyesight and hearing preferred.

Working Conditions:

While performing essential functions of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving/rotating mechanical equipment, open flames, sparks, and airborne particles, loud noises, and high ambient temperatures; potential hazards of the position include possible exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals, and…