Mechanic Operator

General Definition of Work

Performs skilled mechanical maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational duties involving power generation equipment, machinery, and associated auxiliary systems. Maintains and operates combustion and steam turbines generating units and supporting plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations. Performs mechanical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, equipment overhauls, and corrective repairs. Completes related work as required. Reports to and works under the direct supervision of the Assistant Plant Manager.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Operates, monitors, inspects, and maintains combustion turbines and steam turbines generating units and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical equipment and plant systems, including disassembling, inspecting, repairing, rebuilding, and reassembling turbines, pumps, fans, valves, motors, piping systems, and other mechanical equipment.
• Performs routine and scheduled inspections, equipment checks, and operational tests in accordance with established operating procedures, maintenance practices, and safety requirements. Identifies abnormal conditions, wear, leaks, and potential equipment failures.
• Performs mechanical repairs, including replacing gaskets, repairing leaks, cleaning filters, lubricating equipment, adjusting and rebuilding valves, and completing equipment overhauls.
• Troubleshoots mechanical equipment and systems, identifies the cause of operational problems, and implements appropriate corrective actions.
• Assists with equipment startup, shutdown, testing, and return to service in coordination with other plant personnel.
• Monitors operating conditions, equipment performance, and system parameters. Take readings, maintaining operating logs, and documents inspections, maintenance activities, and equipment deficiencies.
• Uses precision measuring instruments, mechanical tools, and specialized equipment to inspect, diagnose, align, and repair machinery.
• Operates or assists with the operation of forklifts, overhead cranes, man lifts, and other material-handling equipment as authorized and trained.
• Utilizes the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to review work orders, document completed maintenance, and record equipment conditions.
• Complies with applicable environmental permits, regulations, and plant procedures to support environmental compliance.
• Follows applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Southeastern Electric Reliability Council (SERC), and FPUA reliability requirements, as applicable to assigned responsibilities.
• Complies with established safety policies, procedures, lockout/tagout requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of mechanical maintenance practices, including millwright, plumbing, pipefitting, machining, fabrication, sheet metal work, and general machinery repair.
• Knowledge of power generation equipment, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, pumps, fans, valves, piping systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Ability to inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment and complex plant systems, including recognizing abnormal conditions, evaluating potential problems, and implementing appropriate corrective actions.
• Ability to align pumps, fans, motors, shafts, and mechanical drives using precision measuring and alignment equipment.
• Ability to safely rig, lift, move, and position heavy or awkward equipment and materials.
• Knowledge of equipment lubrication, bearings, seals, gaskets, and other mechanical components.
• Knowledge of safe work practices, mechanical hazards, industrial safety procedures, and applicable personal protective equipment.
• Ability to interpret and work from technical manuals, equipment drawings, blueprints, schematics, sketches, and written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively contribute to a team environment.
• Ability to perform assigned duties under varying environmental and operating conditions.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document equipment conditions, maintenance activities, and operational information.

Special Requirements

May be required to work announced or unannounced overtime and respond to call-out during non-working hours or emergencies. Will be required to enter confined space which, in turn, will require respirator fit testing, pulmonary function testing and evaluation, and appropriate training for confined space entry, use of applicable respirators safely and properly, and other air breathing apparatus subject to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134, and industry standards.

Must obtain a certificate for CPR and first-aid training; updated at two (2) year intervals.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED required. Vocational, technical, or professional training in mechanical maintenance, industrial maintenance, power generation, millwright, machining, or a related field is preferred. Experience in the maintenance, repair, or operation of power generation equipment, industrial machinery, or related mechanical systems is desirable. Equivalent combinations of relevant education, technical training, and work experience may be considered. A valid Florida driver's license is required.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform physically demanding work, including lifting and carrying objects weighing 45 pounds or more; reaching above shoulder level; grasping and manipulating tools and equipment; using both hands and arms; climbing; pulling, pushing, shoving, and lifting; walking, standing, running, crawling, kneeling, bending, stooping, twisting, and balancing.

The position requires adequate vision, color differentiation, hearing, and sense of smell to safely perform assigned duties and recognize potential equipment and environmental hazards.

Employees must be able to wear required personal protective equipment and restrictive safety equipment, including safety glasses, face shields, hearing protection, gloves, safety footwear, hard hats, respiratory protection, and other equipment as required.

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities. Temporary modifications to provide reasonable accommodation do not eliminate the essential functions or requirements of the position.

Environmental Conditions

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in an industrial power generation environment. Employees may be exposed to:

• Extreme temperatures, including heat, cold, high humidity, direct sunlight, and damp or wet conditions.
• Noise, vibration, dust, dirt, and poor lighting or ventilation.
• Flames, high temperatures, electrical equipment, and energized systems.
• Natural gas, petroleum-based products, chemicals, lubricants, and other industrial substances.
• Gas odors, exhaust, fumes, and other airborne contaminants.
• Slippery, uneven, or obstructed walking and working surfaces.
• Elevated work areas, ladders, scaffolding, and heights of up to 50 feet.
• Below ground or enclosed areas, including ditches, tunnels, excavations, and confined spaces.
• Water exposure, including working with hands, feet, or legs in water.
• Close proximity to operating machinery, moving equipment, and other personnel.
• Working independently or in close coordination with other employees and contractors.