Plant Operator

Vicinity Energy is North America’s largest provider of district energy solutions, offering low carbon energy to most of the iconic buildings you see in the skylines of Boston, Cambridge, Philadelphia, Baltimore and many other cities in the US. As a member of the communities we serve, all of us at Vicinity understand the critical role we play in reducing the impacts of climate change and being a leader in decarbonization. We are committed to net zero and eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels, but we need the best and the brightest minds on our team to help us reach our goal, not only for us as a company, but for our customers, our communities, and our planet.

Summary

The Operator operates, monitors, maintains plant equipment to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operation of the plant systems. This includes high pressure boilers and auxiliary equipment using natural gas as the primary fuel source to ensure continuous reliable service of steam to the company’s customers. This is a full time, non-exempt, non-union position. This position works a 12-hour rotating shift and will also require the candidate to work alone on nights and weekends. This position reports to the Chief Engineer and is located in Grand Rapids, MI.

Responsibilities

• Operate, repair, troubleshoot, control, and maintain, steam turbines, HP boilers, valves, traps, expansion joints, piping systems, auxiliary equipment, and distribution systems for local and remote facilities. Verify all equipment systems, pressure and temperatures are operating and maintained within limitations for the intended purpose. 
• Perform chemical analysis on boiler water samples as required. 
• Operate RO’s and regenerate cold-water zeolites to produce water for boiler operation. 
• Maintain logs of the various aspects of the plant’s operation as required. 
• Monitor equipment, identify problem areas, and develop problem resolution for equipment failures and out of ordinary conditions. Performs trouble shooting, prepares work permits and work orders. 
• Performs inspections, predictive and preventive maintenance and repairs on equipment including maintenance on valves, pumps, turbines, distribution system equipment etc. 
• Provide on the job training to new employees. 
• Plan, schedule and implement daily activities and identify and set priorities.   
• Communicate timely and relevant information to management, and others as situations necessitate.  
• Ensure task completion, operation efficiency and reliability for unit and corporate goals attainment.  
• Lock out equipment for maintenance, unlocks equipment and tests equipment after completion of repair following established Lock Out/Tag Out Permit Procedures.  
• Monitor and maintain the cleanliness of the plant and equipment. 
• Perform all work in accordance with established safety procedures.  
• Comply with all company policies and procedures and adhere to company standards. 
• Perform any other duties and tasks as assigned by Supervisor.  
• Must be willing and able to work rotating shifts that include holidays, nights, and weekends.   

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent. 
• Experience in pipe fitting along with steam plant maintenance of boilers, turbines, pumps, valves, and traps. 
• Technical trade school training is preferred. 
• Ability to weld is preferred but not required. 
• Self-sufficient.
• Ability to use computer and calculator.  
• Boiler or power plant experience preferred. 
• Must possess a Boiler Operator License or will be required to obtain license within six months of starting employment.
• Control Operator: Satisfactory completion of systems training and control room operator training program including written testing and practical testing.  

Physical Requirements 

• Must submit to a company provided physical and drug screening as part of pre-employment process.
• Must possess a driver’s license in good standing in order to operate a company vehicle.
• Standing, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, walking on uneven surfaces, and grating, working from elevated platforms, scaffolding or ladders, required to lift 50 pounds and maneuver 100 pounds. 
• Ability to meet highest punctuality and attendance requirements. 
• Ability to tolerate confined spaces, including manholes and varying temperatures and weather conditions. 
• Exposed to temperature extremes, high noise level areas, high pressure steam lines, rotating equipment, and dusty/dirty environment.  
• Required to wear PPE such as hard hat, safety glasses, safety shoes, hearing protection and other protective gear as required. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY POLICY STATEMENT Vicinity North America is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.