Power Plant Trainee/Apprentice

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

The power plant trainee is an apprenticeship position that will undergo a structured training program aimed at developing proficiency in the operation and maintenance of the cogeneration facility. This entry-level role involves assisting experienced plant engineers, I&C and electrical personnel in daily tasks, learning to monitor equipment, and ensuring the efficient and safe production of energy and overall operation of the facility.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Monitor and report on performance metrics of plant equipment, including engines, pumps, chillers, boilers, backup generators and heat recovery systems.
• Record operational data such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates in logs.
• Support start-up and shutdown operations under engineers' supervision.
• Assist in detecting and responding to abnormal operating conditions, alarms, or deviations from standard performance.
• Assist in lubrication, cleaning, and basic maintenance of key mechanical components like generators, compressors, pumps and boilers to say the least.
• Conduct initial visual inspections of plant electrical panels, control systems, piping and overall plant equipment for wear or faults.
• Participate in predictive maintenance activities assigned by the engineers and or management.
• Handle safe disposal of waste generated during maintenance activities.
• Strictly adhere to lockout-tagout (LOTO) procedures during maintenance.
• Ensure PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is used properly at all times.
• Participate in company safety meetings, training and computer base learning.
• Learn emergency response procedures and assist in plant drills.
• Maintain familiarity with plant compliance standards.
• Collect and organize data for analysis by senior technicians or engineers.
• Generate daily and shift logs for plant management review.
• Report anomalies in operations, recommending actions where appropriate.
• Engage in mentorship and shadowing opportunities with senior engineers and technicians.
• Participate in formal learning sessions on plant systems, energy production principles, and maintenance best practices.
• Develop a working understanding of plant instrumentation and distributed control systems (DCS).
• Maintain a clean and organized workspace.
• Assist with site security measures, such as monitoring access to restricted areas.
• Support facility audits and inspections by preparing documentation and assisting visiting personnel and contractors.
• Cover shifts as needed and be available to work additional hours if needed, work weekends.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

• High School Diploma/GED is required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Basic mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn complex systems.
• Ability to work within a team and follow detailed instructions.
• Comfortable working in various environmental conditions, including heights and noisy areas.
• Basic math skills, including algebra and geometry.
• Basic computer skills.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

• Technical or vocational training in a related field is a plus.
• Able to obtain and hold NYFD Refrigeration License within a reasonable time frame.
• Able to obtain and hold NY State EPA DEC CFC License within a reasonable time frame.
• Able to obtain and hold FNDY COF’s as requested by management within a reasonable time frame.

Physical Requirements:

• The job can be physically demanding involving movement of heavy equipment and carrying materials up and down stairs. Candidates should be able to lift a 50-lb load.
• Requires ability to stand frequently and to sit occasionally for extended periods of time, climb ladders and stairs, effectively work in high places; periodically bending and twisting and frequently apply a moderate amount of force to lift, carry push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be physically capable of passing a respirator physical and respirator fit test.