Control Room Operator

The starting pay rate for this position is $51.05 followed by an increase to $53.60 after completing probation.

We are hiring a Control Room Operator (CRO) to ensure the safe and reliable operation of our generation plants at Nixon, Front Range, or Remotes based on business needs. In this role, you will troubleshoot plant equipment problems, optimize plant operations, and initiate and complete work order requests. You will also monitor and operate distributed control systems (DCS) and other related computer systems to perform start-ups and shutdowns of ESD power plants and support equipment. Additionally, you will be a lockout/tagout (LOTO) system expert with the ability to execute all LOTO program functions. This position offers the opportunity to learn, train, and guide PSO Apprentices, PSOs, CROs, and Step-Up CROs in operating plant assets across multiple EPP sites.

Please note that this position requires working 12-hour rotating shifts.

A day in the life of a Control Room Operator may include:

• Monitoring and recording operating data pertaining to boilers, turbines, generators, switchboards, transmission lines, and auxiliary equipment
• Interpreting operating data and adjusting electronic and/or pneumatic control devices to start or stop boiler pump feeds, condensate, cooling water and fuel oil pumps, chemical feeders, compressors, cooling fans, and additional plant operating equipment
• Coordinating activities during plant shutdown and start up procedures
• Identifying operating malfunctions, troubleshooting problems, and initiating work orders
• Adjusting combustion controls and monitoring environmental recorders to minimize plant emissions
• Contacting other system operations centers for readings and instructions regarding load requirements
• Performing tests and checks on unit protective devices to ensure reliability
• Responding to alarm situations, determining the nature of the problem, and adjusting as appropriate
• Following plant equipment operating procedures, environmental guidelines, and safety procedures

Who You Are

• Experience working in an electric power generating plant
• Completion of a Plant System Operator Apprenticeship program is valued
• Possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required - this job requires operating Utilities' vehicles as an essential job function

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities that lend to success in this position include:

• Thermal electric generating processes
• Boiler and turbine/generator operating procedures
• Plant emergency and safety procedures
• Environmental Guidelines
• Electric distribution systems
• Operating combustion control systems
• Monitoring and changing boiler fuels
• Troubleshooting plant processes
• Synchronizing generators
• Operating circuit breakers
• Monitoring and adjusting plant chemistry
• Managing stress during abnormal plant conditions and determining necessary corrective action
• Reading and understanding technical manuals and mechanical and electrical drawings

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Exerts up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or a small amount of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those required for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a small amount, a job should be rated Light Work when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree or when it requires sitting most of the time, but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls and/or when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is small. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding work even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.
• Positions in this class typically require climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions and intense noises.

Our Commitment to Our Employees

Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities.  They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving.  We don't just say people are important – we prove it  That's why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.

Time Off to Recharge

• Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
• Personal Leave –3 days per year
• Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
• Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
• Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually

Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month

• Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings