Colorado Springs Utilities' Electric Supply Department is hiring a Power Plant System Operator Apprentice . In this four-year paid training program, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to operate equipment inside and outside of the control room and perform routine maintenance tasks in a power plant. As an apprentice, you will learn from seasoned professionals supporting our Nixon Coal-Fired and Front Range Combined Cycle Power Plants. This position will work rotating 12-hour shifts as required to operate the plants on a 24/7 basis.
Please note that this position is part of a formal Plant System Operator Apprenticeship administered by Colorado Springs Utilities. As such, the pay for this position will begin at $30.98/hour and will progress throughout the duration of the apprenticeship based on the pay schedule below (subject to change):
- Step 1 - $30.98/hr (1st year)
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Step 2 - $32.23/hr (1st year)
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Step 3 - $33.49/hr. (2nd year)
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Step 4 - $34.74/hr. (2nd year)
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Step 5 - $36.00/hr. (3rd year)
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Step 6 - $37.67/hr. (3rd year)
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Step 7 - $38.93/hr. (4th year)
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Step 8 - $39.77/hr. (4th year)
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Journey Level Turnout - $41.86/hr.
During the apprenticeship, you will gain knowledge and experience in the following:
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Conducting routine operational checks, reading plant equipment, adjusting, regulating, and maintaining oil levels, water levels, temperature, and flows at required specifications
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Assisting with preventative maintenance on plant equipment as scheduled
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Helping inspect the plant site for security, safety, and environmental issues
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Assisting with maintenance during plant outages
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Learning assigned roles to maintain safety and prevent catastrophic failure
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Monitoring computer screens, gauges, and meters
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Helping test fire protection systems for plant equipment and facilities
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Assisting in the starting up and shutting down of generation equipment and entire generating units; shutting down equipment to prevent catastrophic failure
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Monitoring boiler furnace conditions
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Assisting to pull tramp iron and bottom ash for the safe operation of the pulverizer
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Helping ensure the fly ash system is operating properly
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Assisting water plant chemistry checks and adding chemicals to plant water systems, as necessary
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Assisting with opening and closing valves when requested or as needed
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Maintaining the hydro plant, plant site, caretaker's house, and garage in good repair and appearance
Please note that possession of a valid, unrestricted driver's license is required as this apprenticeship requires the ability to legally operate Colorado Springs Utilities' vehicles.
The following knowledge, skills, and experience is valued
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Completion of a technical training program or relevant experience working in a field that requires mechanical comprehension and troubleshooting abilities is valued
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Experience in a power generation or plant experience is highly valued
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Knowledge of basic chemistry, electricity, and mathematical principles is valued
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Knowledge of power plant processes is valued
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The ability to communicate clearly, perform calmly in emergency situations, perform work safely, and collaborate with others are critical to success
Colorado Springs Utilities
121 S Tejon - 5th Floor
Colorado Springs
Colorado United States
www.csu.org
