Plant Operator NorthStar (Grayling Generating Station)

NorthStar Clean Energy owns and operates independent power generating plants, natural gas assets and an energy marketing group for the non-utility segment. We are proud of our strong history of reliably serving our utility, municipal, commercial and industrial customers. To learn more about NorthStar Clean Energy, please visit NorthStar Clean Energy

This position is with NorthStar Clean Energy, a CMS Energy company, and is not a position of employment with Consumers Energy.

Location: This position reports to the Operations Supervisor at Grayling Generating Station in Grayling, Michigan.

• This is a non-union position with NorthStar Clean Energy, the unregulated side of CMS Energy, and is not a position of employment with Consumers Energy.
  
  

We are looking for: Plant Operator

The Grayling Generating Station plant is a 38 MW biomass-fueled renewable energy power plant that produces electricity. The fuel consists primarily of bark and sawdust from local lumber mills and the non-marketable biomass from lumbering operations.

The power produced supports the health of the forests, mitigates greenhouse gases (is "carbon neutral"), conserves landfill space and supports the electric grid in northern Michigan. The electric output is sold pursuant to a long-term power purchase agreement with Consumers Energy Company. This facility can produce enough electricity to power approximately 38,000 homes. Commercial operation began in 1992.

Plant operators under general supervision are responsible for the operation of industrial machinery and equipment. They monitor, control, and maintain these systems to ensure that they run smoothly and efficiently. He or she will support the smooth and efficient running of the plant, as well as ensuring that all safety protocols are followed. The plant operator will also be responsible for conducting regular maintenance and repairs on the plant equipment and directed. Performs the typical duties of Fuel Supply Operator as required.

• Meets qualifications of a plant operator
• Have a working knowledge of LOTO, confined space, P & ID's, hot work
• Ability to use past experience, analytical judgement, to plan and perform diversified work
• Good decision making skills to keep all crew members and site equipment safe
• Excellent communication skills to provide clear direction and feedback to all team members on the site
• Agility to be able to work overtime, as well as rotating shift schedules that include weekends and holidays
• Proven experience as plant operator

We encourage you to apply if you have: an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered and reviewed

• High School Diploma or equivalent with two (2) or more years of applicable experience
  
  

• 2+ years power plant operations experience, previous control room experience, and/or equivalent experience required.
• Valid Drivers License required.

• A basic knowledge of Large Mobile Heavy Equipment (e.g., CAT D8 Dozers, CAT 938 loaders) operation and established procedures
• Work a rotating 12 hour shift on a 28 day cycle
• Ability to work overtime, any shift schedule, including weekends and holidays
• Be fitted for and wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respirators
• Basic Computer Skills
• Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and take direction from others
• Capable of performing several routine duties involving various procedures which require minor decisions
• Previous experience at a Power Generation Biomass facility
• Associates Degree

In this role, you will:

• Operates assigned control systems as directed including distributed control, water, steam, combustion, turbine generator and related components in a safe and efficient manner.
• Maintains assigned control systems to ensure proper operations. Performs routine equipment maintenance, safety checks, inspections, and adjustments, as required.
• Takes measurements and readings and compares with standards. Implements corrective actions within established procedures.
• Assists chemistry vendor in maintaining the boiler system by adjusting chemical feed, as appropriate, and in monitoring the boiler, cooling water and waste water chemistry. Implements corrective actions within established procedures, as directed by senior operator.
• Assists inspecting and monitoring environmental equipment. Supports senior operator with equipment cleaning, filter changes and calibration gas adjustments.
• Logs equipment operating data in an accurate and timely manner. Identifies and reports problems to Lead Plant Operator and/or Supervisor.
• Responds to alarms in a timely manner. Operates necessary equipment to effectively respond to critical situations.
• Performs maintenance activities during plant outages and minor maintenance on shift as required as directed by lead operator.
• Operates mobile equipment located throughout the plant to maintain efficient operations.
• Maintains a safe work environment through job planning, housekeeping, and adherence to plant safety rules and procedures, and identification and correction of hazards.
• Other non-essential duties as assigned or may be necessary.

Why should you join our team?

At Consumers Energy, we offer more than just a place to work. We foster a culture that supports career development, growth, and stability, and we take pride in offering our co-workers excellent benefits and compensation packages. We are deliberately creating an inclusive culture that makes our diverse team of co-workers feel valued, supported, and empowered every day. We're a company made up of thousands of people, all with different stories to share and work to do, but we stand united in our company purpose: world class performance delivering hometown service.

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion:

We, at CMS Energy, value Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion. It is part of our DNA. We treat our employees with respect, we treat each other fairly and we value the opinions of others. We are passionate about building and nurturing an environment where everyone feels included. We don't discriminate. We seek to learn about each other and better understand our unique differences. Our uniqueness makes us authentic. We create safe spaces where everyone can be who they truly are. We invite difficult conversations and uncomfortable topics. We value diverse perspectives; this is what makes us great together. We harbor an inclusive environment where employees feel empowered to share their backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. Our Employee Resource Groups, Women's Advisory Panel (WAP), Women's Engineering Network (WEN), Minority Advisory Panel (MAP), Pride Alliance of Consumers Energy (PACE), GENERGY, capable, Interfaith and Veterans Advisory Panel (VAP) are key enablers to living the values of our company culture: Caring, Empowered, Deliberate, Agility, and Ownership.

All qualified applicants will not be discriminated against and will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.