Plant Chemist - Mooreland Power Plant

Applications will be accepted until May 5, 2026 - Apply on-line at www.wfec.com

SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Plant Manager, the Plant Chemist is responsible for all chemical treatment programs for plant water systems, boilers and cooling towers to ensure all programs are providing the highest level of protection for plant systems. The incumbent reviews and interprets metallurgical testing. The incumbent is also responsible for documenting and resolving environmental issues, compliance with environmental regulations, and permitting with the EPA/DEQ on water, wastewater, air, and required environmental reporting. Also, the Plant Chemist is responsible for the operation of water panel equipment and water treatment equipment. The Plant Chemist proposes, recommends, and monitors the lab and chemical systems O&M budget and proposes and requests capital expenditures for the laboratory, water related equipment, and environmental equipment. To accomplish these duties, the Plant Chemist works in close cooperation with the Water Laboratory Technician and provides guidance and direction for lab activities, training requirements and compliance activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Schedules lab work and coordinates the activities of the Water Laboratory Technician to complete necessary lab activities. Identifies training needs related to lab operations and environmental regulations and coordinates training of plant personnel in these areas. Maintains permits for all outfalls, waste and environmental requirements for state and federal permits. Ensures that data is recorded correctly and that reports are completed and filed on time to prevent any violations. Ensures that sampling and analysis of all plant water systems provides ongoing data and determines any actions necessary to maintain or regain proper chemical balance. Communicates the results to plant management and the operations department if corrective action is needed to maintain plant availability. Ensures all laboratory reagents and standards used in testing and treatment programs are in good condition, current, and meet the specifications and quality needed for our plant's treatment programs. Oversees and ensures that proper dosages of chemicals are added to water used in boilers, cooling towers, and closed cooling systems to ensure safe and reliable plant operation as determined by analysis of the sample. Continually monitors the effectiveness and cost effectiveness of the treatment programs. Monitors and documents plant corrosion rates to ensure they are within industry limits. Uses coupons, tube samples and physical measurements to monitor and document treatment programs. Maintains and monitors the performance of the anodic protection systems. Participates in and ensure that the EPA/DEQ certification tests maintain the Laboratory's EPA certification and that compliance requirements are completed and up to date. Administers the laboratory quality control program. Develops and monitors the O&M budget for the lab with management's assistance. Provides training for the water laboratory technician in the areas of lab operational safety, testing techniques, and other lab duties as required. Performs or oversees the operation of the demineralizer and the proper operation of the reverse osmosis system. Trouble shoots, maintains, and cleans the system. Implements and maintains the laboratory safety program. Performs calibrations and preventive or routine maintenance on laboratory related equipment such as the chemical feed systems, spectrophotometer, and water analysis panel instrumentation. Records and reviews all required data, test results, and activities on proper forms, logs, and computer automated systems. Provides training on safe handling of hazardous materials in accordance with plant procedures and regulatory requirements including regulations from NIOSH and OSHA. Participates in internal inspections of plant equipment such as boiler drums, deaerators, water boxes, cooling towers, and demineralizers. Provides an inspection report and recommendations for the inspection to the Plant Manager. Assists and participates with the inspections of equipment with regulatory agencies and insurance providers. Maintains the plant's MSDS paperwork and tracks and files related information. Updates logbooks and fills out requests for the HAZMIN system. Ensures the daily, weekly, monthly, and inventory checklists are completed. Maintains and monitors the storage of chemicals and supplies in a safe and orderly manner, including inventory control to prevent any upset in plant operations and controls expenditures to stay within the Lab's O&M budget. Assist with new projects that might require the Plant Chemists involvement, such as oil flushes, turbine/generator overhauls, boiler cleanings, new equipment installations, new technologies, and support other WFEC facilities as required. Assists with asbestos testing, analyzing, and record keeping.

COMPETENCIES: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Technical Skills: Displays technical knowledge equal to job requirements; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

Quantity: Meets productivity goals; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to increase productivity.

Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Analysis/Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Synthesizes complex or diverse information; Collects and researches data; Uses experience to complement data.

Organizational Support: Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; Supports organization's goals and values.

Dependability/Attendance/Punctuality: Follows instructions and responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan; Is consistently at work and on time; Uses paid leave within policy requirements; Informs supervisor about necessary absences in a timely manner.

Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.

Planning/Organizing: Uses time efficiently; Sets goals and objectives; Prioritizes and plans work activities; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Customer Service: Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments to customers.

Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; Conserves organizational resources.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors required.

Education and Experience: This job requires a degree in Chemistry from a four year accredited college and one year of experience in testing, treating, and care of high pressure boiler systems and cooling water. Directly related experience in a power plant or industrial setting may be substituted for education at the rate of two years of experience for one year of education. Experience should include knowledge and understanding of the operation of demineralizers and reverse osmosis equipment, knowledge of boiler or power plant operations and the effects of chemistry on it and knowledge of water treatment chemistry in high pressure boilers and cooling water systems.

Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, basic correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of manager, employees and fellow workers.

Math Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: Ability to use computer systems associated with duties and Microsoft Office software including email, Word and Excel.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: This job requires completion of applicable state certifications. A current driver's license is required.

WORK SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS: This job works a regular work week but may be required to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and be available for call in on short notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is frequently required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must use personal protective safety equipment. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places and fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. In accordance with WFEC Administrative Procedure 805-Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace this position is classified as "safety sensitive".

MUST MEET ALL PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WFEC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER AND

TAKES AFFIRMATIVE ACTION WITH RESPECT TO INDIVIDUALS

WITH DISABILITIES AND PROTECTED VETERANS