Powerhouse Operator

New Ulm Plant

Benefits & Compensation Overview:

• Medical.

• Dental.

• Vision.

• Additional perks:  Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), access to shop at the Company Store.

• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).

• Powerhouse Operator positions begin at $39.50 per hour.

• Non-Union (FOIP) Field Operations Incentive Plant.

Work Schedule:

Must be available for working on all or any shifts, 365 days a year, including weekends and Holidays.

Plant & Community Overview:

Plant Overview:

• The Kraft Heinz Plant in New Ulm has been a workplace of choice in the community since its opening in 1955.  Current products include Velveeta, Velveeta Mini-Block, Kraft Deli-Deluxe, and Foodservice for popular restaurant chains.

• 400 Hourly Employees.

• 23 Salaried Employees.

• Average tenured employee is 12 years of service.

• Over 125 employees have more than 20 years of service.

• There is over 5,000 years of experience in the New Ulm Plant!

Community Overview:

Welcome to our New Ulm Community!

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Sr. Maintenance Supervisor and with the coordination of the Chief Powerhouse Operator, the Powerhouse Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient

and reliable operation, maintenance and monitoring of the steam generating boilers and equipment, soft and hot water systems, ammonia refrigeration compressors and equipment, compressed air compressors and equipment, plant vacuum pumps and fire alarm system.  Must have a critical awareness of operating parameters and perform sensitive adjustments of complex controls on equipment, for varying operating characteristics. Must have a complete understanding of all machinery including operating adjustments, maintenance and troubleshooting.

The daily operation is moderately varied and involves mastery, skill, art and judgment which can be achieved only after years of exposure to the job.  Knowledge of steam, ammonia refrigeration, pneumatic and mechanical principles is essential.  This person must be familiar with all basic hand and power.  Will require the use of emergency, respiratory, PPE which requires passing of a yearly medical physical. The job expectations are to work from brief verbal as well as moderately complex written instructions with minimal supervision and without close observation.  Needs to have a basic understanding of chemical usage, reasoning and formulation requiring the use of decimals and fractions in math and computer usage for tracking.  This person must possess the minimum of a State of Minnesota, Second Class B or A, Boiler Operator Engineer’s license and be available for working on all shifts, 365 days a year, including weekends and holidays.  Will train under the Refrigeration Specialists to educate for safe system operation and future promotion.

Responsibilities & Duties:

• Operates, monitors and maintains the steam boiler generators and associated equipment including the reverse osmosis unit and feedwater pumps.

• Operates, monitors and maintains the natural gas and fuel oil combustion systems and controls.

• Operates, monitors and maintains the boiler’s, duplex and the plant’s, triplex softwater systems and controls. 

• Operates, monitors and maintains the dual hot water heating systems. 

• Operates, monitors and maintains the compressed air system including air compressors, receivers, dryers, cooling systems and controls. 

• Operates, monitors and maintains the plant vacuum system, including pumps and controls.

• Operates and monitors the ammonia refrigeration system, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, pumps, accumulators, chill water system and computerized control system.

• Monitors the fire protection equipment including sprinkler, fire pump and evacuation alarms, reacting appropriately as the situation demands.

• Monitors and records utilities usage and operating characteristics of equipment in the Powerhouse log book. 

• Performs chemical tests on boiler feed water and plant softened water and makes chemical or operational adjustments to maintain proper operating parameters. 

• Provides stationary, liaison communications, from plant production, for matters relative to the Powerhouse utilities and reacts appropriately.

• Monitors first floor, automatic, production processes on weekends and holidays and takes appropriate action, when product loss is likely.

• Interfaces with Guards by providing, secondary receiving of outside, originated phone calls and on weekends and holidays, provides stationary communication point to insure plant infrastructure stability and security.

• Monitors the plant heating/ventilating system and adjusts controls for proper operation.

• Orders and receives chemicals, records usage and   interfaces with chemical vendor to insure reliable chemical program.

• Makes necessary repairs to steam traps, pipe and insulation.

• Assists engineering and management with technical and operational expertise in areas of responsibility.

• Informs Chief Powerhouse Operator and/or supervisor of unsafe, damaged or worn equipment, so proper, corrective action can be taken.         

• Performs some duties of the Refrigeration Specialist and makes minor refrigeration system repairs, in the absence of Refrigeration Specialist, such as on weekends and holidays.

• Ensures all equipment, within the areas of responsibility, is maintained by writing repair work orders, performing P.M.s and lubricating.

• Lubrication- Oiling chains, oil open gears, greasing of bearings, checking oil levels, oil replenishment, disposal and sample collection.

• Performs all other duties as directed by the Chief Powerhouse Operator and/or the supervisor.

• Must have complete understanding and adhere to the plant Good Manufacturing Policies in the Powerhouse and production areas.

• Utilizes proper materials during repair or construction to provide safe, durable and reliable system and equipment operation.

• Operates the high-pressure steam generation, ammonia refrigeration, compressed air, house vacuum, soft water and hot water systems for provision of product manufacturing.

• Operates and repairs the high pressure, steam generating boilers and system in accordance with the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Regulations and the Boiler Operating Engineer’s Licensing requirements, to provide reliable, efficient, and safe operation.

• Notifies the Maintenance Supervisor, Quality Control personnel or Business Unit Manager, on duty, when steam, refrigeration, compressed air, vacuum or water are deviating from their normal standards, so as to prevent manufacturing of contaminated product.

• Tests, inspects, performs P.M.s and operates the high-pressure steam generation system and other equipment, within responsibilities, with alertness and professionalism, so as to prevent catastrophic failures from occurring.

• Directly involved with all aspects of the OSHA mandated Process Safety Management program.  Including, but not limited to; training, participation, process hazard analysis, and operating procedures.

• In event of an emergency, provides emergency response services, by being capable of using a SCBA, gas mask and other personal protective equipment.

• Takes all necessary precautions, as responsible person, in handling of the numerous chemicals used for the boiler feed water makeup.    

• Maintains the Powerhouse area’s MSDS file.

• Attends all mandatory, plant, safety training meetings.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED Required.

• Possess a Minnesota Chief Class Engineer, Grade B or A, Boiler Operator’s License.

• Seeking individuals who work well with teams, are goal oriented, and enjoy satisfaction in performing a job well done.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently, up to 150 pounds infrequently, with or without reasonable accommodations.  Required to handle chemical barrels weighing 650 pounds frequently.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments

• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Recognition, Training

• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs

• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer that prohibits discrimination or harassment of any type. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants who require an accommodation to participate in the job application or hiring process should contact [email protected].