Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Work Availability
Certification
Work Preference
Software
Languages
Websites
Timeline
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Colin Powers

Colin Powers

Power Plant Operator
Santa Cruz,CA

Summary

Results-driven power plant control room operator with 2.5 years of experience and currently serving as a relief shift supervisor. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management, providing me with a strong foundation in technical principles and strategic oversight. Proven track record in optimizing operational processes, maintaining safety standards, and leading teams to achieve high performance. Seeking to transition into the Power Plant Operations Manager role to drive efficiency, operational excellence, and a culture of safety.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Power Plant Relief Shift Supervisor

Vistra Corp
Moss Landing, CA
05.2024 - Current
  • Supervised plant staff and coordinated shift schedules to optimize efficiency, while ensuring compliance with safety regulations and production targets.
  • Led safety training sessions and implemented proactive safety protocols, significantly reducing incidents and fostering a safety-first culture.
  • Managed predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to minimize equipment downtime and maintain operational safety standards.
  • Prepared detailed reports on plant operations, safety compliance, and production progress, ensuring alignment with industry regulations.
  • Maintained accurate timekeeping records and resolved employee conflicts, promoting a well-organized and productive work environment.

Power Plant Control Room Operator

Vistra Corp
Moss Landing, CA
07.2022 - Current
  • Operated the Moss Landing Power Plant, a 1020 MW combined cycle plant made up of four gas turbine generators, four heat recovery steam generators, and two steam turbine generators.
  • Assisted the plant engineer and operation supervisors, learning their roles and training under them.
  • Coordinated contractors over various large projects of high importance within a timely and safe manner.
  • Completed daily steam turbine and gas turbine start-ups and shutdowns using Mark VI and DCS/Foxboro.
  • Monitored and ran calibrations on the CEMS, overseeing alarms and limit exceedances.
  • Daily maintenance, operation, and oversight of the cycling of units to provide power to the CA power grid.
  • Utilized advanced technical skills and expertise to troubleshoot complex problems and implement innovative ideas and solutions.
  • Worked in 12-hour rotating day/night shifts with a four-person crew working in unison to satisfy grid needs.

Ship Superintendent Intern

BAE Systems Inc.
San Diego, CA
05.2021 - 08.2021
  • Coordinated with 20 BAE trades, US government entities, and the US Navy to ensure that each of the hundreds of work items were completed up to code, on time, and of the highest quality.
  • Assisted in the creation and completion of the weekly Captain's Brief to be presented to the high-ranking government officials and Naval officers involved on the DDG-1000 destroyer class ships.
  • Supervised operations on the world's most advanced ship, USS Zumwalt.
  • Attended dozens of meetings involving commanders, captains, and former admirals of the US Navy, the Chief Engineer of the USS-Zumwalt, and many of the highest-ranking officers on the ship.
  • Spearheaded multi-million-dollar projects for prominent clients including BAE Systems, the US Navy, Rolls-Royce, and the US Government

Cadet Ship Engineer

California State University Maritime Academy
Overseas
05.2019 - 07.2019
  • Engineered a ship from San Francisco to Portugal and back, crossing the Panama Canal and the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Watched and learned the assembly and safety factors of heavy machinery, such as motors, pumps, diesel generators, and V16 diesel engines.
  • Studied how the fuel oil and lube oil systems work throughout a 500-foot former Navy ship.
  • Worked in teams with other cadets and students to complete various tasks, such as engine room rounds, broken equipment LOTO's, and housekeeping.

Education

Master of Science - Engineering Management

California State University Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA
05.2024

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

California State University Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA
05.2022

Associate of Science - Mathematics

California State University Maritime Academy
Vallejo, CA
05-2022

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Control Room Operations
  • Safety Protocols and Compliance
  • Strong verbal and written communication
  • Power Generation Systems
  • Problem-Solving
  • Decision-Making
  • Energy Management and Optimization
  • Project Management
  • Adaptability
  • Technical Knowledge
  • Microsoft Office

Accomplishments

  • Quickest and youngest operator to acquire the highest qualifications and achieve control room operator title in 70-year site history.
  • Graduated top of class in both Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees.
  • Certificate of Excellence: DDG 1000 Zumwalt Class Destroyer Program via BAE Systems

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification

  • Certified Control Room Operator, Vista Corp
  • Licensed Forklift/Manlift/Scissorlift/Boomlift Driver

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancementPersonal development programs401k matchStock Options / Equity / Profit Sharing

Software

MATLAB

C

Foxboro DCS

MARK VI

SolidWorks/AutoCad

Languages

English
Native language

Timeline

Power Plant Relief Shift Supervisor

Vistra Corp
05.2024 - Current

Power Plant Control Room Operator

Vistra Corp
07.2022 - Current

Ship Superintendent Intern

BAE Systems Inc.
05.2021 - 08.2021

Cadet Ship Engineer

California State University Maritime Academy
05.2019 - 07.2019

Master of Science - Engineering Management

California State University Maritime Academy

Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering

California State University Maritime Academy

Associate of Science - Mathematics

California State University Maritime Academy
Colin PowersPower Plant Operator