Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nicholas Wheeler

Chandler,AZ

Summary

Accomplished Instrument and Control Specialist with a robust career at Salt River Project, showcasing expertise in troubleshooting advanced control systems and a knack for fostering teamwork. Renowned for enhancing energy efficiency and operational excellence, my adaptability and problem-solving abilities have consistently improved system performance and customer satisfaction.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience

Work History

Instrument and Control Specialist

Salt River Project
08.2023 - Current
  • Support the safe, efficient and cost effective production of electric energy by performing various power plant Instrumentation tasks.
  • Troubleshoot systems controls and malfunctions in various devices, analog and digital, including Distributed Control & Programmable Logic Controller systems
  • Assessment, calibration, repair and installation of power plant control devices.
  • Supported project management by providing technical expertise in control system integration, design, programming, and commissioning.
  • Minimized energy consumption by optimizing process parameters while maintaining quality output levels using effective control algorithms.
  • Achieved successful outcomes on multiple projects by effectively balancing technical expertise with strong communication skills to address all stakeholder concerns.
  • Implemented safety procedures when working with electrical equipment to minimize risk during maintenance tasks or installations.
  • Enhanced system efficiency by implementing advanced control strategies and coordinating with other specialists.
  • Performed regular audits of control systems infrastructure to identify potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could impact overall system performance.
  • Ensured compliance with industry standards and regulations through thorough documentation of all control-related activities.
  • Diagnosed and resolved complex control problems, ensuring minimal impact on plant performance.
  • Reduced downtime and improved operations for production processes through continuous monitoring and optimization of control systems.
  • Optimized process performance by identifying areas for improvement in existing control strategies and recommending appropriate modifications.
  • Collaborated with vendors and suppliers to procure necessary equipment and components for controls projects.
  • Coordinated with other departments such as engineering or maintenance to ensure seamless integration of new controls technology into existing processes or facilities.
  • Created custom reports and visualizations to support decision-making processes.
  • Assessed operational performance to identify areas for improvement.
  • Supported supervisor and associated team members to maintain system functionality.
  • Worked with engineers and technical staff to recommend hardware and software adjustments and resolve design flaws.
  • Investigated and resolved alerts, conducted queries and culled records to assist with maintenance and problem resolution.
  • Analyzed trend data to forecast operational needs and plan next course of action.
  • Created and managed operational databases to store and track data and maintain accurate information.
  • Designed plans to improve operations and suggested changes to systems for overall organization.
  • Maintained organized work area by cleaning and removing hazards.
  • Met production targets and tight deadlines by collaborating closely with team members.
  • Organized and prepared workstations and materials needed for operations to maximize productivity.
  • Used problem-solving and issue-resolution skills to promptly and successfully address production problems.
  • Assembled products according to changing daily work orders and specific customer needs.
  • Performed general equipment maintenance and repair to minimize downtime.
  • Investigated processing errors and malfunctions, resolving issues with minor machine repairs.
  • Prepared reports and technical documentation of day-to-day production processes.
  • Guided junior team members in developing their professional skills through mentoring and coaching, leading to increased productivity and enhanced quality of work.

Instrument and Control Specialist Trainee

Salt River Project
02.2021 - 08.2023

Self-Paced training program by Salt River Project to achieve Journeyman level skills in the the field of Instrumentation and Controls. Program consisted of serval SRP provided JPMs (Job Performance Measure) and training material provided by NCCER to ensure sufficient competency as a Power Generation Instrument and Control Technician upon completion.


Under supervision of Journeyman Instrument and Control Technicians:


  • Optimized process performance by identifying areas for improvement in existing control strategies and recommending appropriate modifications.
  • Managed the calibration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of various instrumentation devices used in process control applications.
  • Implemented safety procedures when working with electrical equipment to minimize risk during maintenance tasks or installations.

Operations Specialist Trainee

Salt River Project
02.2020 - 02.2021
  • Oversaw day-to-day operations, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of projects.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and budget constraints.
  • Boosted customer satisfaction, addressing client concerns in a timely and professional manner.
  • Collected, arranged, and input information into database system.
  • Shadow senior Operations Specialists to learn how to operate the plant in its entirety from the control room.
  • Start-up and Shut-down of Turbines, Generators, and all supporting and auxiliary equipment.
  • Communicating with AGC (Load Control Center) via instructions on when to start and stop units.
  • Regular rounds and checks of plant equipment from the control room via DCS and GE HMI
  • Working closely with Maintenance, Electrical, and I&C personnel to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair faulty plant equipment and Clearance out equipment for regular maintenance, emergency repairs and planned outages

O&M Specialist 3, Operations

Salt River Project
02.2015 - 02.2020
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • Operation and inspection of all plant and supporting equipment from water treatment to Turbines and Generators. Responsibilities included regular rounds and checks on plant equipment, working closely with Maintenance, Electrical, and I&C personnel to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair faulty plant equipment and Clearance out equipment for regular maintenance, emergency repairs and planned outages

O&M Specialist 3 Operations, Hydro, Horse Mesa Dam

Salt River Project
10.2014 - 02.2015
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • Regular inspection of the Dam, Generators, Turbines and various supporting equipment as well as regular maintainence as necessary. Also working closely with Maintenance, Electrical, and I&C personnel to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair faulty plant equipment and Clearance out equipment for regular maintenance, emergency repairs and planned outages

O&M Specialist 1, 2, & 3 Operations

Salt River Project
12.2008 - 10.2014
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • As an O&M1, primary focus was on operation of the plants various water and water treatment systems. After progressing to both O&M2 and O&M3 the primary focus shifted to operation and inspection of more advanced areas of the plant including Turbines and Generators and supporting equipment. At all O&M levels, responsibilities included regular rounds and checks on associated equipment, working closely with Maintenance, Electrical, and I&C personnel to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair faulty plant equipment and Clearance out equipment for regular maintenance, emergency repairs and planned outages

Trades Helper, Substation

Salt River Project
11.2008 - 12.2008
  • Contributed to successful project completions by providing timely support to team members.
  • Demonstrated adaptability by working effectively with diverse teams across multiple trade disciplines.
  • Assist Substation Electricians and Relay Technicians in a variety of tasks related to Substation breakers and other equipment.
  • Testing and inspection of High Voltage gloves used by Lineman/Electricians throughout the company
  • Streamlined tool management for improved accessibility and productivity on job sites.

O&M Specialist 1 Maintainence

Salt River Project
08.2008 - 11.2008
  • Followed all company policies and procedures to deliver quality work.
  • Improved customer satisfaction rates through proactive problem-solving and efficient complaint resolution.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
  • Assist plant maintenance personnel in a variety of tasks including housekeeping, tool repair, tool room inventory and restocking, valve/pump/motor repairs and regular PMs, Gas and Steam turbine overhauls

High School Intern

Salt River Project
06.2007 - 08.2008

Assist plant maintenance personnel in a variety of tasks including housekeeping, tool repair, tool room inventory and restocking, valve/pump/motor repairs and regular PMs, Gas and Steam turbine overhauls

Education

High School Diploma -

Marcos De Niza
Tempe, AZ
05-2008

Skills

  • HMI development
  • Training and mentoring
  • PLC programming
  • Energy efficiency
  • Troubleshooting
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Multitasking
  • Worksite safety
  • Punctuality
  • Reliability
  • Adaptability

Timeline

Instrument and Control Specialist

Salt River Project
08.2023 - Current

Instrument and Control Specialist Trainee

Salt River Project
02.2021 - 08.2023

Operations Specialist Trainee

Salt River Project
02.2020 - 02.2021

O&M Specialist 3, Operations

Salt River Project
02.2015 - 02.2020

O&M Specialist 3 Operations, Hydro, Horse Mesa Dam

Salt River Project
10.2014 - 02.2015

O&M Specialist 1, 2, & 3 Operations

Salt River Project
12.2008 - 10.2014

Trades Helper, Substation

Salt River Project
11.2008 - 12.2008

O&M Specialist 1 Maintainence

Salt River Project
08.2008 - 11.2008

High School Intern

Salt River Project
06.2007 - 08.2008

High School Diploma -

Marcos De Niza
Nicholas Wheeler