Power Plant Control Room Operator

At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities in the power generation, renewable energy and industrial construction industry. At every level of the company, we share a common goal: To instill confidence in our clients through our steadfast commitment to safety, integrity and quality of work.

NAES is the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, operating more than 190 power plants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and the UK that span all technologies and provide over 50 GW of capacity. With the strength of 4000 people, our growing family of companies now encompass the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to supporting a culture with unique perspectives and backgrounds. We value individual differences in each other in an effort to create a brighter future in the power generation industry. We strive to attract and retain employees by offering an inclusive work environment, competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package (including retirement) and promotional opportunities.

General Summary

The Hunterstown Control Room Operator (CRO) serves as both Control Room Operator (CRO) and Outside Operator (OO). This position is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. As the CRO, this position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared by taking appropriate corrective actions; executes plant shut-down and start-up procedures, as required, and ensures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe and efficient manner. As the OO, this position ensures that all equipment is lubricated and operating properly in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals and operating directives from plant management.

Primary Duties

• Ensure that the daily log and other plant records are filled out in a timely and accurate manner, including electrical output, steam output, emissions output, fuel consumed, water consumed and heat rates
• Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager
• Communicate plant abnormalities to the other plant personnel and /or management
• Conduct periodic log and record review to ensure that tag out procedures, equipment status and designated administrative systems are functioning effectively
• Monitor performance of plant equipment and take appropriate corrective action as required when alarms are activated
• Accept personal responsibility for own safety. Adhere to, support, and help enforce all company safety and environmental rules, policies, and procedures
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures/anomalies
• Be proficient in the operation of all plant equipment, and proactively monitor all plant equipment and systems
• Control Room Operator serves as both a Control Room Operator and Outside Operator
• Assist with control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions
• Follow shift relief procedures and ensure accurate and complete presentation and delivery of all plant issues and concerns. The on-duty Technician cannot leave until properly relieved.
• Participate as assigned in staff training
• Actively support the Maintenance Team in the execution of maintenance plans by providing support (Lockout/Tagout), equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation, or other areas as needed
• Assist with the start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine/generators
• Ensure that all equipment, including the combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliaries are operating safely and efficiently.
• Fully support and actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Programs
• Participate in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records
• Support the Maintenance of plant equipment on normal shifts and during outages as plant status allows

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Control Room Operator reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager and CTO Tech - CRO. The CRO gives direction to operations and maintenance personnel.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing on feet for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required.

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Work Schedule

Regular scheduled workweek is based on a 12 hour rotating shift. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Compensation: $43.48 per hour, increased to $48.31 per hour after 6 months of employment

Job Qualifications

• Experience as a process operator, with secondary skill sets in Electrical/Instrument and Controls and/or mechanical maintenance in operating or generating plant
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Extensive working knowledge of power plant industry desirable
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable
• Experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant preferred
• Must have excellent organizational skills
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be able to successfully complete the NAES Operator Qualification Program in policy defined period
• Minimum of two years’ experience in power plant operations desirable
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements is required
• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is highly desirable

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

Experience

Required

• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements
• Experience in power plant operations

Education

Preferred

• High School or better
• Technical/other training or better in Power Plant Technology or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

• Power Plant Fundamentals
• Water Chemistry
• Power Plant Operations
• Computer Skills
• Verbal and Written Communications
• Gas Turbines
• Water Treatment

Behaviors

Preferred

• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity