Utility Operator Jobs

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 addresses 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 Utility Operator will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all power plant equipment and assist with maintenance tasks as assigned.

The initial hourly rate of pay will range from $23.27-$34.01.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains accuracy of shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents related to the power plant.
• Performs all plant switching and tagging of equipment in accordance with approved procedures and prudent operations and maintenance practices.
• Develops, assists, and recommends revisions to operations and maintenance related procedures.
• Work weekends and nights as needed, and must have the ability to work shifts on an as needed basis. Must be able and willing to work overtime which can be either scheduled or call-in.
• The Utility Operator operates from established and well-known procedures under general directions. The Utility Operator encounters recurring work situations of high complexity, with occasional variations from the norm.
• Performs routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; supports corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment when properly trained or supervised.
• Conducts routine tours of the plant to inspect equipment, provides feedback to the Lead Operations and Maintenance Tech and to other employees.
• Conduct bulk offloads of plant chemicals as required.
• Performs routine cycle chemistry testing and makes the necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency. Checks daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water and other consumables; monitors inventories and initiates action to replenish when appropriate.
• All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer’s needs are being met.
• Complies with all site safety requirements and procedures. Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary.
• The Utility Operator must perform all of his or her activities in a safe manner , in compliance with all environmental permits at all times. The Utility Operator must effectively communicate information to supervisors and fellow plant personnel, relative to the condition of the plant equipment and performance, and provide suggestions for plant improvements.
• Assist other team members and work with all departments to support New Athens Generating in achieving their goals.
• Participates in training program and will become qualified as an O&M Technician.
• Performs electrical and mechanical inspections, trouble-shooting, and maintenance tasks under direction of management when assigned.
• Performs other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements.
• Communicates with other company personnel on-site and at other locations.
• Performs and maintains housekeeping standards and duties.
• Displays routine proficiency improvements towards becoming qualified as an O&M Technician.
• Performs all station shift operation and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries.
• Reads and records gauges and meters. Performs routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The Utility Operator reports to the O&M Manager and receives direction from the Operations Coordinator and Lead O&M Technician. The Utility Operator may work with maintenance personnel on matters/issues pertaining to maintenance.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

• All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post employment random drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
• 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.
• Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing. Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English and to do basic mathematics; high school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand fundamental principals related to physics, mathematics, AC&DE electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermal dynamics and chemistry
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants
• Ability to locate, troubleshoot and adjust defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintain, install, modify and troubleshoot plant electrical systems and equipment
• Some power plant experience in operations and/or maintenance is desired
• Knowledge of power plant safety, policies and procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, high-energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc. and associated maintenance functions is desired
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists and slings

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

Preferred

• Some power plant experience in operations and/or maintenance is desired.

Skills

Preferred

• Mathematics
• Chemical Handling
• Electrical
• Safety Policies and Procedures
• Water Treatment
• O&M - Operations & Maintenance
• Hand and Power Tools
• Verbal and Written Communications
• Rotating Machinery/Equipment
• Troubleshooting
• Electrical Systems
• Mechanical Aptitude