Control Room Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

CXA La Paloma Power Facility is situated approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield in McKittrick, CA, and operates as a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, delivering a capacity of 1,022 megawatts. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 Steam Turbine, this facility employs reliable technology for efficient energy production. Its strategic location and dependable equipment ensure consistent electricity supply while adhering to stringent environmental regulations, fostering sustainability and growth within the region.
Opportunity Summary
The Shift Supervisor is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable production of steam and electricity at the plant during their shift. This includes assuming the duties of Control Room Operator and overseeing all on-shift operations, material handling, and maintenance and engineering activities. The Shift Supervisor plans, coordinates, supervises, and monitors plant operations while ensuring compliance with safety protocols and operational standards. As the senior individual on duty, the Shift Supervisor has the authority to make critical decisions to protect both personnel and equipment, such as reducing load, taking boilers out of service, or shutting down the turbine generator when necessary. This role is pivotal in maintaining continuous plant operations, managing emergencies, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all staff and equipment.
Your scope of responsibility as Shift Supervisor will include the following primary functions:

• Provide oversight and direct supervision of all station operations, including the startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries, and perform the duties of Control Room Operator.
• Ensure that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed, address safety hazards, and conduct periodic plant tours to inspect equipment and ensure compliance with safety rules.
• Serve as the lead system representative for assigned systems and maintain the accuracy of shift operating logs and reports, including downtime, outages, repair requirements, and production and performance indices.
• Review routine chemical testing results, direct corrective actions, and coordinate electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of the Maintenance Manager.
• Monitor daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water, and other consumables; manage inventories and ensure proper replenishment.
• Ensure proper in-plant switching and tagging of equipment according to approved procedures and industry best practices.
• Support the Operations Manager with department administration and power plant management; provide feedback to employees, ensuring compliance with plant procedures.
• Plan, direct, and supervise both preventive and corrective maintenance on all systems and equipment.
• Write, review, and revise operating procedures, ensuring compliance in plant operations, maintenance, and personnel management.
• Assist in the orientation, training, and development of O&M Technicians, and prepare training materials, including lesson plans, handouts, visual aids, exams, and qualification standards.
• Assist with recruiting, screening, interviewing, and selecting candidates for employment or promotion within the area of responsibility, and maintain logs, records, and reports related to power and steam production.
• Provide advice and counsel to both the Operations and Maintenance Managers regarding technical and administrative aspects of shift operations and communicate with personnel on-site and at other locations.
• Represent the company in dealings with the public, steam and power customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and other external parties, while supporting the Administration, Engineering, and Maintenance departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by plant management.

NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor's performance.
Working Relationships
The Shift Supervisor reports to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from the Plant Manager. The Shift Supervisor is responsible for directing and overseeing operations personnel and ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its related processes.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The Shift Supervisor works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations and ensure seamless shift transitions.
This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or "On call" status will also be required.
Compensation
Initial starting compensation will range from $126,300 to $134,160 and will include straight-time overtime, as well as eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
We are looking for a results-oriented supervisor with experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

• Associate degree in engineering or a related technical field, such as power plant technology, or equivalent, is preferred. Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Proven leadership skills in guiding teams to ensure safe and efficient plant operation, with experience in gas turbine combined cycle operations preferred.
• Track record as a Control Room Operator (CRO) in a power plant or similar setting, skilled in monitoring, controlling operations, responding to alarms, and maintaining operational efficiency. CRO qualification preferred.
• Strong understanding of power plant operations, including normal operations, upset conditions, and regulatory compliance at federal, state, and local levels.
• In-depth knowledge of power plant safety procedures, including high-energy systems, chemical handling, confined spaces, and fire suppression, with strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems (motors, pumps, boilers, AC/DC electrical systems, etc.).
• Proficient in operating and troubleshooting plant equipment, including valves, switches, and controls, along with experience in maintenance management and water treatment processes, and chemical applications in power plants.
• Proficiency in instrumentation and control systems, including boiler and turbine controls, and machine condition monitoring. Skilled in troubleshooting switchgear, transformers, batteries, and main generators.
• Ability to interpret mechanical and electrical drawings (blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams).
• Proficiency in writing, reviewing, and revising operating procedures to ensure regulatory compliance and operational best practices.
• Excellent communication skills to conduct plant tours, provide direction to employees, report status to management, and collaborate with various departments and stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, 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 form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.