Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

The Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility is a modern single-shaft combined cycle power plant featuring the advanced GE 7HA.02 gas turbine, known for its high efficiency and output. Working in tandem with a steam turbine, hydrogen-cooled generator, and HRSG, the plant maximizes energy production through heat recovery and combined-cycle operations. With a 60Hz configuration, the facility delivers a rated combined-cycle output of 485 megawatts.
Opportunity Summary
The Water Treatment Operator plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility by maintaining water and steam chemistry within strict regulatory and OEM standards. This position supports high-efficiency combined cycle operations by operating and maintaining advanced water treatment equipment, optimizing chemistry for key systems including the HRSG and hydrogen-cooled generator. The technician also enhances plant performance through equipment troubleshooting, environmental compliance monitoring, and training support for operations personnel.
Your scope of responsibility as Water Treatment Operator includes the following primary functions:

• Responsible for maintaining the safe and reliable operating condition of all equipment in the water treatment system.
• Work with the EHS Manager and O&M Manager to ensure plant operations comply with all regulatory limits.
• Perform routine water chemistry analyses and make necessary adjustments to ensure water quality standards are maintained as required by the facility OEMs.
• Monitor the plant's water chemistry program and environmental effluents, making adjustments to improve efficiencies.
• Ensure water quality parameters are optimized to protect turbine components, condenser tubes, and HRSG pressure parts from scaling and corrosion.
• Monitor and maintain chemistry critical to the operation of the hydrogen-cooled generator, ensuring safe and efficient cooling performance.
• Provide technical support for maintaining compliance with OEM specifications and industry best practices related to high-efficiency combined-cycle operations.
• Monitor and sample water to ensure compliance with the facility's water discharge permit.
• Operate reverse osmosis (RO) systems, gravity sand filters, clarifiers, thickeners, filter presses, multi-media filters, and EDI units to meet the water demand of the power block.
• Perform laboratory testing of water using various instruments.
• Set up, troubleshoot, and repair liquid pumps, valves, air pumps, analyzers, and other water treatment system equipment.
• Maintain assigned logs for water treatment equipment.
• Report any abnormal or irregular conditions to the Lead O&M Technician during the progress of work, and take corrective measures as directed within the scope of operating instructions.
• Support maintenance personnel during scheduled outages, maintenance periods, and casualty events.
• Provide guidance in training operations personnel on water treatment procedures and system operation.
• Qualify as a power block auxiliary operator within one year of hire.
• Complete other tasks as required by the O&M Manager or Plant Manager.

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. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee's performance.
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 Water Treatment Operator follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts that includes built-in rest days. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $31.10 to $46.94 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Core Qualifications and Skills

• Associate or Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent military or industrial experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience in water treatment operations, water chemistry control, or a similar technical role in a power generation environment is preferred.
• Proficiency in water chemistry analysis, interpretation of results, and adjustment of chemical dosing to maintain system integrity.
• Knowledge of water purification systems, including clarifiers, reverse osmosis, ion exchangers, and other filtration technologies.
• Familiarity with boiler and steam generation principles, including closed-loop steam and condensate systems.
• Ability to read and interpret piping diagrams, instrumentation schematics, and process control documentation.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) or other asset management tools.
• Working knowledge of combined cycle power plant operations is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of industrial safety practices and hazardous materials handling; experience with hazardous waste management is highly desirable.
• 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local 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.