No Experience Power Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The New Castle Generating Station, situated on a 270-acre site along the Beaver River, has undergone a significant transformation from a coal plant to a natural gas facility in 2016, breathing new life into its operations and contributing to the region's energy landscape. Equipped with three natural gas-fired steam boilers, the plant boasts a total potential MW output of 328. The plant is notable for its utilization of B&W Boilers and Westinghouse Steam Turbine Generators, controlled by an ABB DCS system.

Opportunity Summary

Under direct supervision, the Power Plant Attendant assists employees of higher classifications in the maintenance of mechanical and electrical equipment and operation of the power plant. Additionally, under direct supervision, the Power Plant Attendant safely troubleshoots, maintains, repairs mechanical and deenergized electrical equipment and operates plant equipment requiring an intermediate degree of skill.

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Attendant includes the following primary functions:

• Operates and performs operational maintenance on various plant equipment in compliance with environmental guidelines. Takes prompt and appropriate action to correct any deficiencies.
• Completes Power Plant Attendant job demonstrations within the required timeframe after entering the position and receiving training materials.
• Reports and documents abnormal conditions encountered during work activities. Maintains accurate records and standard documentation related to plant and yard equipment.
• Diagnoses root causes of operational issues, equipment failures, and forced outages. Anticipates and prevents emergency conditions while avoiding personal injury, equipment damage, or service interruptions. Responds quickly and independently to restore normal operations following established procedures. Makes recommendations to eliminate recurring equipment problems.
• Assists the Power Plant Operator and Senior Power Plant Operator in placing or removing boiler and turbine auxiliary equipment from service. Conducts periodic inspections of this equipment.
• Relieves Power Plant Operators for short periods of time.
• Inspects, dismantles, overhauls, repairs, maintains, and reassembles plant equipment.
• Performs general bench work to support inspections and overhauls.
• Aligns and assembles pipe and pipe fittings for intermediate-energy steam, water, and air systems, as well as pressure and intermediate gas or oil piping systems. Repairs, packs, and maintains valves.
• Installs, replaces, and repairs heat insulation on piping, heaters, tanks, and other equipment. Removes asbestos-containing materials in accordance with established policies and regulations.
• Performs minor rigging and scaffolding.
• Services motors by dismantling, inspecting, replacing components, cleaning and painting windings, reinsulating, retying, and rewedging coils. Performs undercutting of commutators, gauging, megger testing, and insulation resistance testing.
• Diagnoses, locates, and repairs electrical problems. Performs wiring work on de-energized circuits.
• Troubleshoots various types of power plant equipment.
• Assists with static and dynamic equipment balancing. Supports vibration and oil analysis using diagnostic tools or by collecting samples as directed. Replaces bearings that do not require hand fitting. Conducts laser alignment on rotating equipment and operates oil filtering equipment.
• Operates small cranes, mobile cranes, and turbine room cranes.
• Forms, shapes, and tempers tools, fixtures, and jigs. Prepares necessary sketches and technical drawings.
• Performs general maintenance, repairs, and carpentry work.
• Collaborates with other plant team members.
• Provides training to assigned employees.
• Identifies root causes of equipment failures and outages, and recommends corrective actions aligned with standard practices.
• Performs tagging and clearing of steam and water lines and associated equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

Working Relationships

The Power Attendant reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager and Plant Manager.

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 Power Plant Attendant follows a 12-hour DuPont rotating schedule, consisting of a four-week cycle of alternating day and night shifts, including weekends and holidays. Occasional extended hours and flexible shifts may be required based on operational needs, workload demands, or plant conditions. Periodic callouts and "on call" status may also be necessary.

Compensation

This position offers an initial base pay rate of $35.16 per hour.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a skilled Operator with a foundation in power generation operations, along with a proven ability to support team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Knowledge of plant and yard equipment layout, including mechanical and electrical systems, control air systems, circuit configurations, and test apparatus of moderate complexity.
• Understanding of turbine and boiler systems, including auxiliaries, and their integration with overall plant operations.
• Familiarity with the operation and appropriate application of installed firefighting equipment, as well as Company-prescribed first aid and resuscitation procedures.
• Proficiency in mechanical maintenance and electrical systems, including AC/DC circuits, and a thorough understanding of the location, function, and servicing of related equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret moderately complex equipment drawings, electrical schematics, and technical specifications; must also be capable of preparing accurate sketches, drawings, and reports using computer-based tools.
• Knowledge of protective equipment and safe work practices when working near energized electrical conductors or components.
• Experience with gas welding, metal cutting and bending, and oxy-acetylene applications across a variety of metals.
• Competence in using hand tools, portable power tools, rigging, and scaffolding necessary for daily maintenance tasks.
• Ability to perform root cause analysis on plant systems and components to identify and eliminate equipment failure mechanisms.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate effective leadership in addressing operational issues.
• 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.