Operations Coordinator Jobs in Rutherford, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Located 30 miles south of Albany, New Athens Generating stands as a formidable energy hub in the town of Athens, NY. Boasting a capacity of 1,080 megawatts, it operates three Siemens 501G combustion turbine generators fueled by natural gas combined-cycle technology, ensuring efficient and reliable power generation for the region. Nestled amidst scenic landscapes, this facility serves as a vital contributor to the area's electricity grid, meeting the demands of modern energy consumption with cutting-edge technology.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Coordinator at New Athens Generating Station supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the combined-cycle power plant by coordinating daily operations, maintenance planning, training programs, and compliance initiatives. This position serves as a key link between operations, maintenance, contractors, and plant leadership, ensuring effective communication, accurate documentation, and successful execution of plant activities, outages, and special projects. Working closely with station personnel, the Operations Coordinator helps drive operational excellence through safety programs, workforce development, continuous improvement efforts, and optimized plant performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Coordinator will include the following primary functions:

• Coordinate daily operations activities to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of combined-cycle generation equipment and balance-of-plant systems.
• Monitor plant status and communicate operating conditions, equipment issues, and emergency situations to management, ensuring timely escalation and resolution.
• Maintain operating logs, regulatory records, performance reports, and operational documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company and regulatory requirements.
• Plan and coordinate predictive, preventive, and corrective maintenance activities to maximize equipment reliability and minimize operational disruptions.
• Coordinate plant start-ups, shutdowns, and cycling operations, supporting safe transitions, optimizing unit availability, and improving start-up efficiency.
• Serve as training administrator for Lead O&M Technicians and O&M Technicians, maintaining qualification records, coordinating training activities, and supporting workforce development initiatives.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for operational and equipment issues, identifying root causes and implementing corrective and preventive actions to improve plant reliability, availability, and performance.
• Manage outage activities, including planning, scheduling, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) administration, Safe Work Permits, contractor coordination, and required outage documentation.
• Act as the primary site liaison for contractors and vendors, coordinating site access, hot work permits, confined space permits, safety requirements, and work execution activities.
• Collaborate with plant personnel, MLCI, and plant leadership to optimize plant operations, ramp rates, bid schedules, operating procedures, and overall performance.
• Provide administrative and technical support to plant management, including special projects, CMMS/MP2 administration, compliance tracking, and operational reporting.
• Perform routine plant inspections and rounds, identify equipment deficiencies, develop work lists for repairs and housekeeping activities, and track corrective actions through completion.
• Fill in for Lead O&M Technicians as required, including coverage of open shifts, nights, weekends, and other operational support needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned by plant management to support reliable and compliant plant operations.

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 Operations Coordinator reports to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from the Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager. This position supervises subordinate operations personnel and works collaboratively with the Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator to support the safe, efficient, and reliable daily operation of the plant.

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 Operations Coordinator works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. 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 may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $55 to $65 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are looking for a results-oriented professional with experience supporting power generation operations and maintenance activities, coupled with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• An Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Three or more years of experience in power plant operations, maintenance coordination, or industrial facility support, with demonstrated knowledge of plant processes, operating practices, and equipment reliability programs.
• Working knowledge of combined-cycle power generation systems, including combustion turbines, steam cycle equipment, auxiliary systems, balance-of-plant equipment, and plant operating procedures.
• Experience coordinating maintenance activities, outages, start-ups, shutdowns, or operational work schedules in a power generation, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Proficiency with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), such as MP2, Maximo, or similar platforms, for work order management, scheduling, equipment tracking, and maintenance planning.
• Knowledge of industrial safety programs and regulatory requirements, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), Safe Work Permits, Hot Work, Confined Space Entry, contractor safety, and environmental compliance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze operational, maintenance, and performance data to identify trends, support troubleshooting efforts, and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, administrative, and documentation skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and coordinate activities across multiple departments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate professionally with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, management, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to support plant operations during outages, emergent conditions, and shift coverage requirements, including occasional nights, weekends, and callout situations as needed.
• 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.