Power Plant Control Room Operator Apprentice Jobs

The Hunterstown Generation Station is an advanced natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 810 MW. It employs three GE 7FB.04 combustion turbines, which effectively convert natural gas into mechanical energy, along with a GE D11 steam turbine that efficiently utilizes waste heat to enhance overall energy output. This state-of-the-art configuration ensures optimal efficiency and reliable electricity generation while minimizing environmental impact.

Opportunity Summary

The Hunterstown Control Room Operator (CRO) serves as both Control Room Operator (CRO) and Outside Operator. This position is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. As the CRO, this position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared by taking appropriate corrective actions; executes plant shutdown and start-up procedures, as required, and ensures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe and efficient manner. As the Outside Operator, this position ensures that all equipment is lubricated and operating properly in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals and operating directives from plant management.

Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator (CRO) includes the following primary functions:

• Control Room Operator serves as both a Control Room Operator and Outside Operator.
• Assist with the start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine/generators.
• Ensure that all equipment, including the combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliaries are operating safely and efficiently.
• Fully support and actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
• Accept personal responsibility for own safety. Adhere to, support, and help enforce all company safety and environmental rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure that the daily log and other plant records are filled out in a timely and accurate manner, including electrical output, steam output, emissions output, fuel consumed, water consumed and heat rates.
• Conduct periodic log and record review to ensure that tag out procedures, equipment status and designated administrative systems are functioning effectively.
• Participate in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records.
• Communicate plant abnormalities to the other plant personnel and /or management.
• Monitor performance of plant equipment and take appropriate corrective action as required when alarms are activated.
• Participate as assigned in staff training.
• Follow shift relief procedures and ensure accurate and complete presentation and delivery of all plant issues and concerns. The on-duty Technician cannot leave until properly relieved.
• Be proficient in the operation of all plant equipment, and proactively monitor all plant equipment and systems.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures/anomalies.
• Assist with control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions.
• Support the Maintenance of plant equipment on normal shifts and during outages as plant status allows.
• Actively support the Maintenance Team in the execution of maintenance plans by providing support (Lockout/Tagout), equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation, or other areas as needed.
• Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations 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.

Working Relationships

The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager and CTO Tech - CRO. The CRO gives direction to operations and maintenance personnel.

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 CRO 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

Compensation: Starts at $46.13 per hour. Increased to $51.25 per hour after 6 months of employment.

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 on a year-for-year basis.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in power plant operations desirable.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements is required.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is highly desirable.
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable.
• Extensive working knowledge of power plant industry desirable.
• Experience as a process operator, with secondary skill sets in Electrical/Instrument and Controls and/or mechanical maintenance in operating or generating plant.
• Experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant preferred.
• Must be able to successfully complete the NAES Operator Qualification Program in policy defined period.
• Must have excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• 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 the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

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.