Control Room Operator

The Fremont Energy Center is a 540 MW natural gas-fired generating station with a 2 x 1 configuration, offering operational flexibility and efficiency. Notably, it has 163 MW of duct-firing capacity, allowing for increased electricity production by utilizing exhaust heat from the gas turbines. As a reliable and adaptable power generation facility, the Fremont Energy Center plays a crucial role in meeting the region's energy demands and ensures a stable electricity supply.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) plays a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of all plant equipment, including turbine/generators, by monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and taking corrective actions as needed. The CRO ensures that plant operations meet production schedules while maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards, supporting both operational and maintenance teams. Additionally, the CRO contributes to plant documentation, participates in regulatory compliance programs, and assists in emergency response efforts during plant upsets or abnormalities.

Primary Functions

Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Assist with the start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine/generators.
• Operate plant equipment safely and within environmental limits to meet the production schedule.
• Be proficient in the operation of all plant equipment and proactively monitor plant systems for optimal performance.
• Ensure that all equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliaries, operate safely and efficiently.
• Monitor the performance of plant equipment and take corrective action when alarms are activated.
• Communicate plant abnormalities to other personnel and/or management.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures or anomalies.
• Support control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions.
• Ensure that daily logs and other plant records (e.g., electrical output, steam output, emissions, fuel consumed, water consumed, and heat rates) are completed accurately and on time.
• Periodically review logs and records to ensure effective functioning of tag-out procedures, equipment status, and administrative systems.
• Participate in maintaining plant operating manuals, technical references, prints, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records.
• Actively support the Maintenance Team in executing maintenance plans by providing assistance with Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation, or other areas as needed.
• Fully support and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
• Complete additional tasks assigned by the Operations and Maintenance Manager or Lead Operations Technician to contribute to the plant's operational success.

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 & Maintenance Manager. The CRO cooperates with and responds to directions from the Operations & Maintenance Manager and Lead Operations Technician. The CRO gives direction to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations and gives direction to Auxiliary Operators.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, 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 regular work schedule for this position includes twelve-hour rotating shifts, set according to a modified Dupont schedule. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $42.64 to $59.71 per hour and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school.
• Ohio 3rd Class Stationary Engineer's License is strongly preferred, but not a strict requirement for consideration. Must have the ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe for CRO shift coverage.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a focus on control room management and system monitoring. Preferred experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant.
• Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and HRSGs.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant parameters.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics, process controls, and the ability to read and interpret DCS logic is desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey information to both management and team members in a clear and organized manner.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring 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.