Shift Operator

Shift Operator at Fervo Energy's Cape Station Geothermal Power Plant and Brine Gathering System

As a Shift Operator at Fervo Energy's Cape Station Geothermal Power Plant and Brine Gathering System, you will play a critical role in the daily operation of one of the most innovative renewable energy projects in the world. Working as part of a highly skilled plant operations team, you will be responsible for safely operating and monitoring plant and brine gathering systems to ensure reliable, efficient, and continuous power generation. This is a hands-on, field-based role that involves real-time decision-making, troubleshooting complex systems, and maintaining operational excellence in a dynamic, high-tech environment. Shift Operators will report to the Plant Manager.

This position requires working a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as part of our 24/7 operations model. Ideal candidates are mechanically inclined, safety-focused, and eager to contribute to the future of clean energy through geothermal innovation.

Responsibilities

Operational Control

• Operate and monitor plant and gathering equipment including turbines, pumps, separators, heat exchangers, generators, valves, strainers, and automation systems (SCADA/DCS)
• Start, stop, and regulate equipment as necessary to meet operational targets and ensure grid compliance

Routine Monitoring & Inspection

• Conduct regular walkdowns of the plant and gathering system to identify abnormal conditions (leaks, vibrations, noise, etc.) and perform basic troubleshooting
• Maintain accurate shift logs, checklists, and operational data

Emergency Response

• Respond to alarms and system upsets according to standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Take corrective action independently or in coordination with maintenance and engineering teams

Communication & Handover

• Provide detailed shift handover briefings to incoming crews
• Maintain communication with the Control Room, Supervisors, and support teams throughout the shift

Maintenance Support

• Support maintenance teams during planned and unplanned outages by preparing equipment and piping systems for safe access (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, line draining)
• Report equipment malfunctions and assist in minor field-level corrective actions

Environmental & Safety Compliance

• Follow all safety protocols including personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hazard identification, and reporting
• Ensure environmental compliance in accordance with air, water, and geothermal fluid handling regulations

Data Collection & Reporting

• Record readings, prepare reports on production, equipment status, and anomalies
• Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to enter data and create work requests

Qualifications

Required

• Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED required; technical or trade school training in power plant operations, industrial systems, or mechanical/electrical fields preferred. Minimum 2 years of experience in industrial operations, power generation, or similar field
• Technical Skills: Familiarity with thermal or geothermal power generation processes strongly preferred. Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, SOPs, equipment manuals, and process control systems. Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems
• Work Schedule Requirements: Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as needed to support 24/7 operations. Must be able to respond to emergency call-outs and plant contingencies outside of normal working hours
• Physical Requirements: Capable of climbing ladders, working at heights, lifting up to 50 lbs, and performing duties in adverse weather or high-temperature conditions
• Other Attributes: Strong attention to detail, excellent situational awareness, and a safety-first mindset. Team-oriented with good communication and troubleshooting skills

Location

This position is based at Cape Station, Fervo Energy's state-of-the-art geothermal power plant located in southwestern Utah. The site operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is staffed around the clock to ensure continuous, reliable power generation. This role requires working on a rotating shift schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime, to support round-the-clock plant operations. Minimal travel is required for this position.

Benefits & Perks

• Fervo offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and life outside of work. Benefits for eligible employees include:
• Medical, dental, and vision plan options
• Employer-paid basic life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage
• A 401(k) plan with up to 6% match
• Flexible paid time off and paid parental leave
• Family-building, fertility, hormonal health, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting support through Carrot
• A dependent care FSA for eligible child and elder care expenses
• An annual Lifestyle Spending Account for eligible wellness expenses, including fitness, financial planning, pet insurance, and pet care
• Employee ownership opportunities through Fervo's Employee Stock Purchase Program, as well as LTI and bonus opportunities for eligible roles

Benefits and programs are subject to eligibility requirements and may change.

Our Workplace

Fervo Energy highly values having employees work in the office to foster collaboration and strengthen our company culture. This role follows a hybrid schedule, with team members expected to work in the office three days per week. Fervo considers this in-office schedule an essential function of the role. Your recruiter can share more information about the schedule.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Fervo Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local law. Fervo also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that an individual has any of these characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of these characteristics.