Control Room Operator (CRO)

About Middle River Power

Middle River Power (MRP) is a private equity-sponsored platform specializing in the investment and asset management of U.S. power generation facilities. With over 8GW of natural gas, coal, battery storage, and solar facilities across multiple states, the company focuses on safe, reliable, and efficient power plant operations. MRP’s executive team collectively brings over 120 years of expertise in energy management and power generation, collaborating closely with plant personnel and industry professionals. MRP applies a data-driven approach to investment and operational decisions, considering key factors such as regulatory changes and resource planning.

At MRP, we believe that experienced leadership, capable emerging talent, and strong partnerships enable us to deliver innovative, outsized solutions in the energy sector. This framework ensures every hire strengthens our culture of curiosity, collaboration, and commitment while maintaining the speed and flexibility our business demands.

The Behaviors We Hire For

Our business thrives on a set of behaviors that allow our team-based culture to reach high standards and build on one another’s strengths. MRP is a PE-backed environment that requires operating at pace, calculated risk-taking, and creative problem-solving. The people we hire must excel not only in their technical domain but also embody the behaviors that make us successful.

· Love What You Do - Genuine curiosity for the energy sector and our business

· Safety – Prioritizes safety in every decision and action; looks out for themselves and others

· Integrity - Does the right thing, follows through on commitments, and earns trust through honest actions

· Comfort with Ambiguity - Adapts to growth and change; solves problems resourcefully

· Confident & Honest - Owns their contribution; transparent about what they don't know

Position Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. Respond to alarms by taking appropriate corrective actions and execute plant shutdown and start-up procedures as required. Ensure the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in compliance with all Federal, State and Regional and Company regulations / guidelines The CRO is responsible for overseeing facility operations and day-to-day responsibilities for one of the following: the Combined Cycle Power Plant or Remote Thermal/BESS facilities.

Key Responsibilities

Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Shift Lead.

· Make entries in the Operating Log and approve and issue Lock-Out Tag-Out as required.

· Responsible for issuing JHA’s, Hot Work, Confined Space, and Safe Work Permits

· Receive and respond to electrical, steam and fuel dispatcher's orders and requests.

· Operate control panels to regulate the load on the HRSG and turbines and to maintain proper steam temperature and pressure, feedwater and fuel supply and efficient combustion conditions.

· Perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and safeguard station equipment.

· Provide directions to Auxiliary Operators to affect changes in plant conditions and chemistry.

· Daily correspondence with Real Time Dispatch (RTD) for all facilities regarding plant availability, outages, and maintenance schedules.

· Daily, weekly, and monthly reporting as required for environmental, safety, and production requirements.

· Communication between lead CRO’s, management, maintenance team, and remote technicians to ensure efficient operations of all facilities.

· Respond, lead, and coordinate all safety and emergency actions for local and remote facilities.

· Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager. 

Prerequisite Skills & Requirements:

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their design, use, repair and maintenance.

· Able to perform routine mechanical maintenance on equipment, determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

· Able to calculate figures and amounts such as measurements, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume; able to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

AAble to define and solve problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule format.

· Able to organize work with attention to detail.

· Able to analyze problems and situations and construct logical, practical and consistent solutions.

· Able to focus on designated tasks despite interruptions and distractions.

· Able to work effectively and efficiently with minimal supervision.

· Excellent interpersonal skills; able to function as a productive and positive team member.

· Computer software proficiency.

· Must be available to work at any plant location as needed .

· Able to provide weekend coverage on a rotational basis and work overtime and cover absences and emergencies as needed and required; travel requiring overnight stays will be required occasionally.

· Able to understand and comply with all safety rules and regulations.

· Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills with the ability to read, write, speak and understand English.

· Demonstrated knowledge of all facets of power plant maintenance.

· Demonstrated ability to read and interpret P&IDs, write routine reports, solve potential problems, make competent decisions in emergency situations, clearly communicate tasks and training of other personnel.

· Have and maintain a valid driver’s license

· Able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Including using stairs, climbing ladders, and routinely carrying and moving up to 50 pounds during 12-hour shifts. In addition, must wear protective equipment in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, full or half-faced respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.).

· Working with hazardous materials may be required.

Working Relationships

Report to the Operations Manager/CC Shift Lead and provide work direction to, as well as performance oversight of, the Auxiliary Operators. The CRO may also give directions to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations, this includes technicians that support remote facilities.

Qualifications

· Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

· Preferred Education: Associate degree in a technical field.

· Years of Experience: Two years of experience as an CC Aux Operator or equivalent position in an operating or generating plant.

· Preferred Experience: Experience as a CRO at a Combined Cycle Power Facility

Licenses/Certifications:

· Able to successfully complete a CRO oral board, demonstrating operational and technical knowledge of the:

· Combined Cycle within 1 year of starting job qualifications

· Remote Thermal/BESS within 6 months of starting job qualifications.

Work Location

This position is based on site at our Tracy, CA power plant and requires in-person attendance five days per week.

Compensation

MRP builds its compensation packages to reward and recognize high-performing talent. Base salary ranges are designed to be competitive by market and take into consideration individual experience, technical skills and long-term career growth. Each employee is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus based on their level and company annual performance metrics.

Benefits and Perks

MRP offers a holistic and comprehensive benefits package for all employees that consists of the following:

• Medical, vision, dental coverage for employees and families is 90% employer-funded
• FSA and HSA plans with company HSA contributions
• Employee EAP and wellness services
• 401k with company matching up to 4%