Control Room Operator (CRO)

Control Room Operator

The Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility is a modern single-shaft combined cycle power plant featuring the advanced GE 7HA.02 gas turbine, known for its high efficiency and output. Working in tandem with a steam turbine, hydrogen-cooled generator, and HRSG, the plant maximizes energy production through heat recovery and combined-cycle operations. With a 60Hz configuration, the facility delivers a rated combined-cycle output of 485 megawatts.

The Control Room Operator (CRO) oversees the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Long Ridge Energy Generation Facility from the control room. This position operates and monitors the gas turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, generator, and auxiliary systems while responding to abnormal conditions and coordinating generation with dispatch requirements. The CRO also directs field operations, supports maintenance activities, and monitors plant performance to maintain reliability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance.

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

• Follow all safety, operational, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including NAES compliance programs, environmental limits, and required documentation.
• Safely start up, operate, and shut down the gas turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, generator, and auxiliary systems in accordance with established procedures.
• Monitor and control plant equipment through DCS/SCADA, respond to alarms and abnormal conditions, and take corrective action to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Adjust plant operations to optimize generation, heat rate, fuel efficiency, and performance while maintaining environmental and equipment operating limits.
• Coordinate plant operations with customers, electrical system operators, fuel dispatchers, and other stakeholders to meet dispatch requirements and generation schedules.
• Respond to emergency and upset conditions, diagnose equipment or process issues, and take appropriate action to protect personnel and equipment.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and records, monitor plant performance and trends, and document equipment deficiencies and abnormal conditions.
• Direct and coordinate field operations, including plant rounds, equipment inspections, local operations, and activities performed by assistant plant operators.
• Test, monitor, and document water chemistry to maintain proper steam, HRSG, and water chemistry conditions.
• Coordinate equipment isolation, testing, maintenance support, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities to safely remove and return equipment to service.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document deficiencies, initiate work orders, and support preventive and corrective maintenance.
• Conduct shift handovers and communicate plant status, equipment conditions, operational issues, and ongoing activities with appropriate plant personnel.
• Maintain knowledge of plant systems, procedures, manuals, and equipment while supporting operator training, qualification, and cross-training activities.
• Maintain secure access to DCS/SCADA and other control systems, monitor plant security, and report cybersecurity or system integrity concerns.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations.

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.

The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Maintenance Manager, and Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the reliable operations of the facility.

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.

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.

The CRO follows DuPont's rotating 12-hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $48 to $55 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core qualifications and skills include:

• An associate degree in power plant technology, engineering technology, process technology, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent technical training, industry, or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations, including control room operation, DCS monitoring, and operation of combined-cycle generating equipment.
• Strong knowledge of combined-cycle plant equipment, systems, and operating procedures, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, and auxiliary systems.
• Practical understanding of combustion and steam turbine operations, steam generation, plant operating parameters, and normal, abnormal, and emergency operating conditions.
• Hands-on experience with water chemistry, water treatment systems, chemical handling, and maintaining proper steam and HRSG chemistry conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to provide operational direction, coordinate field activities, and support the training and development of plant operators.
• Proven commitment to safe and environmentally compliant plant operations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other established safe work practices.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to coordinate with plant personnel, management, customers, and external system operators.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.