Assistant Station Operator - Renewable Energy

Title: Assistant Station Operator - Renewable Energy

ID: 1237

Department: Operations Job Type: Non‑exempt (hourly) Position Type: Full‑Time Location: Northfield, MA Overview FirstLight is a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company serving North America. With a diversified portfolio that includes over 1.65 GW of operating renewable energy and energy storage technologies and a development pipeline of more than 4 GW of solar, battery, hydro, onshore wind and offshore wind projects, FirstLight specializes in hybrid solutions that pair hydroelectric, pumped‑hydro storage, utility‑scale solar, large‑scale battery, and wind assets to accelerate the decarbonization of the electric grid. Position Detail The Assistant Station Operator reports to the Operations Manager and is responsible for the safe and economic operation of all Northfield and Turners Falls Project assets, including the Turners Falls fishways and dam facilities. The role involves operating and monitoring hydraulic turbines and associated equipment for safe and efficient operation, following reservoir and river flow management procedures, maintaining accurate operational records, communicating observations to plant personnel, and traveling regularly to Northfield Mountain and Turners Falls Projects. This position does not have a standard home base and travel compensation does not apply. Key Responsibilities Operate and monitor pumped storage and conventional hydroelectric power generating equipment, including troubleshooting and minor maintenance and repair work. Manage river flow via operation and monitoring of flow control gates, downstream conventional hydroelectric stations, and fishway equipment in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Inspect plant equipment routinely, calibrate devices, coordinate, plan, and set up work activities and facility maintenance support. Assist the Shift Supervisor in the operation and monitoring of hydro‑turbine generators and auxiliary equipment, including high‑voltage switchyards and a solar array. Maintain hourly and daily operational records and maintenance history of equipment. Monitor and enforce station security and control access through security gates. Investigate and report abnormal conditions observed during shift. Implement lockout/tagout procedures to safely isolate equipment in accordance with company policies. Communicate with external parties such as ISO‑NE and CONVEX. Perform preventative maintenance and other basic station upkeep, including cleaning and painting. Read and understand engineering prints, mechanical drawings, and schematics. Use industry standards, procedures, and best practices to achieve results. Operate generating units (start, stop and load adjustment) and perform switching/tagging and energy isolation responsibilities. Lay out and set up work activities and facility maintenance support. Collaborate with departments such as Engineering, Mechanics, and Safety to ensure efficient and safe operation and maintenance of the facilities. Act as a team member with all FirstLight employees. Maintain all required licenses for the position. Respond to emergencies or unanticipated needs outside normal working hours. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Comply with all FirstLight policies and procedures. Job Qualifications & Skills High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree in Mechanical Technology or related discipline preferred. 3+ years of experience in a power plant or related industrial role. Experience with industrial operations controls such as PLCs, SCADA or similar; LOTO procedural experience preferred. Experience interpreting data, drawings, schematics, one‑line diagrams and P&IDs. Knowledge of industry, safety and environmental procedures and regulations. Strong analytical and decision‑making skills. Ability to work rotating 12‑hour shifts with frequent schedule changes, overtime, call‑ins, nights, weekends and holidays. Experience with industrial or utility generating plant equipment such as pumps, control valves, instrumentation, controllers and associated equipment. Valid, clean motor vehicle operator’s license required. Basic computer and MS Office skills. Proficient written and verbal communication skills. Highly organized self‑starter with strong planning and multitasking capabilities. Self‑motivated, independent and effective in team environments. Ability to meet highest attendance requirements. Must reside within 60 miles of Northfield Mountain. Physical Requirements Capable of frequently standing, walking, balancing, sitting, reaching, climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks, stacks, etc.), bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, crawling, kneeling, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting (up to 50 lbs.), feeling, talking and hearing for prolonged periods and performing repetitive motions. Ability to work indoors and outdoors, in any weather, on station structures, ladders, staging and equipment for extended periods of time and exposure to hazards such as high‑voltage equipment, loud noises and confined spaces. Ability to hear and understand audible alarms and detect changes in noise levels of equipment. Must be physically capable of entering and working in confined spaces (crawl spaces, shafts, small enclosed areas, pipes). Must be physically capable of performing demanding work at various heights and in adverse conditions during operations, shutdowns, and fire/emergency activities. Must be physically capable of wearing protective equipment (PPE) including half and full‑face respirators, fall protection equipment, hard‑hat, safety shoes, safety glasses, etc. Ability to pass a respirator physical and respirator fit test (if applicable). Requires eyesight corrected to 20/40 for accurate reading and interpretation of instruments, gauges and manuals. Manual dexterity sufficient to operate standard office equipment and write/type. Benefits Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Paid parental leave. Health and wellness programs. Mental health care. 401(k) with employer matching. Flexible spending account. Health savings account. Annual performance incentive plan. Employee assistance program. Generous paid time off plan. Paid holidays. Professional development. Employee referral program. Tuition reimbursement. Charitable matching program and employer‑sponsored volunteer program. FirstLight provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. #J-18808-Ljbffr FirstLight Power