Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Deming, NM

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Operator supports safe, clean, and efficient operation of the Luna Energy Facility, a 570 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power plant in Deming, New Mexico. The role participates in plant start-up, shutdown, and routine operations; monitors and operates auxiliary systems and locally controlled equipment; performs inspections, operational tests, minor repairs, and adjustments; conducts water and gas chemistry analyses; and operates Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) equipment. The Auxiliary Operator maintains operating records, identifies and responds to abnormal conditions within established procedures, and supports maintenance personnel during scheduled and unscheduled work. The position works closely with the control room, plant management, and operations and maintenance teams. It reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Control Room Operator and other plant management team members, depending on assigned duties. Employees must follow NAES safety rules and procedures and participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening. The role follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour schedule, with day and night shifts and built-in rest days to provide 24/7 coverage. Schedules may change based on dispatch requirements. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability may be required. The work takes place in a power plant and can involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and varying outdoor weather. Physical demands include extended standing, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment may be required, and respirator fit testing may be necessary. The base pay rate is $35.00 to $39.00 per hour, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least two years of experience in power plant operations or an equivalent level of industry knowledge.
Experience in water chemistry control, water treatment facility operations, water condition analysis, and chemical handling requirements.
Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection, and high-voltage electrical safety.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, piping and instrument schematics, equipment manuals, and operational procedures.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license maintained in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical demands and work conditions described, including routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Availability for a rotating 12-hour schedule, extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call work as needed.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-loop steam generation systems, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and documentation.
Familiarity with process controls.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and normal operation of power plant systems.
Operate and monitor auxiliary systems and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment, including air compressors, circulating water systems, boiler feedwater and condensate systems, wastewater systems, generator cooling systems, and boiler feedwater treatment systems.
Perform routine operational tests and inspections, and make minor repairs or adjustments to assigned equipment.
Follow Control Room Operator direction at local and isolated panels to place equipment in or out of service, including clearing, tagging, testing, and applying safety tape in accordance with procedures.
Conduct routine water and gas chemistry analyses and operate CEM equipment in compliance with environmental and operational requirements.
Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation.
Identify, report, and respond to abnormal or irregular operating conditions, taking corrective actions within operating procedures.
Support maintenance personnel during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance periods.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Control Room Operator or Operations Manager.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and participate in the Fitness for Duty Program.