Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•City of Lockport, NY

4d•$31 - $44•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Lockport Cogeneration Facility, a 198 MW combined heat and power facility. The role operates and monitors plant equipment and auxiliary systems in the field and performs equipment rounds, operational testing, water chemistry, minor maintenance, and equipment isolation. The operator supports startups, shutdowns, process steam delivery, and normal and emergency operations, working closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Maintenance personnel to identify abnormal conditions and take appropriate action. The position works a rotating 12-hour schedule that alternates between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callout availability may be required as needed. The work takes place in a power plant environment that may include confined spaces, narrow areas, elevated work areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and changing outdoor weather. Protective equipment may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Working knowledge of power plant equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam systems, pumps, valves, compressors, and auxiliary systems.
Basic understanding of electrical systems and safe work practices around electrical and high-voltage equipment.
Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, P&IDs, and other plant documentation.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to identify equipment abnormalities, troubleshoot basic operating issues, and safely perform minor maintenance.
Commitment to safe work practices and ability to follow applicable OSHA, NFPA, environmental, hazardous-material, and plant requirements.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license maintained in good standing.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule alternating between days and nights, including extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed; callout availability may be required.
Ability to work in the described power plant conditions, including possible confined spaces, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and outdoor weather conditions; use required protective equipment and undergo respirator fit testing if required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering, Process Technology, or a related technical field.
Previous experience in power generation, industrial operations, maintenance, or a similar technical environment with exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment.
Familiarity with water chemistry, water treatment, chemical handling, or related industrial processes.

Responsibilities

Assist with startup, shutdown, and routine operation of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam systems, and auxiliary systems according to operating procedures.
Operate and monitor auxiliary mechanical, electrical, and process systems, including air compressors, circulating water, boiler feedwater and condensate, generator cooling, water treatment, wastewater, chemical, and process steam systems.
Perform equipment rounds, operational tests, inspections, and basic diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and make minor adjustments or repairs as appropriate.
Coordinate with the CRO to operate locally controlled equipment, place equipment in or out of service, and perform equipment isolation, clearing, tagging, testing, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities.
Conduct routine water chemistry testing, support chemical handling and offloads, and assist with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) activities in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment records, Tag Out documentation, and other required operational records.
Identify and report abnormal operating conditions and take corrective action within established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant reliability.
Support maintenance and outage activities, including equipment identification, troubleshooting, work requests, LOTO, preventive and corrective maintenance, and minor mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation work.
Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document equipment deficiencies and maintenance activities, initiate work requests, and support materials and inventory needs.
Perform additional assigned duties and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and maintain alertness and safe work practices.
Participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.