Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•Lockport, NY

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 field equipment and auxiliary systems; performs equipment rounds, operational testing, water chemistry, minor maintenance, and equipment isolation; and supports startups, shutdowns, process steam delivery, and normal and emergency operations. The operator works closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Maintenance personnel to identify abnormal conditions and take appropriate action. The position assists with operation of combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), steam systems, and auxiliary equipment. It also supports maintenance and outage work, operational documentation, plant safety, and regulatory compliance. The role reports to the O&M Manager, receives general direction from the General Manager, and receives day-to-day operational direction from the CRO. This is a rotating 12-hour shift position alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability may be required. The work takes place in a power plant environment with potential exposure to confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and outdoor weather. Physical duties 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 required. The position pays $31.10 to $43.63 per hour and is eligible for an annual performance bonus. All personnel participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

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 that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, including extended standing, 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, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

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 involving 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 established 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 duties as assigned and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs; remain mentally alert and work safely.
Maintain a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license in good standing.