Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES•Hopewell, VA

11h•$35 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

The Control Room Operator (CRO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a biomass power plant. This position is responsible for continuously monitoring plant systems, responding to alarms or abnormal conditions, and executing start-up and shutdown procedures as required. The CRO ensures that the facility meets its generation requirements while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Duties include monitoring boiler, turbine-generator, and auxiliary equipment operations, maintaining accurate logs and records, and coordinating with plant personnel to address operational issues.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school.
Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a focus on control room management, system monitoring, and direct operation of biomass-fueled boilers, steam turbine generators, and associated auxiliary equipment.
Strong understanding of biomass plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including fuel handling, combustion systems, steam turbines, generators, emissions control equipment, and balance-of-plant systems.
Theoretical and practical knowledge of steam turbine operations, biomass combustion processes, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant parameters.
Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to direct and develop team members effectively.
Proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations, with the ability to enforce compliance among team members.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to management and team members.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Responsibilities

Perform the start-up, operation, and shutdown of biomass-fueled boilers, turbine generators, and auxiliary systems in accordance with plant procedures and safety requirements.
Monitor fuel handling, combustion, steam generation, emissions control systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient performance.
Actively participate in safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs, supporting a culture of accountability.
Complete and maintain accurate logs and records, including electrical output, steam production, fuel usage, emissions data, and equipment performance metrics.
Review operating data and equipment status to verify the effectiveness of plant processes and compliance with operating directives.
Maintain and update operating manuals, technical references, prints, diagrams, and related documentation as needed.
Report plant abnormalities to the Operations Manager and coordinate corrective actions with the team.
Monitor plant alarms and initiate corrective responses to maintain stable and reliable operation.
Assist in the training and development of operations personnel to strengthen team capability.
Conduct thorough shift handovers, communicating key plant issues and concerns to incoming operators.
Participate in troubleshooting equipment issues, diagnosing failures, and coordinating with maintenance teams to resolve problems.
Support maintenance activities during normal operations and outages, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, and work request preparation.
Execute additional tasks assigned by plant management, contributing to safe, compliant, and efficient biomass plant operation.