Lead Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES•Johnstown, PA

5d•$54 - $59•Onsite

About The Position

The Fairview Energy Center is among the world's most advanced natural gas combined cycle power plants. It features GE's Frame 7HA.02 Gas Turbines in conjunction with a GE Steam Turbine. In 2020, the facility received recognition as Power Magazine's Top U.S. Facility. Situated approximately 8 miles north of Johnstown and 87 miles east of Pittsburgh, the plant is nestled in the Laurel Highlands, known for its hardwood forests, pristine trout streams, and thriving whitetail deer population. Opportunity Summary As the Lead Control Room Operator (CRO) at the Fairview Energy Center, you will serve as the shift leader responsible for directing safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all plant systems from the control room DCS at a combined-cycle facility. You will oversee execution of dispatch instructions, coordinate unit loading, manage abnormal and emergency operations, and ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and system operator requirements. In addition, you will mentor operations personnel, maintain accurate plant records and work orders, and support the Operations Manager to ensure continuous, high-performance plant operation. Your scope of responsibility as Lead CRO will include the following primary functions: Serve as shift lead in the control room, directing safe, reliable, and efficient combined-cycle operation of GE Frame 7HA.02 gas turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbine generators in accordance with dispatch and system operator requirements. Operate and monitor all plant systems from the control room DCS to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient combined-cycle operation in alignment with dispatch and operational requirements. Execute unit start-up, normal operation, and shutdown sequences for combustion turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbine generators in accordance with OEM procedures, plant operating procedures, and safety standards. Respond to ISO/PJM dispatch instructions and adjust generation output to meet load demand while maintaining compliance with equipment limits, emissions requirements, and market obligations. Coordinate real-time balancing of fuel, steam, electrical, and water/chemistry systems to maintain stable operation and optimize overall plant performance. Monitor and optimize key performance indicators, including heat rate, emissions compliance (NOx/CO/COâ), and reactive power output to support efficiency and grid stability. Lead response to abnormal operating conditions and emergency events, initiating corrective actions to stabilize plant conditions and protect personnel, equipment, and grid reliability. Oversee shift-level alarm management and DCS system performance, ensuring accurate alarm prioritization, transient response validation, and operational system integrity. Coordinate and authorize electrical switching activities with Electrical Maintenance and Operations leadership, ensuring safe isolation, clearance boundaries, and system configuration. Serve as primary operations contact for abnormal condition reporting, equipment troubleshooting coordination, and real-time diagnostics across generation and auxiliary systems. Monitor and manage boiler, feedwater, and steam chemistry parameters to ensure environmental compliance and protect long-term equipment integrity. Maintain accurate and complete operational records, including generation data, emissions, heat rate, fuel usage, water balance, and LOTO documentation for compliance and audit readiness. Oversee CMMS work order processing for equipment deficiencies, ensuring proper documentation, prioritization, and accurate shift turnover communication. Support Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams by maintaining up-to-date operating procedures, technical references, prints, and system documentation. Mentor and develop operations personnel, supporting training, qualification progression, and reinforcement of safe operating practices across all shifts. Execute assigned tasks from the Operations Manager, contributing to the operational success of the plant. NAES Safe Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance. Working Relationships The Lead CRO reports to the Operations Manager and receives directions from both the Operations Manager and the Plant Manager. The Lead CRO provides guidance to other personnel to ensure the reliable operation of the facility.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school.
Extensive experience in power plant operations with a strong emphasis on control room oversight, DCS-based monitoring, and real-time system coordination; combined-cycle large-frame gas turbine experience strongly preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of combined-cycle generation systems, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine generators, and balance-of-plant systems, with the ability to interpret operating conditions and equipment behavior.
Experience in water chemistry control and analysis, including boiler water, feedwater, and steam chemistry, along with familiarity in water treatment systems and chemical handling practices.
Working knowledge of plant systems and industrial operations, including combustion and steam cycle fundamentals, hazardous waste handling, and accurate recording of operating parameters and performance data.
Ability to read and interpret DCS logic, control schemes, and alarm response strategies to support safe and effective operational decision-making.
Demonstrated leadership and supervisory capability in a shift-based operational environment, including the ability to direct personnel, prioritize work, and develop team performance.
Strong commitment to safety and environmental compliance, with a proven track record of enforcing regulatory standards and operational procedures in a power generation setting.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
combined-cycle large-frame gas turbine experience strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as shift lead in the control room, directing safe, reliable, and efficient combined-cycle operation of GE Frame 7HA.02 gas turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbine generators in accordance with dispatch and system operator requirements.
Operate and monitor all plant systems from the control room DCS to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient combined-cycle operation in alignment with dispatch and operational requirements.
Execute unit start-up, normal operation, and shutdown sequences for combustion turbines, HRSGs, and steam turbine generators in accordance with OEM procedures, plant operating procedures, and safety standards.
Respond to ISO/PJM dispatch instructions and adjust generation output to meet load demand while maintaining compliance with equipment limits, emissions requirements, and market obligations.
Coordinate real-time balancing of fuel, steam, electrical, and water/chemistry systems to maintain stable operation and optimize overall plant performance.
Monitor and optimize key performance indicators, including heat rate, emissions compliance (NOx/CO/COâ), and reactive power output to support efficiency and grid stability.
Lead response to abnormal operating conditions and emergency events, initiating corrective actions to stabilize plant conditions and protect personnel, equipment, and grid reliability.
Oversee shift-level alarm management and DCS system performance, ensuring accurate alarm prioritization, transient response validation, and operational system integrity.
Coordinate and authorize electrical switching activities with Electrical Maintenance and Operations leadership, ensuring safe isolation, clearance boundaries, and system configuration.
Serve as primary operations contact for abnormal condition reporting, equipment troubleshooting coordination, and real-time diagnostics across generation and auxiliary systems.
Monitor and manage boiler, feedwater, and steam chemistry parameters to ensure environmental compliance and protect long-term equipment integrity.
Maintain accurate and complete operational records, including generation data, emissions, heat rate, fuel usage, water balance, and LOTO documentation for compliance and audit readiness.
Oversee CMMS work order processing for equipment deficiencies, ensuring proper documentation, prioritization, and accurate shift turnover communication.
Support Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams by maintaining up-to-date operating procedures, technical references, prints, and system documentation.
Mentor and develop operations personnel, supporting training, qualification progression, and reinforcement of safe operating practices across all shifts.
Execute assigned tasks from the Operations Manager, contributing to the operational success of the plant.