Performance Technician

NAES•Linden, NJ

5d•$66•Onsite

About The Position

The Performance Technician plays a critical role in evaluating plant operations by overseeing boiler chemistry, water treatment, and water production, ensuring regulatory compliance and optimal water chemistry. Responsibilities include conducting routine analyses, supporting data collection, maintaining lab equipment, managing chemical inventory, and assisting during outages and maintenance. The role also supports regulatory reporting (including GADS and plant modeling), plant monitoring programs such as vibration analysis, air leakage surveys, and steam trap inspections, and contributes to training, procedure development, continuous improvement, and a safe work environment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TWIC.
Extensive experience in a chemical laboratory or industrial environment, preferably within a power plant or similar facility.
Experience with water, cooling tower, and boiler water chemistry programs.
Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment and chemical feed systems, including RO systems, water softeners, and brine concentrators.
Experience performing routine chemical analyses such as pH, conductivity, silica, phosphate, and related parameters.
Experience calibrating and maintaining analytical instruments and laboratory equipment.
Proficiency with laboratory and analytical instrumentation, including pH meters, spectrophotometers, and ion chromatography systems.
Working knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance standards related to water and wastewater systems.
Strong understanding of chemical safety and handling procedures.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data collection skills with a high degree of accuracy in data recording and analysis.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey technical information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Commitment to safety and environmental compliance.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all aspects of the boiler chemistry program.
Direct Water Plant operations, including performance monitoring of reverse osmosis and demineralized water systems, as well as coordinating routine cleanings and maintenance.
Oversee Certified Environmental Lab activities, including reviewing and updating procedures as needed.
Inspect boiler drums, hotwells, and water boxes as required.
Maintain and upkeep laboratory equipment and chemical inventory.
Perform weekly chemical inventory and collaborate with the purchasing agent to ensure proper chemical levels are maintained, including sulfuric acid, caustic, and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) ammonia.
Perform vibration data collection and coordinate vendor analysis/review.
Perform air in-leakage testing on condensate and feedwater systems.
Conduct steam trap surveys.
Monitor “CEMS” systems and review for accuracy, cost savings, and efficiency.
Monitor for proper regeneration of anion, cation and mixed beds, and carbon filter backwashes.
Conduct routine water and steam analysis to ensure compliance with plant specifications and environmental regulations.
Collect, calibrate, and verify oil and boiler water sampling meters for proper operation (PH, silica, conductivity)- verify proper flow rates and temperatures in sampling panels.
Monitor and adjust chemical feed systems to maintain optimal water chemistry.
Provide chemistry support during plant outages and maintenance activities, including system decontamination and water quality management.
Assist with tracking and managing chemical waste disposal in accordance with environmental regulations.
Complete monthly/quarterly NYISO/PJM/NERC-GADS reporting.
Maintain current HAZWOPER certification in compliance with regulatory requirements.
Adhere to site Contraband Policy.
Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Operations Manager or Technical Manager.
Support the EH&S Manager. Liaise with external agencies and coordinate with environmental agencies and external auditors by maintaining monthly/quarterly entries for DPCC, VPP, DEP, and OSHA during inspections or compliance checks.
Assist with NERC data collection and compliance.
Perform calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments and online analyzers.
Record and analyze chemistry data, prepare detailed reports for plant management and regulatory compliance.
Provide direction to Plant Operators on chemistry and certified lab requirements.
Train and mentor junior technicians or operators in chemistry-related tasks and safety procedures.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to chemical handling, analysis, and safety protocols.
Develop and maintain Abnormal Operating Procedures (AOPs) based on EPRI boiler and water chemistry standards.
Participate in plant continuous improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance chemistry processes and reduce costs.
Maintain readiness to respond to chemical spills or other emergencies, including participation in drills and exercises.
Participate in root cause analysis investigations for plant issues related to chemistry, such as corrosion or scaling.
Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager.