Plant Operator

NRG•Burrillville, RI

5d•$56,700 - $89,100

About The Position

The Plant Operator ensures safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally compliant generation of electricity and steam. The role performs field and auxiliary duties as well as control-room operations, including monitoring, responding to alarms, startup and shutdown, and load control. The position follows a structured progression pathway toward Control Room Operator, requiring completion of training, qualification cards, and competency milestones within a defined target timeframe. Successful completion makes employees eligible for consideration for advancement under Company policy, but does not guarantee promotion. The work takes place in industrial power-plant environments and occasionally in offices. Conditions may include rotating equipment, high voltage, high noise, elevations up to 150–250 feet, confined spaces, and temperature extremes. The role involves irregular and rotating shifts, weekend and holiday work, and 24/7 callout. Emergencies may require respirator use and climbing stairs to safety shelters. Required PPE includes safety footwear, gloves, a hard hat, and safety glasses, among other equipment. The base salary range is $56,700–$89,100. Actual salary depends on factors such as location, experience, and performance. Other compensation may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. The position may be eligible for medical, vision, dental, 401(k), and flexible spending account benefits. Employees are subject to drug and alcohol testing as permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid state driver’s license.
0–3 years of Plant Operator experience or equivalent industrial experience in a power plant environment; level placement depends on demonstrated competencies.
Ability to successfully complete the Control Room Operator qualification card, required for CRO progression.
Knowledge of steam power-plant systems and fundamental plant principles.
Ability to perform arithmetic for flow, pressure, and meter calculations.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, procedures, and technical manuals.
Proficiency with HMIs and related electronic/computer equipment, and ability to discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals.
LOTO proficiency.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all climates and around large rotating and energized equipment, high noise, elevations up to 250 feet, and confined spaces, including with a respirator.
Ability to frequently walk, stand, climb stairs and ladders, and work from aerial devices; routinely kneel, crouch, squat, twist, push, pull, and shovel.
Ability to use hand tools weighing up to 25 pounds above and below the head and extended from the body.
Ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds and lift more than 50 pounds frequently using a team lift or mechanical assist according to safety procedures.
Required vision, hearing, talking, hand-eye coordination, and full motor capability as described in the physical requirements.
Ability to wear required PPE and work with or around hazardous and non-hazardous materials according to guidance.
Availability for irregular or rotating shifts, weekend and holiday work, and 24/7 callout.

Nice To Haves

Degree or certificate from a technical or vocational program, or equivalent.
Strong teamwork and self-directed learning.

Responsibilities

Operate, inspect, and monitor power plant equipment, including gas turbines and generators, auxiliaries, feedwater and condensate systems, fuel systems, boiler/HRSG equipment, and water treatment systems.
Execute plant startup, shutdown, and load control, and perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and protect station equipment.
Observe operating conditions, interpret instrument readings, troubleshoot equipment, and resolve operational problems.
Generate and review equipment repair work requests and assist maintenance personnel as needed, including safe tool, equipment, and vehicle operation.
Recognize hazards, follow safety guidelines, and implement plant emergency procedures when required.
Execute equipment clearance procedures (LOTO) and operate switches and valves while understanding their effect on total plant operation.
Communicate plant conditions clearly to supervisors and team members, orally and in writing, and suggest plant improvements within established procedures.
Take samples and perform routine laboratory tests and analyses for plant processes, including boiler water and make-up demineralizer processes.
Monitor and record plant data using instruments, charts, annunciators, and other devices.
Use computer systems to receive, analyze, and input operational data.
Complete training, qualification cards, and competency milestones for progression toward Control Room Operator within the defined target timeframe.
Perform preventive maintenance checks and support performance testing.