Power Plant Utility Operator

NAES•North Tonawanda, NY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Power Plant Utility Operator at the North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility in North Tonawanda, New York, participates in a training program to become a qualified Auxiliary Plant Operator. The facility is a 55-megawatt combined-cycle cogeneration plant with a GE Frame 6 gas turbine generator, an HRSG, a GE steam turbine generator, and supporting auxiliary equipment. The position performs shift operations and maintenance, including plant-component startup and shutdown, routine equipment inspections, preventive maintenance, equipment switching, and chemical handling. Work is performed under established procedures and general supervision, with attention to safety and coordination with plant personnel. The regular schedule is a rotating 12-hour shift alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and periodic callouts or on-call status may be required. The role works in a power plant environment that can involve confined spaces, narrow areas, elevated platforms, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and outdoor weather. Protective equipment may be required. Fitness for Duty requirements include a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and random post-employment drug screening.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions for the assigned area, typically gained through successful completion of high school or equivalent education.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
Understanding of fundamental principles in physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices commonly used in power plant operations.
Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license, maintained in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical and environmental demands described, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Follow all applicable NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering.
Some experience in power plant operations and/or maintenance, particularly in a combined-cycle environment.
Familiarity with mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling systems, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, and AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems.
Experience with a GE Frame 6 gas turbine and a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG).

Responsibilities

Participate in training and work toward qualification as an Auxiliary Plant Operator.
Develop proficiency and familiarity with the facility’s combined-cycle systems and auxiliary equipment.
Follow established procedures and instructions under general supervision.
Perform station shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of the gas turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, and critical auxiliary systems.
Conduct routine plant tours, inspect equipment, and provide feedback to the Control Room Operator and other personnel.
Perform equipment switching and tagging under approved procedures and sound operational practices.
Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance on plant systems and equipment, and assist with corrective maintenance when trained or supervised.
Assist with safe and accurate offloading of bulk chemicals used in plant operations.
Maintain housekeeping standards throughout the facility.
Follow site safety requirements, identify hazards, and address them promptly.
Communicate with site personnel and staff at other locations to coordinate operations and share information.
Collaborate with team members and departments to support reliable facility operations.
Perform other duties as required to support daily plant operations.