Power Plant Utility Operator

NAES•City of North Tonawanda, NY

11h•Onsite

About The Position

The Power Plant Utility Operator works at the North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility, a 55-megawatt combined-cycle cogeneration plant in North Tonawanda, New York. The facility includes a GE Frame 6 gas turbine generator, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), a GE steam turbine generator, and supporting auxiliary equipment. The operator participates in a training program to qualify as an Auxiliary Plant Operator. Under general supervision, the role performs shift operations and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of plant equipment, routine equipment inspections, preventive and predictive maintenance, equipment switching, and chemical handling. The operator maintains facility housekeeping and safety standards, communicates with plant personnel, and works with other departments to support reliable operations. The position involves recurring work of moderate to high complexity and may require responding to variations from standard practices. The role works a rotating 12-hour schedule 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 work takes place in a power plant environment that may involve confined spaces, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, elevated work areas, and changing outdoor weather. Protective equipment may be required. A post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening are part of the Fitness for Duty Program.

Requirements

Typically, successful completion of high school or equivalent education.
Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area.
Understanding of fundamental principles in physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer, 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 that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work safely in a power plant environment that may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, and varying outdoor weather.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination and drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
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 the training program and work toward qualification as an Auxiliary Plant Operator.
Develop proficiency and familiarity with combined-cycle systems and auxiliary equipment.
Follow established procedures 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 report feedback to the Control Room Operator and other personnel.
Perform equipment switching and tagging in accordance with approved procedures and operational practices.
Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance on plant systems and equipment; assist with corrective maintenance when properly trained or supervised.
Assist with safe and accurate offloading of bulk chemicals used in plant operations.
Maintain high housekeeping standards throughout the facility.
Comply with site safety requirements, follow safety procedures, and promptly identify and address hazards.
Communicate with site personnel and company staff at other locations to coordinate operations and share information.
Collaborate across departments to support reliable facility operations.
Perform other duties as required to support daily plant operations.