Auxiliary Operator

NAES Corporation; Deming (NM); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES Corporation in Deming, NM seeks an Auxiliary Operator to support operation of the Luna Energy Facility. You will participate in start-up, shutdown, and routine plant operations, including water and gas chemistry analyses and monitoring critical equipment.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED with at least two years in power plant ops, plus strong safety practices. Expect 12-hour shifts on a 24/7 rotating schedule with potential extended hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; related certifications preferred.
• Minimum of two years of power plant operations experience.
• Experience in water chemistry control and water treatment operations.
• Knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations helpful.
• Strong safety mindset and compliance with OSHA/NFPA/EPA standards.
• Ability to read P&IDs and equipment manuals.

Responsibilities

• Assist start-up, shutdown and normal operations of plant systems.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary systems and equipment.
• Perform routine tests, inspections and minor repairs.
• Follow control room direction to place equipment in service.
• Conduct water and gas chemistry analyses.
• Maintain logs and documentation.
• Identify and respond to abnormal conditions.
• Support maintenance activities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Water Chemistry

Power Plant Operations

P&ID Reading

Safety Practices

Chemical Handling

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree or Certification in Power Plant Technology or Process Operations

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $33 USD to $39 USD
  The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

Description

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Deming, New Mexico, the Luna Energy Facility is a natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 570 MW. The plant features two GE 7FA+e combustion turbines equipped with dry low-NOx combustion and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for advanced emissions control. Supported by two single reheat HRSGs and a GE D11 steam turbine generator, the Luna Energy Facility plays a pivotal role in delivering reliable and efficient power to the vibrant Deming community.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Operator plays an essential role in supporting the operation of the Luna Energy Facility. This position involves active participation in the start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of critical plant processes, including water and gas chemistry analysis; inspecting and monitoring operating components; performing operational tests, system inspections, and minor maintenance; and reporting plant status to ensure the facility operates safely, cleanly, and efficiently. The Auxiliary Operator works closely with the control room, plant management, and the operations and maintenance teams to maintain stable and compliant plant performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Auxiliary Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Assist in start-up, shutdown and normal operations of power plant systems.
• Operate and monitor major auxiliary systems and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment, including air compressors, circulating water systems, boiler feedwater and condensate systems, wastewater systems, generator cooling systems, and boiler feedwater treatment systems.
• Perform routine operational tests, inspections, and minor repairs or adjustments to assigned equipment to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Execute direction from the Control Room Operator at local and isolated panels to place equipment in or out of service in accordance with established operating instructions and procedures, including clearing, tagging, testing, and applying safety tape.
• Conduct routine water and gas chemistry analyses and operate Continuous Emissions Monitoring (CEM) equipment in compliance with environmental and operational requirements.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and documentation as assigned.
• Identify, report, and respond to abnormal or irregular operating conditions, taking corrective actions within the scope of operating procedures.
• Support maintenance activities by assisting maintenance personnel during scheduled and unscheduled maintenance periods.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Control Room Operator or Operations Manager.

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 Auxiliary Operator reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Control Room Operator and other members of the plant management team depending on assigned duties.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Auxiliary Operator follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts that includes built-in rest days.

Shift schedules may be adjusted as needed based on dispatch requirements. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $33 to $39 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in power plant operations or an equivalent level of industry knowledge.
• Experience in water chemistry control, water treatment facility operations, water condition analysis, and chemical handling requirements required.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-loop steam generation systems, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and documentation desirable.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection, and high-voltage electrical safety.
• Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), piping and instrument schematics, equipment manuals, and operational procedures; familiarity with process controls desirable.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and maintain it in good standing.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Computer Skills

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Intermediate

Verbal and Written Communications

Intermediate

Water and Steam Chemistry

Intermediate

Water Treatment

Intermediate

RSAW - Reliability Standard Audit Worksheet

Some Knowledge

Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA)

Intermediate

Power Generation

Intermediate

Combined Cycle O&M

Intermediate

Gas Turbine O&M

Intermediate

HRSG - Heat Recovery Steam Generator

Intermediate

Steam Turbine O&M

Intermediate

Chemistry Analysis and Testing

Intermediate

Education

Preferred

High School or better.

Experience

Preferred

We are seeking a capable and safety-minded Operator with foundational experience in natural gas‑fired combined‑cycle power generation operations and a strong commitment to teamwork and performance excellence.

High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of two years of experience in power plant operations or an equivalent level of industry knowledge.

Experience in water chemistry control, water treatment facility operations, water condition analysis, and chemical handling requirements required.

Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion and steam turbine operations, closed-loop steam generation systems, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection and documentation desirable.

Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, confined space entry, fall protection, and high-voltage electrical safety.

Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), piping and instrument schematics, equipment manuals, and operational procedures; familiarity with process controls desirable.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.