Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES Corporation; City of Lockport (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES Corporation is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator for the Lockport Cogeneration Facility in New York. The role focuses on operating and monitoring turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems to ensure safe, reliable plant performance.

You will conduct rounds, tests, and diagnostics, coordinate with the CRO, and support water chemistry, CEMS, and logbook maintenance while following established procedures and safety rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in power generation, industrial operations, or similar environment preferred.
• Familiarity with water chemistry, treatment, or related processes desirable.
• Knowledge of power plant equipment (turbines, HRSGs, steam systems, pumps, valves) preferred.
• Ability to read operating procedures, manuals, and plant documentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist startup, shutdown, and routine operation of turbines, HRSGs, and related systems.
• Operate and monitor mechanical, electrical, and process systems including air compressors and water systems.
• Perform rounds, tests, inspections, and basic diagnostics; identify issues and adjust as needed.
• Coordinate with CRO to operate equipment and execute LOTO activities.
• Conduct water chemistry testing and support CEMS activities per regulations.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, records, and Tag Out documentation.
• Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action to protect personnel and equipment.
• Assist maintenance/outage activities and support CMMS documentation.
• Participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Reading procedures & manuals

Safety awareness

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology / Engineering / Process Technology

Tools

CMMS

P&IDs

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $31.10 USD to $43.63 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.
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: AUXIL008169

Description

The Lockport Cogeneration Facility is a 198 MW combined heat and power facility featuring three GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, three heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and a steam turbine generator. Operating year-round, the facility reliably supplies electricity and up to 315,800 pounds per hour of process steam to the host facility.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Lockport Cogeneration Facility by operating and monitoring plant equipment and auxiliary systems in the field. This position performs equipment rounds, operational testing, water chemistry, minor maintenance, and equipment isolation while supporting startups, shutdowns, process steam delivery, and normal and emergency operations. Working closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Maintenance personnel, the Auxiliary Plant Operator identifies abnormal conditions and takes appropriate action to maintain safe, reliable operations.

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

• Assist with the startup, shutdown, and routine operation of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam and auxiliary systems in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary mechanical, electrical, and process systems, including air compressors, circulating water, boiler feedwater and condensate, generator cooling, water treatment, wastewater, chemical, and process steam systems.
• Perform equipment rounds, operational tests, inspections, and basic diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and make minor adjustments or repairs as appropriate.
• Coordinate with the CRO to operate locally controlled equipment, place equipment in or out of service, and perform equipment isolation, clearing, tagging, testing, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities.
• Conduct routine water chemistry testing, support chemical handling and offloads, and assist with Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) activities in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment records, Tag Out documentation, and other required operational records.
• Identify and report abnormal operating conditions and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant reliability.
• Support maintenance and outage activities, including equipment identification, troubleshooting, work requests, LOTO, preventive and corrective maintenance, and minor mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation work.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document equipment deficiencies and maintenance activities, initiate work requests, and support materials and inventory needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and actively participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.

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 Plant Operator reports to the O&M Manager, with general direction from the General Manager and day-to-day operational direction from the Control Room Operator (CRO) to support the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its equipment.

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 Plant Operator works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $31.10 to $43.63 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering, Process Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Previous experience in power generation, industrial operations, maintenance, or a similar technical environment with exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment is preferred.
• Familiarity with water chemistry, water treatment, chemical handling, or related industrial processes is desirable.
• Working knowledge of power plant equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam systems, pumps, valves, compressors, and auxiliary systems.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems and safe work practices around electrical and high-voltage equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, P&IDs, and other plant documentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment abnormalities, troubleshoot basic operating issues, and safely perform minor maintenance.
• Commitment to safe work practices and ability to follow applicable OSHA, NFPA, environmental, hazardous-material, and plant requirements.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

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.

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.

Skills

Preferred

Intermediate

Auxiliary Systems – Pumps, Fans & Motors Intermediate

Startup and Shutdown Procedures Intermediate

LOTO - Lockout/Tagout Intermediate

Intermediate

Mechanical Aptitude Intermediate

Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA) Intermediate

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Intermediate

Combined Cycle O&M Intermediate

Intermediate

Water Treatment Intermediate

Water and Steam Chemistry Intermediate

Equipment Maintenance & Repair Intermediate

Intermediate

Chemical Handling and Safety Intermediate

Electrical Safety and Hazard Awareness Some Knowledge

CMMS - Computerized Maintenance Mgmt System Intermediate

Some Knowledge

Motivations

Preferred

Growth Opportunities : Inspired to perform well by the chance to take on more responsibility

Education

Preferred

High School or better.

Technical/other training or better in Power Plant Technology or related field.

Experience

Preferred

High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering, Process Technology, or a related technical field is preferred.

Previous experience in power generation, industrial operations, maintenance, or a similar technical environment with exposure to mechanical and electrical equipment is preferred.

Familiarity with water chemistry, water treatment, chemical handling, or related industrial processes is desirable.

Working knowledge of power plant equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam systems, pumps, valves, compressors, and auxiliary systems.

Basic understanding of electrical systems and safe work practices around electrical and high-voltage equipment.

Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, P&IDs, and other plant documentation.

Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment abnormalities, troubleshoot basic operating issues, and safely perform minor maintenance.

Commitment to safe work practices and ability to follow applicable OSHA, NFPA, environmental, hazardous-material, and plant requirements.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License