Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES; Middletown (CT); On-site; USD 48,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator to support safe, reliable, and efficient operations at a large power facility. You will operate and monitor auxiliary equipment, perform rounds and inspections, and assist with startup, shutdown, and maintenance activities while coordinating with CRO and Maintenance teams.

The role includes monitoring water chemistry, handling chemicals, operating CEMS, and keeping accurate logs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in power generation or industrial operations.
• Familiarity with water chemistry and treatment systems preferred.
• Knowledge of combined-cycle power plant equipment desirable.
• Ability to read procedures, P&IDs, and plant documentation.
• Commitment to safe work practices and OSHA/NFPA understanding.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with startup, shutdown, and routine operation of power plant systems and equipment per procedures.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary equipment and systems including air compressors, circulating water, HRSG, boiler feedwater and condensate systems, generator cooling, water treatment, wastewater, chemical systems, and locally controlled equipment.
• Perform routine rounds, tests, inspections, and diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and complete minor repairs.
• Coordinate with CRO to operate from local/isolated panels, place equipment in service/out of service, and perform LOTO activities.
• Perform water chemistry analysis, assist with chemical handling, and operate CEMS per requirements.
• Maintain operating logs and equipment records; prepare Tag Outs documentation.

Skills

Driver's license

Equipment operation

Reading P&IDs

Electrical safety

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in power plant technology/engineering/process technology

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Kleen Energy Systems stands as a cutting-edge power facility boasting a 620 MW combined cycle design, fueled by natural gas and oil. Its advanced infrastructure comprises two Siemens SGT6-PAC 5000F combustion turbines alongside a Siemens SST6-PAC5000 steam turbine, ensuring efficient energy conversion. Seamlessly integrated into the ISO New England system, Kleen Energy Systems transmits power through the CL&P 345 KV transmission line, exemplifying reliability and sustainability in the region's energy landscape.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at Kleen Energy Systems by operating and monitoring auxiliary equipment and systems. This position performs equipment rounds, inspections, testing, water chemistry activities, minor maintenance, and equipment isolation while supporting startup, shutdown, and normal and emergency operations. Working closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Maintenance, the Auxiliary Plant Operator identifies abnormal conditions and takes corrective action to maintain plant reliability.

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

• Assist with the startup, shutdown, and routine operation of power plant systems and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary equipment and systems, including air compressors, circulating water, HRSG, boiler feedwater and condensate systems, generator cooling, water treatment, wastewater, chemical systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Perform routine equipment rounds, operational tests, inspections, and diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and complete minor repairs or adjustments to maintain proper operating conditions.
• Coordinate with the Control Room Operator (CRO) to operate equipment from local or isolated panels, place equipment in or out of service, and perform clearing, tagging, testing, and other equipment isolation and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities.
• Conduct routine water chemistry analysis, assist with chemical handling and offloads, and operate Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment records, and other required documentation, including supporting the preparation and administration of equipment Tag Outs.
• Report abnormal or irregular operating conditions to the CRO and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant reliability.
• Assist Maintenance personnel during maintenance activities and outages, including equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation, LOTO, preventive and corrective maintenance, and minor mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation repairs.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document equipment deficiencies and maintenance activities, initiate work requests, order materials, and support parts and inventory management.
• 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 Operations Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager or Control Room Operator 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 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, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $35 to $55 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree in power plant technology, engineering, process technology, or a related technical field is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in power generation, industrial operations, maintenance, or a related technical environment, with exposure to mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary plant equipment.
• Hands-on familiarity with water chemistry, water treatment systems, chemical handling, or related plant processes is preferred.
• Working knowledge of combined-cycle power plant equipment and processes, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, pumps, valves, compressors, and auxiliary systems, is desirable.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, electrical theory, and safe work practices around energized and high-voltage equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and other plant documentation.
• Commitment to safe work practices and familiarity with applicable OSHA, NFPA, environmental, and hazardous material 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.