Auxiliary Plant Operator

Cogentrix Energy, LLC; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogentrix Energy Power Management, LLC is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator in Montgomery, PA. The role focuses on safe, reliable operation of a combined-cycle power plant, monitoring gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, and related systems.

You will collect data, maintain logs, and ensure compliance with policy, environmental, and regulatory standards. The APO performs inspections, data reporting, and supports plant availability and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience in power generation or related technical environment.
• High School Diploma or equivalent; an Associate degree is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and optimize major plant equipment and systems, including combined-cycle generation assets.
• Collect and record operational data, inspections, and test results; maintain logs and communicate conditions to the Lead Plant Operator.
• Maintain boiler, cooling water, and water treatment chemistry programs to support reliability and environmental compliance.
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Work rotating and varied shifts, including weekends, holidays, overtime, and on-call as needed.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Teamwork and communication

Attention to detail

Safety mindset

Adaptability to shifts

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Process Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or related technical field

Tools

CMMS

LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) systems

Job description

Auxiliary Plant Operator and Montgomery, PA

UNITED STATES

• FIELD AREA (Plant)
• FULL-TIME

Position Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator (APO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a combined-cycle power generation facility while complying with company policies, environmental requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. This position monitors, operates, inspects, troubleshoots, and maintains plant equipment and systems including gas turbines, steam turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), boilers, balance-of-plant auxiliaries, fuel handling systems, emissions control equipment, and water treatment systems. The APO performs operational reporting, data collection, and routine inspections to support continuous plant availability, safety, and performance.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Monitor, operate, and optimize major plant equipment and systems, including combined-cycle generation assets, through field inspections, Human Machine Interface (HMI) controls, and Historian applications (OSI PI), taking appropriate action to ensure safe, reliable, and compliant operation.
• Collect and record operational data, equipment readings, inspections, and test results; maintain operating logs; prepare operating procedures, work requests, purchase requisitions, and reports; and communicate operating conditions and corrective actions to the Lead Plant Operator (LPO).
• Maintain and monitor boiler, cooling water, and water treatment chemistry programs to support equipment reliability and environmental compliance.
• Inspect, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain assigned equipment and systems to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation.
• Utilize CMMS and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) systems to support maintenance planning, equipment isolation and safe work practices.
• Monitor contractor activities and ensure work is performed in accordance with applicable safety, environmental, and operational requirements.
• Inspect and monitor environmental compliance equipment and make required notifications when necessary.
• Comply with all company policies, Employee Handbook requirements, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) programs, NERC Compliance programs, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, orderly, and safe work environment, including housekeeping activities, snow removal, equipment cleaning, and operation of industrial vehicles and aerial lifts as required.
• Complete required qualifications, training, certifications, and assigned safety program activities, including participation in safety committee initiatives.
• Work may be performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve exposure to varying noise levels, extreme temperatures, high-voltage equipment, rotating machinery, hazardous materials, confined spaces, elevated work areas, and other industrial hazards.
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, chemical suits, protective gloves, and high-voltage protective equipment, is required.
• The position requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing stairs and ladders, crawling, stooping, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, and exerting up to 100 pounds of pulling or turning force. Manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and the ability to safely operate plant equipment and controls are required. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception.
• Successful completion of post-offer physical examinations, drug screenings, and participation in random drug testing programs is required. Smoking restrictions apply throughout and around the facility.
• The position requires the ability to work rotating or varied shifts, extended hours, weekends, holidays, overtime, and periodic on-call assignments as needed to support plant operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience Required

• Basic computer skills with the ability to learn and effectively utilize new software applications and operating systems.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and varying shifts as required.
• Self-motivated with a strong commitment to safety, continuous learning, professional development, operational excellence, and team success.
• Ability to follow written procedures, interpret technical information, and make sound operational decisions.

Required Background And Experience

• Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full-time basis without current or future employer sponsorship.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Process Technology, Electrical Technology, Mechanical Technology, or a related technical field is a plus.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in power generation, industrial operations, manufacturing, process operations, military operations, or a related technical environment; combined-cycle power plant experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to successfully complete required training, and qualifications.
• Participation in post-offer physical examinations, pre-employment drug screening, and random drug testing throughout employment.
• Extensive smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

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