Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES Corporation; Riesel (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES Corporation's Sandy Creek Energy Station in Texas is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator to inspect and monitor equipment, log operating data, and assist with operational activities. You will work under the Shift Supervisor to keep the plant safe and compliant, supporting maintenance and emergency response as needed.

The role requires high school level education, familiarity with plant systems, and adherence to safety rules.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in a power plant or industrial environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of pumps, boilers, water treatment, and emission-control equipment.

Responsibilities

• Follow safety procedures including LOTO and PPE usage.
• Conduct rounds, monitor conditions, report issues for corrective action.
• Record readings, maintain logs, prepare clear reports.
• Assist with maintenance and coordinating with technicians.
• Support environmental compliance and safety initiatives.

Skills

Safety procedures

LOTO

Reading P&IDs

Hand & power tools

Industrial safety practices

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology or related

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Rigging equipment

Plant vehicles

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $32 USD to $38 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

Sandy Creek Energy Station is a nominal 900-megawatt, supercritical coal-fired power plant near Riesel, Texas. The facility uses a pulverized-coal boiler, condensing steam turbine-generator, and auxiliary systems. Coal is delivered by rail from the Powder River Basin. Environmental controls include SCR, powdered activated carbon injection, spray dry absorption, and fabric filtration to reduce emissions and control particulates.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Sandy Creek Energy Station by inspecting and monitoring plant equipment, recording operating conditions, identifying abnormal conditions, and assisting with operational and maintenance activities. Working under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, this position helps maintain equipment reliability, environmental compliance, and safe plant conditions.

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

• Follow established safety procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Conduct routine equipment rounds and inspections to monitor operating conditions, identify deficiencies, and report issues requiring corrective action.
• Monitor plant systems and equipment, including pumps, motors, valves, fluid systems, water treatment systems, cooling systems, coal and ash handling equipment, boilers, and emission-control equipment.
• Record operating readings, maintain accurate logs, and prepare clear reports documenting equipment status, operational activities, and abnormal conditions.
• Report changing or abnormal plant conditions promptly to the Shift Supervisor and communicate relevant information to the Control Room Operator (CRO).
• Carry out authorized operating instructions and perform assigned operational adjustments in accordance with established procedures and supervisory direction.
• Assist with emergency response and recovery activities to protect personnel, equipment, and plant systems.
• Support preventive and corrective maintenance by preparing equipment for maintenance, performing assigned tasks, and coordinating with maintenance personnel.
• Perform authorized tagging and equipment-isolation duties in accordance with site procedures and applicable training requirements.
• Use hand tools, portable power tools, rigging equipment, and material-handling equipment to support plant operations and maintenance.
• Maintain clean, orderly work areas and assist with housekeeping activities to support safe working conditions.
• Operate assigned plant vehicles and equipment when trained and authorized.
• Support plant safety, environmental compliance, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of safe and reliable plant operations.

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 Shift Supervisor and will occasionally receive general direction from plant management. The Auxiliary Plant Operator may at times give information to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to project operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work is performed in a coal-fired power plant environment and includes standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, and working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights. Regular lifting of materials and equipment up to 50 pounds is required.

Duties may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling coal, ash, and other materials associated with plant operations. Personnel may be exposed to coal dust, fly ash, hazardous chemicals, high noise levels, extreme heat near boilers and other equipment, and fluctuating outdoor weather conditions.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, air-purifying or supplied-air respirators, hearing protection, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), chemical-resistant suits, hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection equipment. Respirator fit testing may be required based on job responsibilities. Smoking is strictly prohibited 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 follows DuPont's rotating 12-hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts to ensure consistent and reliable plant operation. 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 $32 to $38 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Operational Experience and Core Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology, engineering, process technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in a power plant or other industrial operating environment is preferred, particularly experience as an Auxiliary Plant Operator or in a comparable position.
• Knowledge of plant equipment and systems, including pumps, motors, valves, boiler and steam systems, water treatment, cooling systems, coal and ash handling, and emission-control equipment.
• Understanding of basic electrical theory, mathematics, physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow as applied to plant operations.
• Ability to read and interpret plant drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and equipment manuals.
• Familiarity with industrial safety practices, including chemical handling, confined-space work, hazardous-energy control, fire prevention, and safe equipment operation.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, recognize abnormal equipment conditions, identify hazards, and report or address issues within the scope of assigned authority.
• Skill in using hand tools, portable power tools, and basic rigging equipment; ability to operate plant vehicles and material-handling equipment when appropriately trained and authorized.
• Basic computer skills for entering operating data, maintaining records, preparing reports, and completing required training.
• 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.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Intermediate

Coal Fired Unit O&M

Intermediate

Auxiliary Systems – Pumps, Fans & Motors

Intermediate

LOTO - Lockout/Tagout

Intermediate

Equipment Maintenance & Repair

Intermediate

Inspection

Intermediate

Safety & Compliance Standards (OSHA/NFPA/EPA)

Intermediate

Chemical Handling and Safety

Intermediate

Intermediate

Blueprint - Read and Interpret

Some Knowledge

Some Knowledge

Boiler O&M

Some Knowledge

Intermediate

Water Treatment

Some Knowledge

Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)

Intermediate

Hand and Power Tools

Intermediate

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics

Some Knowledge

Recordkeeping

Intermediate

Education

Preferred

Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field.

High School or better.

Experience

Preferred

High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology, engineering, process technology, or a related field is preferred.

Experience in a power plant or other industrial operating environment is preferred, particularly experience as an Auxiliary Plant Operator or in a comparable position.

Knowledge of plant equipment and systems, including pumps, motors, valves, boiler and steam systems, water treatment, cooling systems, coal and ash handling, and emission-control equipment.

Understanding of basic electrical theory, mathematics, physics, chemistry, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid flow as applied to plant operations.

Ability to read and interpret plant drawings, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and equipment manuals.

Familiarity with industrial safety practices, including chemical handling, confined-space work, hazardous-energy control, fire prevention, and safe equipment operation.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions, recognize abnormal equipment conditions, identify hazards, and report or address issues within the scope of assigned authority.

Skill in using hand tools, portable power tools, and basic rigging equipment; ability to operate plant vehicles and material-handling equipment when appropriately trained and authorized.

Basic computer skills for entering operating data, maintaining records, preparing reports, and completing required training.

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.