Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES; Sparks (NV); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator to support safe, reliable power generation at the Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant in Storey County, NV. You will operate Wärtsilä 34SG engines, manage auxiliary systems, and perform routine maintenance and testing.

The role requires adherence to safety procedures, LOTO protocols, and proactive reporting of abnormal conditions. You will collaborate with CRO and Maintenance teams and support environmental and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering, Process Technology, or related field is preferred.
• Experience in power generation, industrial operations, maintenance, or related technical environment is desirable.
• Familiarity with Wärtsilä 34SG or similar gas engines is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of Wärtsilä 34SG generating units and related systems.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary systems including fuel gas, starting air, compressed air, cooling, lubrication, ventilation, and electrical distribution.
• Conduct routine rounds, tests, inspections, and diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and perform minor repairs or adjustments.
• Coordinate with CRO to operate from panels, place equipment in or out of service, and perform LOTO activities.
• Monitor emissions control equipment and assist with sampling and environmental compliance.
• Maintain accurate logs and equipment records, including tag outs and maintenance documentation.
• Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action to protect personnel and equipment.
• Support maintenance personnel during outages with troubleshooting, repairs, and work requests.
• Use CMMS to document deficiencies, initiate work requests, and manage parts and inventory.
• Assist with monitoring of the solar PV system and related electrical equipment.
• Participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.

Skills

Power Plant Operations

Electrical Systems

Gas Engine Experience

Safety Compliance

Technical Reading

Driving Licence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree preferred

Job description

Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant is a 116-MW natural gas-fueled facility located in Storey County, Nevada, providing reliable and flexible power to support regional mining operations. The facility features 14 Wärtsilä 34SG spark-ignition engines designed for efficient, low-emission operation, along with a 1-MW AC solar photovoltaic system that adds renewable generation to the site’s energy portfolio.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at the Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant by operating and monitoring plant systems and equipment in the field. This position performs equipment inspections, operational testing, minor maintenance, equipment isolation, and troubleshooting while supporting plant 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 appropriate corrective action to maintain safe and reliable generation.

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

• Support the startup, shutdown, and routine operation of Wärtsilä 34SG generating units, auxiliary systems, and associated plant equipment in accordance with established procedures.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary systems and equipment, including fuel gas, starting air, compressed air, engine cooling, lubrication, ventilation, water treatment, electrical distribution, and other locally controlled mechanical and electrical systems.
• Conduct 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, equipment isolation, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) activities.
• Monitor plant environmental and emissions control equipment and assist with sampling, chemical handling, and other environmental compliance activities in accordance with plant and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment records, readings, and other required documentation, including support for the preparation and administration of equipment Tag Outs.
• Identify and report abnormal or irregular operating conditions to the CRO and take appropriate corrective action within established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant reliability.
• Provide support to 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.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document equipment deficiencies and maintenance activities, initiate work requests, order materials, and support parts and inventory management.
• Assist with operation and routine monitoring of the site's solar photovoltaic system and associated electrical equipment as assigned.
• Participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs and perform additional duties as assigned.

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 Plant 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.

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 $37.34 to $45.54 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 involving mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Practical familiarity with reciprocating engines, internal combustion generating equipment, or comparable industrial machinery is preferred; experience with Wärtsilä 34SG or similar gas engines is a plus.
• Working knowledge of plant auxiliary systems such as fuel gas, compressed air, starting air, engine cooling, lubrication, ventilation, pumps, valves, and associated mechanical equipment is desirable.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, electrical theory, generators, plant distribution equipment, and safe work practices around energized or high-voltage equipment.
• Exposure to water treatment, chemical handling, environmental monitoring, or related plant processes is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, technical manuals, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), electrical drawings, and other plant documentation.
• Familiarity with solar photovoltaic systems or associated electrical equipment is beneficial but not required.
• Commitment to safe work practices with knowledge of applicable OSHA, NFPA, environmental, hazardous-material, and Lockout/Tagout 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.