Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES; Village of Castleton-on-Hudson (NY); On-site; USD 43,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an Auxiliary Plant Operator to help safely operate Castleton Energy Center’s 72 MW combined cycle plant. You will run routine plant operations, monitor electrical and mechanical subsystems, and assist with startup, shutdown, and testing procedures on site.

Responsibilities include conducting water chemistry tests, LO/TO compliance, and maintaining logs. You will work with CRO and maintenance staff to ensure reliability and safety across 24/7 operations, with a focus on compliance

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in power generation or industrial operations preferred.
• Familiarity with water chemistry, chemical handling, or related processes is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist with startup, shutdown, and routine operation of plant systems and equipment according to procedures.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary mechanical, electrical, and process systems (air compressors, circulating water, boiler feedwater, condensate, generator cooling, water treatment, wastewater, and chemicals).
• Perform equipment rounds, tests, inspections, and basic diagnostics; identify abnormal conditions and make minor adjustments or repairs.
• Coordinate with the CRO to operate locally controlled equipment, place equipment in or out of service, and perform LOTO activities.
• Conduct routine water chemistry testing and support chemical handling and CEMS activities.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, equipment records, and Tag Out documentation.
• Identify abnormal conditions and take corrective action to protect personnel, equipment, and plant reliability.
• Support maintenance and outage activities, including work requests, LOTO, and minor mechanical/electrical/instrumentation work.
• Use CMMS to document deficiencies and maintenance activities and to support inventory needs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned and participate in NAES safety and regulatory programs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Read & interpret procedures

Troubleshooting

Safety mindset

Team coordination with CRO

Documentation accuracy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology or related

Job description

The Castleton Energy Center is a state-of-the-art 72 MW combined cycle power plant located in a key area for energy production. By combining gas and steam turbines, the facility efficiently generates electricity from natural gas while utilizing waste heat to enhance power output. This innovative plant is integral to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to the surrounding region.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Castleton Energy Center by operating and monitoring plant equipment and auxiliary systems in the field. This position performs equipment rounds, operational testing, water chemistry activities, minor maintenance, and equipment isolation while supporting plant startups, shutdowns, 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 and reliable plant operations.

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

• Assist with the startup, shutdown, and routine operation of plant systems and equipment 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, and chemical 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 or industrial equipment, including turbines, 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 and ability to identify equipment abnormalities, troubleshoot basic operating issues, and safely perform minor maintenance activities.
• Commitment to safe work practices and the 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.