Control Room Operator

East Energy Renewables; La Grange (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company in La Grange, North Carolina, is seeking a qualified candidate to operate a biomass fired boiler and a steam turbine. This role involves ensuring safe and reliable operation of equipment, monitoring systems, and addressing safety concerns. The ideal candidate should have experience in the power generation industry, particularly with solid-fuel facilities, and be prepared to work rotating shifts, including overtime. A valid North Carolina driver license is required.

Qualifications

• Extensive hands-on experience in solid-fuel boiler operation.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and manuals.
• Familiarity with alarm management systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate biomass fired boiler and steam turbine.
• Monitor and record operational data.
• Evaluate and maintain machinery.

Skills

Experience operating steam generators and steam turbines

Ability to lift heavy equipment

Valid North Carolina driver license

Familiarity with DCS and HMIs

Sound safety practices

Tools

Microsoft products

Job description

Under general direction, operate one biomass fired boiler and one (1) 3 MW steam turbine using an Allen Bradley DCS and various PLC‑operated controls. The position includes operation of all associated equipment to provide electrical generation and REC production in a safe, environmentally compliant and reliable manner.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

Typically spends 20% of time in an operations field environment and may need to work outside occasionally in inclement weather conditions. Majority of the time will be spent in a control‑room office type setting. Possible work hazards include dust, fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, rotating machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards. Physical demands: standing 25%, sitting 50%, walking 25%. The employee is required to use hands, fingers and arms and to speak and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stop, kneel or crouch and enter confined spaces, use ladders or stairs, and must lift or move up to 50 pounds. Vision required: close vision, distance vision, color vision, ability to adjust focus and the ability to close‑observe to detect process upset conditions and alarms.

Scope & Responsibilities

• Evaluate and maintain proper operation of all machinery.
• Follow and promote standard and established practices, referring to operation and service manuals for proper operation of all machinery.
• Efficiently operate distributed control systems (DCS) to control boilers, steam turbines, and their ancillary equipment.
• Efficiently operate various PLC controls to manage wood yard, wood drying equipment, and boiler ancillary equipment.
• Solve complex problems in a timely manner pertaining to the operation of power plant equipment.
• Operate equipment to ensure uninterrupted power generation to the grid.
• Monitor and record pressures, temperatures, and fuel consumption on operating equipment.
• Identify and inform appropriate individuals of symptoms requiring maintenance action.
• Ensure safe operating conditions of machinery and take immediate corrective action if unsafe conditions exist.
• Obtain certification to wear a full‑face respirator, if required.
• Promote safe work practices according to established safety procedures and report or rectify any unsafe conditions.
• Display willingness to work in a team environment and follow directions from management.
• Be present and ready to begin work at the designated time.
• Be available to work occasional scheduled or unscheduled overtime, as required.
• Be willing and able to work rotating shifts that include holidays, nights, and weekends.
• Interface diplomatically with other employees and the public.
• Hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of rotating equipment, and communicate via portable radio.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Experience operating steam generators and steam turbines in the power generation industry—preferably in a solid‑fuel facility.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in the operation and maintenance of steam generators, specifically solid‑fuel boilers.
• Valid North Carolina driver license or ability to obtain one.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals, drawings, and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and react to alarm management systems.
• Working knowledge of maintaining daily plant logs.
• Familiarity with distributed control systems (DCS) and human‑machine interfaces (HMIs) controlling complex systems.
• Familiarity with basic Microsoft products.
• Experience with sound safety practices using hand tools and power equipment related to job assignments.
• Ability to work rotating shift assignments to support plant operations.
• Ability to lift heavy equipment and carry materials up and down stairs, with a capacity to lift 50 pounds.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Training on the operation of boiler/turbine DCS controls, preferably Allen Bradley.
• Training on CEMS and emissions‑related control systems.
• General power plant heat‑transfer theory or related training.
• Training on preventative maintenance and best practices.