Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES; City of Lockport (NY); On-site; USD 54,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking a Control Room Operator for the Lockport Cogeneration Facility in Lockport, NY. The role operates GE Frame 6B turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine, and balance‑of‑plant systems to reliably generate electricity and process steam.

The CRO monitors alarms, executes startups/shutdowns, maintains logs, and coordinates with plant personnel and grid dispatch to meet generation targets while upholding safety and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in power plant technology or related field preferred.
• Experience in power plant operations and control room operations.
• Knowledge of GE Frame 6B turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines and balance-of-plant systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and abnormal-condition response.
• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control the facility to meet generation and process steam requirements.
• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down GE Frame 6B turbines, HRSGs and steam turbine.
• Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions and perform plant startups/shutdowns.
• Maintain logs and participate in shift handovers.
• Coordinate with grid/dispatch and host facility as required.

Skills

Power plant operations

Control room operations

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Operational communication

Education

Associate degree in power plant technology or related field

Tools

DCS/SCADA systems

Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures

Job description

The Lockport Cogeneration Facility in Lockport, NY, is a 198 MW combined heat and power facility featuring three GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, three heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and a steam turbine generator. Operating year-round, the facility reliably supplies electricity and up to 315,800 pounds per hour of process steam to the host facility.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) monitors and controls the Lockport Cogeneration Facility to support safe, reliable, and efficient generation of electricity and process steam. This position operates GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and associated balance-of-plant systems; responds to alarms and abnormal conditions; and performs plant startups and shutdowns. The CRO coordinates plant operations to meet generation and process steam requirements while maintaining established safety, environmental, and operating limits.

Your scope of responsibility as CRO will include the following primary functions:

• Follow all safety, operational, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including NAES compliance programs and required documentation.
• Maintain secure access to DCS/SCADA and other control systems, safeguard operational controls and data, and report cybersecurity or system integrity concerns.
• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and associated auxiliary and balance-of-plant systems.
• Monitor plant equipment and processes, respond to alarms and abnormal conditions, and take corrective action to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Control electrical generation and steam production to meet operating requirements and process steam commitments to the host facility while optimizing plant performance within established limits.
• Respond to emergency and abnormal conditions in accordance with established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant operations.
• Coordinate generation requirements and operating conditions with plant personnel, grid or dispatch personnel, and the host facility as required.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and records for generation, steam production, fuel consumption, emissions, equipment status, and plant performance.
• Conduct effective shift handovers, communicating plant status, equipment issues, process steam requirements, and ongoing operational and maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process abnormalities and support corrective and preventive maintenance, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and equipment testing.
• Analyze operating trends and performance data to identify abnormal conditions and opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and plant performance.
• Support operator training and cross-training and participate in planned outages, maintenance activities, testing, and system upgrades with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and reliable facility 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 Control Room Operator reports to the O&M Manager, with general direction from the General Manager, and works closely with plant personnel to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility 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 CRO 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 $39.07 to $54.77 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Operational Experience & Technical Qualifications

• Associate degree in power plant technology, engineering technology, process technology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent technical training or relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Experience in power plant operations, including control room operations, plant system monitoring, and the safe operation of combined heat and power or comparable generating facilities.
• Strong knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and balance-of-plant systems, including steam generation, process steam systems, plant startups and shutdowns, and critical operating parameters; GE Frame 6B experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated capability to monitor and control electrical generation and steam production to maintain safe, reliable operations and meet process steam requirements.
• Familiarity with plant water chemistry, water treatment systems, sampling and analysis, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety, environmental requirements, hazardous materials and waste practices, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and plant operating procedures.
• Proven troubleshooting skills with the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to equipment abnormalities, alarms, process upsets, and emergency conditions.
• Capable of providing operational direction, sharing technical knowledge, and supporting the training and development of plant personnel.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for conveying plant conditions, operating requirements, and equipment issues to plant personnel and management.
• 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.