Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES; Riesel (TX); On-site; USD 48,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Sandy Creek Energy Station, a NAES-operated coal-fired plant in Texas, seeks a Control Room Operator to monitor and control plant systems for safe, reliable power generation. You will respond to alarms, manage start-up and shutdown sequences, and coordinate with field operators to maintain plant conditions.

Responsibilities include following procedures, analyzing equipment status, and ensuring compliance with LOTO and PPE requirements.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in power plant technology preferred.
• Minimum two years of CRO or equivalent operating experience preferred.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, schematics, control logic, and operating procedures.
• Working knowledge of safety requirements including LOTO and PPE.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant systems safely and efficiently per procedures and limits.
• Execute start-up, operation, shutdown, and emergency actions.
• Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions; take corrective actions.
• Provide operational direction to Assistant Plant Operators for field activities.
• Document logs, readings, and reports; communicate issues to Shift Supervisor.

Skills

Power plant knowledge

Alarm response

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in power plant technology

Job description

Sandy Creek Energy Station is a 900-megawatt coal-fired power plant located in Riesel, Texas. It features a single IHI supercritical pulverized coal boiler, a Toshiba steam turbine generator, and Alstom air-quality control systems, making it one of the largest new coal plants in the United States. The plant primarily utilizes Powder River Basin coal and has the capacity to generate electricity for over 900,000 Texas homes and businesses.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) at Sandy Creek Energy Station monitors and controls plant systems to support safe, reliable, and efficient power generation. The CRO responds to alarms and abnormal conditions, directs appropriate corrective actions, and performs plant start-up and shutdown activities in accordance with established procedures. This position monitors generation and dispatch requirements, operates equipment within established limits, and supports the testing, inspection, troubleshooting, and maintenance of plant equipment and systems.

Your scope of responsibility as CRO includes the following primary functions:

• Operate and oversee plant systems and equipment safely and efficiently in accordance with operating procedures, established limits, and applicable safety and regulatory requirements.
• Execute plant start-up, normal operation, shutdown, and emergency procedures while responding appropriately to alarms, equipment issues, and abnormal plant conditions.
• Respond to electrical, steam, and fuel dispatch instructions while maintaining required generation and plant operating conditions.
• Evaluate plant performance, equipment status, chemistry, instrumentation, and operating parameters; identify problems and initiate or direct appropriate corrective actions.
• Take appropriate emergency actions to maintain electrical service, protect personnel, and safeguard plant equipment.
• Administer and issue equipment tag-outs as authorized and ensure compliance with Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and other plant safety requirements.
• Provide operational direction to Assistant Plant Operators (APOs) regarding field activities and adjustments necessary to maintain plant conditions, equipment operation, and chemistry requirements.
• Participate in preventive, scheduled, and corrective maintenance activities, including equipment inspections, testing, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance as assigned.
• Document operating activities through accurate logs, readings, records, and reports; communicate equipment issues, upset conditions, and significant operating events to the Shift Supervisor.
• Utilize P&IDs, electrical drawings, schematics, control logic, equipment manuals, and other technical documentation to support troubleshooting and safe plant operation.

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 CRO reports to the Shift Supervisor, provides operational direction to Assistant Plant Operators, and works closely with operations, maintenance, technical personnel, and engineering to support safe and reliable plant operation.

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 employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The CRO follows DuPont’s rotating 12-hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts. 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 $35 to $58 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Operational Expertise and Leadership Competencies

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology or a related technical field is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of additional education.
• Minimum of two years of Control Room Operator or equivalent operating experience in power generation or a comparable industrial facility is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of power plant equipment and systems, including boilers, steam turbines, generators, pumps, electrical equipment, water treatment, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Experience monitoring and controlling plant systems, responding to alarms and abnormal conditions, troubleshooting equipment, and taking appropriate corrective or emergency actions.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, single-line diagrams, schematics, control logic, operating procedures, and other plant technical documentation.
• Working knowledge of plant safety and regulatory requirements, including LOTO, equipment isolation, PPE, and safe work practices.
• Strong communication and multitasking skills with the ability to provide direction to field operators and work effectively with other plant personnel.
• Ability to successfully complete facility CRO qualification requirements and maintain a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license in good standing.
• 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.