Control Room Operator - Montgomery PA

Cogentrix; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cogentrix is seeking a Control Room Operator to ensure safe, reliable operation of all plant systems. You will guide staff, maintain regulatory compliance, and support training to keep operations efficient and safe.

The role requires coordinating with the Lead Operator, monitoring performance, and participating in safety and maintenance activities to meet production goals and environmental standards.

Qualifications

• Basic computer skills with ability to learn new software.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with others.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Willingness to work overtime as needed.
• Strong commitment to teamwork and overall team success.

Responsibilities

• Start-up, shut-down, and normal operations of the power plant.
• Forecast fuel and generation nominations based on plant load conditions.
• Oversee plant processes and electrical distribution via DCS and other control devices.
• Monitor operation and performance; take action to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.
• Participate in daily maintenance, configuration changes, and ensure production levels.
• Conduct JSB/JSA and issue maintenance permits.
• Review daily logs and permits; propose corrective actions for deviations.
• Document problems in CMMS and communicate conditions to Lead Plant Operator.
• Participate in training and qualification programs.
• Maintain positive community relations and a safe, productive work environment.

Skills

Basic computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to work overtime

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

2+ years power generation experience

Tools

CMMS

DCS

Job description

Position Summary

The Control Room Operator is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all facility systems in accordance with company policies and procedures, applicable state and federal regulations, and other regulatory requirements. This role ensures plant equipment operates within established parameters to meet production objectives while maintaining safety, environmental compliance, and operational excellence. The Control Room Operator provides technical guidance to personnel as needed to resolve complex operational issues and supports the training and qualification of staff to ensure competency across plant operations.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Start-up, shut-down, and normal operations of the power plant.
• Works with limited supervision and resolves most questions and problems that deviate from normal operating parameters. Understands and adheres to all plant safety guidelines and procedures. Strives to maintain an injury-free environment. Actively participates in Plant Safety Committee meetings
• Works with Lead Plant Operator to accurately forecast fuel and generation nominations based on plant load conditions.
• Oversee and operates the plant processes and electrical distribution systems through plant distributive control system (DCS) and other process control devices.
• Monitors the operation and performance of the facility while on shift: takes appropriate action when necessary to ensure compliance with safety, efficiency, environmental and administrative guidelines.
• Participates in daily maintenance requirements, plant configuration changes and ensures production levels are met.
• Responsible for conducting Job Safety Brief/ Analysis (JSB/JSA) and issuing proper permits to maintenance personnel for maintenance activities being performed.
• Review all daily log sheets and permits to ensure adherence to known parameters and compliance to company guidelinesand policies: recommend corrective actions for items that are not operating within known parameters or guidelines.
• Identifies problems with plant equipment and clearly communicates the conditions associated with these problems to the Lead Plant Operator: ensures problems are properly documented into the plant's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Performs site and equipment cleanup on an ongoing basis.
• Participates in plant training and qualification programs.
• Maintains positive community relations and fun work environment

Working Conditions.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

All plant employees must always work safely.

Working at the power plant may require:

• Working in varied outdoor environments such as all-weather conditions, all noise levels, hazardous conditions, and on a full range of outdoor work surfaces sometimes at elevated heights.
• The frequent use of protective equipment (i.e. hard hats, safety glasses, air purifying respirator, hearing protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.) may be required. Work with hazardous materials may also be required.
• Working in proximity to high voltage and current with proper training and equipment, operating heavy equipment and rolling stock and entering confined spaces or hazardous environments may be required while often being exposed to equipment and machinery noises.
• Duties require walking, standing for extended periods of time, crawling, stooping, sitting, climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs, operation of large valves and other tasks requiring up to 100 lbs. of pulling or turning force, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs. Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Eye and hand coordination are required to operate switches, pushbuttons, and other controls.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust and focus.
• All candidates will participate in the post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employmentrandom drug screening. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Education/Experience Required

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Basic computer skills with a demonstrated ability to learn new software applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with others.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Willingness and flexibility to work overtime as needed.
• Strong commitment to teamwork and overall team success.

Required Background and Experience

• Legal authorization to work in the United States on a full‑time basis without restriction.
• Minimum two (2) years of relevant power generation experience; experience in a natural gas‑fired combined‑cycle plant is preferred.
• High school diploma or equivalent required, along with a minimum of two (2) years of related experience.
• Valid driver's license.

Schedule/Shift:12 Hour rotating shift including nights and weekends