Operator III

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; City of Johnstown (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Veolia North America is seeking an Operator III to support the safe, reliable operation of a multi-engine power generation facility. You will monitor equipment, adjust parameters, and assist in startups, shutdowns, and outages, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards.

The role requires mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and teamwork, with the ability to work indoors or outdoors, and to handle high-voltage equipment and rotating schedules as needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with preference for related technical background.
• Basic reading of procedures, manuals and technical documentation.
• Strong safety mindset and ability to work in a high-reliability power environment.

Responsibilities

• Safely start, stop, operate, and monitor engine-generator packages and related equipment.
• Monitor plant equipment via control system and field inspections for safe operation.
• Adjust operating parameters within OEM and plant guidelines for efficiency.
• Document conditions, abnormal events, and logs promptly and accurately.
• Troubleshoot malfunctions and coordinate withShift Supervisor and I&E staff.
• Support startups, shutdowns, commissioning, and planned maintenance outages.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety awareness

Procedures reading

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Plant monitoring software

Engine-generator control systems

Job description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country’s largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose:

The Operator III is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a reciprocating engine-based power generation facility consisting of multiple engine-generator units and associated balance-of-plant (BOP) systems. This role performs routine operational activities, monitors plant equipment, and assists in maintaining optimal plant performance while ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and operational requirements.

The Operator III works closely with the Shift Supervisor, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technicians, Maintenance Technicians, OEM representatives, contractors, and vendors to support plant availability, equipment reliability, commissioning activities, startup and shutdown operations, troubleshooting, and planned outages. This position requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound judgment, and a commitment to safe work practices in a high-reliability power generation environment.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

• Safely start, stop, operate, and monitor engine-generator packages and all associated auxiliary equipment in accordance with OEM specifications, plant procedures, and operating limits.
• Monitor plant equipment through the control system and field inspections to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Adjust operating parameters and setpoints within approved OEM and plant guidelines to optimize performance, efficiency, and equipment reliability.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and document operating conditions, equipment status, and abnormalities.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and report equipment malfunctions or abnormal operating conditions to the Shift Supervisor.
• Assist with plant startups, shutdowns, commissioning activities, and planned maintenance outages.
• Coordinate with Maintenance and I&E personnel to safely isolate equipment and return systems to service following maintenance activities.
• Complete operating logs, shift reports, inspections, and other required documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Participate in OEM and company training programs to develop a thorough understanding of plant systems, operating procedures, and equipment capabilities.
• Follow all company safety policies, environmental regulations permit-to-work procedures, lockout/tagout (LOTO), confined space, and other safe work practices.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping throughout the facility to promote a safe and organized work environment.
• Assist contractors, OEM representatives, and vendors while work is performed on site.
• Respond appropriately to plant alarms, emergency situations, and abnormal operating conditions.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to enhance plant safety, reliability, and operational efficiency.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor or Plant Management.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work around high-voltage equipment, rotating machinery, elevated noise levels, and hot surfaces while following all applicable safety procedures.

Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience in industrial operations, manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas, or power generation is preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Basic understanding of mechanical equipment, pumps, compressors, engines, valves, and auxiliary systems.
• Ability to read and interpret operating procedures, equipment manuals, and technical documentation.
• Basic computer skills and ability to use plant monitoring and reporting systems.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
• Ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and respond appropriately.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to learn complex plant systems.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced operating environment.
• Willingness to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, overtime, and respond to emergency callouts as required.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training:

• Technical training or coursework in power generation, industrial operations, mechanical systems, or a related field preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and work at elevated heights.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing.

Additional Information

Benefits: Veolia’s comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off policies, as well as health, dental, vision, life insurance, savings accounts, tuition reimbursement, paid volunteering and more. In addition, employees are also entitled to participate in an employer sponsored 401(k) plan, to save for retirement.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer! All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.