Power Plant Control Room Operator

NAES Corporation; Gettysburg (Adams County); On-site; USD 63,548 - 70,602; Full time

Job summary

NAES Corporation is looking for a Control Room Operator (CRO) at the Hunterstown Generation Station in Gettysburg, PA. The CRO monitors plant systems continuously, ensures safe operation, and manages equipment maintenance. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in power plant operations and a strong foundation in power generation. The position offers a competitive hourly wage starting at $46.13, increasing after 6 months, and requires participation in the Fitness for Duty Program.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years’ experience in power plant operations.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations.
• Experience as a process operator, with secondary skills in electrical/instrument and controls.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis.
• Ensure alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared.
• Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures.

Skills

Power generation operations

Water chemistry control

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in power plant technology or related field

Job description

HUNTERSTOWN
1731 Hunterstown Rd
Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA

Shift range: $46.13 - $51.25 per hour. The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job‑related reasons.

Description

The Hunterstown Generation Station is an advanced natural gas‑fired combined cycle power plant with a capacity of 810 MW. It employs three GE 7FB.04 combustion turbines, which effectively convert natural gas into mechanical energy, along with a GE D11 steam turbine that efficiently utilizes waste heat to enhance overall energy output. This configuration ensures optimal efficiency, reliable electricity generation, and minimal environmental impact.

Opportunity Summary

The Hunterstown Control Room Operator (CRO) serves as both Control Room Operator and Outside Operator. This position monitors the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis, ensures alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared, executes plant shutdown and start‑up procedures, and ensures the plant meets its generating requirements while operating safely and efficiently. As the Outside Operator, the CRO ensures all equipment is lubricated and operating in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, technical manuals, and plant management directives.

Scope of Responsibility

• Assists with the start‑up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine/generators.
• Ensures all equipment—combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliaries—operate safely and efficiently.
• Supports NAES Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
• Accepts personal responsibility for own safety and enforces company safety and environmental rules, policies, and procedures.
• Completes the daily log and other plant records accurately and timely, including electrical output, steam output, emissions output, fuel consumed, water consumed, and heat rates.
• Reviews logs and records periodically to ensure tag‑out procedures, equipment status, and administrative systems function effectively.
• Maintains plant operating manuals, technical references, prints, and diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records.
• Communicates plant abnormalities to other personnel and/or management.
• Monitors performance of plant equipment and takes corrective action when alarms are activated.
• Participates in staff training as assigned.
• Follows shift‑relief procedures and ensures accurate presentation of plant issues and concerns; the on‑duty Technician cannot leave until properly relieved.
• Is proficient in operation of all plant equipment and proactively monitors plant systems.
• Assists in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures or anomalies.
• Assists with control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions.
• Supports the Maintenance of plant equipment on normal shifts and during outages as plant status allows.
• Provides support (Lockout/Tagout), equipment identification, troubleshooting, work‑request preparation, or other areas as needed during maintenance activities.
• Completes other tasks requested by the Operations Manager.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES. All employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times, adhere to safety warnings and posted signs while on company property, and follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these responsibilities is a key factor in performance evaluation.

Working Relationships

The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager, and CTO Tech—CRO. The CRO directs operations and maintenance personnel.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms, and lifting up to 50 pounds. The plant environment may involve confined spaces, narrow passages, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Duties may require protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, eye protection, respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame‑resistant clothing, hot gloves, high‑voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply.

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. The position may require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and periodic callouts or on‑call status.

Compensation

Starts at $46.13 per hour, increasing to $51.25 per hour after 6 months of employment.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a skilled Operator with a foundation in power generation operations, proven ability to support team success, and a consistent record of meeting performance standards.

• Completed at least four years of high school, or equivalent; an associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered on a year‑for‑year basis.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in power plant operations.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed‑system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and inspection/recording of plant parameters.
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls.
• Extensive knowledge of the power plant industry.
• Experience as a process operator, with secondary skills in electrical/instrument and controls and/or mechanical maintenance in an operating or generating plant.
• Direct operation experience of a combined‑cycle large‑frame gas turbine power plant is preferred.
• Capability to successfully complete the NAES Operator Qualification Program within the policy‑defined period.
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license in good standing.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors worldwide. Our growing family of companies addresses the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. The practice of NAES is to seek employees of the highest quality and select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable law.

Licenses & Certifications

Driver’s License (valid and unrestricted)

Equal Opportunity Employer: This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.