Power Plant Operator

NAES; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 66,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES in Houston, TX is seeking a Power Plant Operator to ensure safe, reliable, 24/7 power generation. You will monitor turbines, HRSGs, and support systems, perform field rounds, and follow safety procedures.

The role involves rotating 12-hour shifts, working on-site, and collaborating with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering teams. Training and advancement opportunities are available; the position offers competitive pay and benefits.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent; technical training in power plant ops is a plus.
• Experience in power generation or similar operational role preferred.
• Knowledge of HRSGs, turbines, and water chemistry beneficial.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, drawings, and manuals.

Responsibilities

• Operate gas and steam turbines, HRSGs, and generators to support plant ops.
• Follow LOTO, JSAs, and safety procedures.
• Monitor DCS/PLC systems and assess equipment status.
• Record shift logs and instrumentation readings.
• Troubleshoot equipment and assist maintenance.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and vendors.

Skills

DCS proficiency

PLC knowledge

Troubleshooting

Plant operation

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associates in Power Plant Technology (preferred)

Tools

DCS systems

PLC systems

Siemens T3000

Ovation

Job description

• Pay or shift range: $48 USD to $53 USD
  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.
• Operations
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: POWER008175

Description

Channelview Cogeneration is an 851 MW combined-cycle power generation facility located in Houston, Texas. The plant operates in a 4x1 configuration featuring two Siemens 501F-D2 and two Siemens 501F-D3 combustion turbines, four Nooter/Eriksen heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and one Alstom steam turbine generator. The facility is designed to provide efficient, reliable generation while supporting the energy needs of the Houston-area market.

Opportunity Summary

The Power Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of Channelview Cogeneration by monitoring equipment, performing field rounds, operating plant systems, and assisting with troubleshooting and maintenance. Working under the direction of the Operations Supervisor and Control Room Operator, this position supports normal and emergency operations, maintains water chemistry requirements, follows established procedures, and completes required Plant Operator and Head Operator qualifications.

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Operate gas turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, generators, and auxiliary equipment to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations during normal and emergency conditions.
• Follow equipment clearance and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), Work Authorizations, and applicable confined space and hot work permit requirements.
• Monitor DCS and PLC systems, including Siemens T3000, Ovation, and Allen-Bradley platforms, to assess equipment status and identify abnormal operating conditions.
• Align plant equipment, operate manual valves, and adjust plant systems as directed by the Control Room Operator or Operations Supervisor.
• Collect and analyze HRSG water samples and adjust chemical feed as authorized to maintain water quality within established specifications.
• Interpret instrument readings, meters, gauges, and annunciator signals; record operating parameters, shift logs, equipment rounds, and inspection results.
• Troubleshoot equipment and system malfunctions, assist with failure investigations, recommend corrective actions, and identify maintenance needs.
• Prepare and review equipment work requests and assist maintenance personnel with inspections, repairs, preventive maintenance, and performance testing.
• Support emergency response, equipment failure investigations, and other activities involving abnormal plant conditions or operational incidents.
• Complete site-specific Plant Operator qualifications within six months of hire and Head Operator qualifications within two years after completing Plant Operator qualifications.
• Review and revise operating procedures and related documentation to support accurate, consistent plant operations.
• Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, contractors, and vendors to communicate plant conditions and support operational priorities.
• Assist with operator training and cross-training to develop personnel and maintain operational proficiency.
• Monitor the off-loading of aqueous ammonia and other bulk chemicals in accordance with established handling and environmental requirements.
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas, identify hazards, and follow applicable safety, environmental, regulatory, and company requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility.

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 Power Plant Operator reports to the Operations Manager and also receives direction from the Maintenance Manager and Plant Manager. The Power Plant Operator provides direction to other plant personnel as needed to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility.

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 Power Plant Operator 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 $48 to $53 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; additional technical training or education in power plant operations is beneficial.
• Experience as a plant operator or in a similar operational role within a power generation environment, preferably at a combined-cycle facility.
• Working knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear, instrumentation, controls, protective relaying, water chemistry, and auxiliary systems.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical and mechanical drawings, schematic diagrams, operating procedures, and technical manuals.
• Proficiency with DCS, PLC, and plant information systems, including the ability to interpret alarms, evaluate operating data, and recognize abnormal conditions.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting skills, including basic instrument calibration, equipment operation, use of hand and power tools, and evaluation of equipment performance.
• Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical meter readings, perform basic flow and pressure calculations, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.
• Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, for maintenance requests, operational records, and reporting.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently, document equipment conditions, and coordinate with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors.
• 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.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred

Intermediate

Combined Cycle O&M Intermediate

Combustion Turbine O&M Intermediate

Some Knowledge

HRSG - Heat Recovery Steam Generator Intermediate

Steam Turbine O&M Intermediate

Balance of Plant Intermediate

Auxiliary Systems – Pumps, Fans & Motors Intermediate

DCS - Distributed Control System Intermediate

Startup and Shutdown Procedures Intermediate

Water and Steam Chemistry Intermediate

Chemistry Analysis and Testing Intermediate

LOTO - Lockout/Tagout Intermediate

Intermediate

Troubleshooting and Diagnostics Intermediate

Instrumentation Systems and Devices Some Knowledge

Electrical Systems and Equipment Some Knowledge

Chemical Handling and Safety Intermediate

Education

Required

High School or better.

Preferred

Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field.

Experience

Preferred

High school diploma or equivalent preferred; additional technical training or education in power plant operations is beneficial.

Experience as a plant operator or in a similar operational role within a power generation environment, preferably at a combined-cycle facility.

Working knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, transformers, switchgear, instrumentation, controls, protective relaying, water chemistry, and auxiliary systems.

Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical and mechanical drawings, schematic diagrams, operating procedures, and technical manuals.

Proficiency with DCS, PLC, and plant information systems, including the ability to interpret alarms, evaluate operating data, and recognize abnormal conditions.

Demonstrated troubleshooting skills, including basic instrument calibration, equipment operation, use of hand and power tools, and evaluation of equipment performance.

Ability to interpret electrical and mechanical meter readings, perform basic flow and pressure calculations, and recommend appropriate corrective actions.

Familiarity with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word and Excel, for maintenance requests, operational records, and reporting.

Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently, document equipment conditions, and coordinate with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors.

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

Driver's License

Equal Opportunity Employer
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