Power Plant Utility Operator

NAES; City of North Tonawanda (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility in North Tonawanda, NY, seeks a Power Plant Utility Operator in training to become Auxiliary Plant Operator. You will participate in shift operations and maintenance, including start-up/shutdown of the gas turbine, HRSG, and steam turbine, while prioritizing safety.

You will conduct routine plant tours, assist with chemical handling, perform preventive maintenance, and collaborate across departments to support reliable service for the region’s energy

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree preferred in power plant tech or engineering.
• Some experience in power plant operations/maintenance, ideally in a combined-cycle environment.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical equipment, GE Frame 6 turbine and HRSG is a plus.
• Understanding of physics, math, thermodynamics, and chemistry fundamentals.
• A valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the training program and work toward qualification as an Auxiliary Plant Operator.
• Perform shift operations and maintenance, including start-up and shutdown of main gas turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, and critical auxiliary systems.
• Conduct routine plant tours to inspect equipment and provide feedback to the Control Room Operator and other personnel.
• Perform equipment switching and tagging in accordance with approved procedures and sound operational practices.
• Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all plant systems and equipment; assist with corrective maintenance tasks when properly trained or supervised.
• Assist with the safe and accurate offloading of bulk chemicals used in plant operations.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Comply with site safety requirements and procedures; identify and address safety hazards promptly.
• Communicate effectively with site personnel and company staff at other locations to coordinate operations and share information.
• Collaborate with team members across departments to support the facility in reliably serving the region’s energy needs.
• Handle recurring work situations of moderate to high complexity, with occasional variations from standard practices.

Skills

Power plant operations

Electrical & mechanical systems

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in power plant technology or related field

Tools

Hand tools

Pneumatic tools

Rigging equipment

Job description

The North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility, located in North Tonawanda, NY, is a 55-megawatt combined-cycle cogeneration plant. It features one GE Frame 6 gas turbine generator, one HRSG (Heat Recovery Steam Generator), and one GE steam turbine generator, all supported by a diverse array of essential auxiliary equipment. This facility not only ensures efficient and reliable power generation but also serves as a vital source of electricity for the surrounding area, contributing to the region's energy needs.

Opportunity Summary

The Power Plant Utility Operator at the North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility is responsible for participating in a training program to become a qualified Auxiliary Plant Operator. This role involves performing shift operations and maintenance activities, including the startup and shutdown of plant components, as well as conducting routine plant tours to ensure equipment is operating properly—all while prioritizing safety. Additionally, the Utility Operator assists with chemical handling and equipment switching, maintains housekeeping standards, and performs preventive maintenance. The Utility Operator also collaborates with team members and departments to support the facility’s operational goals, working under established procedures and occasionally addressing complex situations.

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Utility Operator includes the following primary functions:

• Participate in the training program and work toward qualification as an Auxiliary Plant Operator at the North Tonawanda Cogeneration facility.
• Demonstrate continued improvement in proficiency while working toward full qualification, developing familiarity with the plant’s combined-cycle systems, and supporting auxiliary equipment.
• Follow established and well-documented procedures under general supervision.
• Perform all station shift operations and maintenance, including start-up and shutdown of the main gas turbine, steam turbine, HRSG, and critical auxiliary systems.
• Conduct routine plant tours to inspect equipment and provide feedback to the Control Room Operator and other personnel.
• Perform equipment switching and tagging in accordance with approved procedures and sound operational practices.
• Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all plant systems and equipment; assist with corrective maintenance tasks when properly trained or supervised.
• Assist with the safe and accurate offloading of bulk chemicals used in plant operations.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards throughout the facility to ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures; identify and address safety hazards promptly.
• Communicate effectively with site personnel and company staff at other locations to coordinate operations and share information.
• Collaborate with team members across departments to support the facility in reliably serving the region’s energy needs.
• Handle recurring work situations of moderate to high complexity, with occasional variations from standard practices, in a facility that plays a vital role in the local energy infrastructure.
• Perform other duties as required to support daily plant operations.

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.

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 regular work schedule follows a rotating 12-hour shift, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of $34 per hour.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a skilled Operator with a foundation in power generation operations, along with a proven ability to support team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically gained through successful completion of high school or equivalent education. An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Some experience in power plant operations and/or maintenance—particularly in a combined-cycle environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling systems, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, and both AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, is desired. Experience with components such as a GE Frame 6 gas turbine and a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) is a plus.
• Understanding of fundamental principles in physics, mathematics, AC/DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
• Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices commonly used in power plant operations.
• Ability to use basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings.
• 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants. NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.