Lead Geothermal Power Plant Operator

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with company 4

Paid vacation, sick leave, and public

Advanced training in geothermal tech

Protective equipment and work attire

Access to fitness facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Geothermal Power Plant Operator to oversee daily operations of a state-of-the-art geothermal facility in Cape Town. The role requires extensive geothermal experience and strong leadership to manage a team of operators, implement SOPs, and uphold safety standards.

You will monitor turbines, generators, control systems, and heat exchangers, ensuring reliable clean energy production and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years in power plant operations with geothermal exposure preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong problem solving and decision making under pressure.
• Experience interpreting P&IDs and equipment manuals.
• Commitment to safety and environmental standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct day-to-day geothermal plant operations.
• Monitor plant systems and equipment for proper function.
• Develop and enforce SOPs and safety protocols.
• Mentor and schedule power plant operators; conduct evaluations.
• Respond to alarms and take corrective actions to minimize downtime.
• Coordinate with maintenance for repairs and inspections.
• Ensure regulatory environmental compliance and reporting.
• Maintain accurate logs of operations and maintenance activities.
• Support commissioning and start-up of new equipment.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in efficiency and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Problem solving

Decision making under pressure

Safety stewardship

Tools

DCS

SCADA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the Cape Town energy market, is seeking an experienced Lead Geothermal Power Plant Operator to oversee the daily operations of their state-of-the-art geothermal facility. This critical role involves ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable production of clean energy from underground thermal resources. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in geothermal energy generation, a strong understanding of power plant systems, and exceptional leadership capabilities. You will be responsible for managing a team of operators, implementing operational procedures, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental compliance. This is a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable energy development in a vibrant and growing sector, contributing directly to the region's energy security and decarbonization efforts. We pride ourselves on fostering a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement within our facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct the day-to-day operations of the geothermal power plant, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Monitor plant systems and equipment, including turbines, generators, heat exchangers, and control systems, for proper functioning.
• Develop, implement, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols.
• Manage and mentor a team of power plant operators, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluations.
• Respond promptly to alarms and abnormal conditions, taking corrective actions to prevent incidents and minimize downtime.
• Conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks on plant equipment, coordinating with maintenance teams for repairs.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and reporting requirements related to geothermal operations.
• Maintain accurate logs and records of plant operations, production data, and maintenance activities.
• Participate in the commissioning and start-up of new plant equipment and modifications.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of plant efficiency, reliability, and safety through data analysis and proactive measures.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in power plant operations, with at least 5 years specifically in geothermal energy.
• Proven experience as an operator or supervisor in a similar industrial environment.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamic principles and geothermal power generation cycles.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and SCADA systems.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities under pressure.
• Commitment to maintaining a high standard of safety and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, and equipment manuals.
• Valid First Aid and safety certifications.
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for advanced training in geothermal technology and operations management.
• Company-provided protective equipment and work attire.
• Access to fitness facilities.
• A unique role in a niche and environmentally focused energy sector in Cape Town.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.