Control Room Operator

The Altavista Biomass Power Station is a notable renewable energy facility located within the Lynchburg, Virginia metro region, in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility has a capacity of 51 MW and is equipped with two B&W boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator working in synergy to generate electricity from biomass feedstocks. NAES has an operating history of more than 17 years with the regulated electric utility that owns the station. The plant’s electrical generation is included as a valuable resource in the utility’s long-range plans.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. The CRO responds to alarms by taking appropriate corrective actions and executes plant shut-down and start-up procedures as required. The CRO assures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe and efficient manner.

Primary Functions

• Operate under the direction of the Shift Supervisor for all aspects of plant operations.
• Operate the plant and all associated equipment through the DCS system to ensure operation within specified parameters.
• Regulate the load on the boilers and turbine(s) to maintain proper steam temperature, system pressures, feed-water supply and fuel supply.
• Monitor plant operations, making adjustments as needed to optimize performance.
• Monitor the operations of emissions control equipment and adjust to meet State and Federal permits.
• Troubleshoot equipment that fails during operation to provide assistance to the maintenance technicians in identifying required repairs.
• Perform proficiency watches outside the Control Room as required.
• Effectively communicate plant status to the plant team as required.
• Maintain the Control Room clean and safe.
• Maintain accurate records of plant operations. Keep electronic logs as directed.
• Review and analyze records for pending failures.
• Conduct plant startups and shutdowns.
• Conduct weekly and monthly checklists.
• Train Plant Technicians in plant DCS operations. Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Shift Supervisor and/or the Operations Manager.
• Make all NERC required entries in the Operating Log.
• Approve and issue lockout/tagouts as required.
• Receive and respond to electrical and steam orders and requests.
• Operate control panels to perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and safeguard station equipment.
• Provide direction to Plant Operators to effect changes in plant conditions and chemistry.
• Complete other tasks as assigned by the O&M Manager or Shift Supervisor.
• All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer’s needs are being met.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The CRO reports to the Shift Supervisor and may receive direction from the O&M Manager. The CRO provides work direction to, as well as performance oversight of, the Plant Operators. The CRO may also give direction to maintenance and fuels personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The schedule comprises a rotation of 4 days on followed by 4 days off, alternating between day and night shifts. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $38 to $45 per hour.

Job Qualifications

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. Associate Degree in a technical field desirable.
• Minimum two years experience as a Plant Equipment Operator or equivalent position in an operating or generating plant required.
• Startups and Shutdowns: Experience in conducting plant startups and shutdowns safely and efficiently, following established procedures to maintain plant integrity and performance.
• Proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Ability to operate and navigate DCS systems efficiently to control plant operations and equipment.

• Boiler and Turbine Operation: Experience in regulating load on boilers and turbines to maintain optimal steam temperature, system pressures, and fuel supply, ensuring smooth plant operation.

• Emissions Control Equipment Monitoring: Knowledge of emissions control equipment operation and adjustment to meet State and Federal permits, ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Troubleshooting Skills: Ability to troubleshoot equipment failures during operation and assist maintenance technicians in identifying required repairs, minimizing downtime.

• Record Keeping and Analysis: Proficiency in maintaining accurate records of plant operations, including electronic logs, and analyzing records for pending failures to ensure operational efficiency.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to 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 affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.

Experience

Preferred

• Minimum two years experience as a Plant Equipment Operator or equivalent position in an operating or generating plant required.
• Startups and Shutdowns: Experience in conducting plant startups and shutdowns safely and efficiently, following established procedures to maintain plant integrity and performance.
• Proficiency with Distributed Control Systems (DCS): Ability to operate and navigate DCS systems efficiently to control plant operations and equipment.
• Boiler and Turbine Operation: Experience in regulating load on boilers and turbines to maintain optimal steam temperature, system pressures, and fuel supply, ensuring smooth plant operation.
• Emissions Control Equipment Monitoring: Knowledge of emissions control equipment operation and adjustment to meet State and Federal permits, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Troubleshooting Skills: Ability to troubleshoot equipment failures during operation and assist maintenance technicians in identifying required repairs, minimizing downtime.
• Record Keeping and Analysis: Proficiency in maintaining accurate records of plant operations, including electronic logs, and analyzing records for pending failures to ensure operational efficiency.

Education

Preferred

• Technical/other training or better in Power Plant Technology or related field
• High School or better

Licenses & Certifications

Required

• Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

• Control Room Operations
• Power Plant Operations
• Power Plant Fundamentals
• Safety Policies and Procedures
• Startup
• DCS - Distributed Control System
• Steam Turbine
• Boilers
• Controls
• Troubleshooting
• Communication

Behaviors

Preferred

• Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group