Lead Control Room Operator - Cpv Fairview

The Fairview Energy Center is among the world's most advanced natural gas combined cycle power plants. It features GE's Frame 7HA.02 Gas Turbines in conjunction with a GE Steam Turbine. In 2020, the facility received recognition as Power Magazine's Top U.S. Facility. Situated approximately 87 miles north of Johnstown and 87 miles east of Pittsburgh, the plant is nestled in the Laurel Highlands, known for its hardwood forests, pristine trout streams, and thriving whitetail deer population.

Opportunity Summary

The Lead Control Room Operator is responsible for coordinating the operational activities performed on shift without oversight. This position requires making operating decisions based on plant procedures, environmental regulations, safety procedures, and using good judgment based on operating data.

Activities associated with this role will include the following primary functions:

• Communicate plant issues and keep the Operations Manager and/or Plant Manager fully informed of unusual conditions, damaged equipment, and current job progress as the job relates to facility operations.
• Direct other team members to perform everyday operational activities.
• Provide guidance, develop, and implement programs, and lead qualification training effort for the Operations team to operate and maintain a combined cycle generating facility and all associated auxiliary and support equipment.
• Display proficiency at operating the plant through the Distributed Control System (DCS).
• Visually inspect and listen to equipment at periodic intervals to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment, or lubrication.
• Monitor electronic round logs for accuracy, completeness, or developing operational issues on a routine basis; oversee changes to electronic logs as needed.
• Utilize PI-Process Book to review and analyze data to identify performance or reliability issues with plant equipment.
• Provide oversight for the HRSG cycle chemistry and cooling water systems to ensure water chemistry is within proper control ranges. Work with Operators and water treatment vendor to properly monitor overall chemistry program and adjust as needed.
• Provide oversight for the demineralized water system in accordance with OEM and plant procedures and monitor demineralized water to ensure quality is within acceptable limits.
• Review chemical inventory levels and coordinate the ordering and delivery of the chemicals.
• Use the plant computerized maintenance management system (Maximo) to enter and plan work orders, purchase requisitions, and research and control inventory levels.
• Plan, schedule, and manage the execution of outage projects as assigned by the Operations Manager.
• Direct contractors as needed for the repair of plant equipment.
• Diagnose cause of mechanical malfunction or failure of plant operating equipment.
• Act as a champion for continuous improvement in the plant. Will occasionally attend offsite conferences or training classes applicable to the plant.
• Read, understand, and comply with all regulatory procedures, facility safety programs and follow all plant environmental permits.
• Other duties as assigned.

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 and every employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Lead CRO reports to the Operations Manager, provides guidance and advice to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations and gives direction to Control Room Operators and Plant Operators.

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

Regular work schedule is Monday to Friday, during regular day shift hours, 7:00am to 3:30pm. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required. Available off hours including weekends to assist with diagnosing plant issues or directing plant startup activities.

Compensation

Initial compensation will range between $46.50 to $50.50 per hour

Job Qualifications

• Educational Background: The ability to comprehend procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment, equivalent to that typically acquired during four years of high school. An Associate Degree in a technical field is desirable.
• Professional Experience: Prior experience as a Control Room Operator at a combined-cycle large frame gas turbine facility is required.
• Power Plant Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of power plant operations, with a focus on combined cycle generation, and the capability to make competent decisions during emergency situations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for tasks such as writing technical operating procedures, work requests, purchase requisitions, clear task communication, and personnel training.
• Water Chemistry: Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and knowledge of chemical handling requirements is mandatory.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in working with computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and computerized Lockout-Tagout (LOTO) Programs is essential.
• Additional Expertise: Highly desirable qualifications include theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion turbine operations, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and inspection/recording of plant parameters.
• Instrumentation Skills: The ability to read meters, gauges, or automatic devices to record operating data, such as temperature, vibration, pressure, and fluid levels, for verification of operating conditions.
• Technical Documentation: Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls is considered desirable.
• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical equipment is desired. 
• Must possess or 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.