Control Room Operator

Title: Control Room Operator

Position Type: Contract

Location: North Carolina

Reports to: Operations Superintendent

Status: Non-Exempt

Key Project Requirements

- 5+ years of experience operating coal-fired power plant systems

- Prior control room experience in a cogeneration or utility-scale power facility

- Familiarity with emissions monitoring and regulatory compliance requirements

- Strong understanding of lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures and power plant safety protocols

Job Summary

NAES is seeking an experienced Control Room Operator to support operations at a cogeneration facility located near Raleigh, NC. Reporting to the Operations Superintendent, the Control Room Operator is responsible for safely operating plant systems from within the control room, ensuring efficient generation, compliance with environmental regulations, and reliable service to campus systems. This role plays a key part in shift operations and plant performance.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

- Safely operate and monitor all plant systems and equipment from the control room, including turbine generators, boilers, pumps, and auxiliaries

- Start up, shut down, and adjust plant equipment according to standard operating procedures and shift instructions

- Communicate with dispatch or load control to meet power and steam demand per operational agreements

- Record and analyze system operating parameters; take corrective actions as needed to maintain plant stability

- Respond to alarms and abnormal conditions; troubleshoot and restore systems to normal operations

- Coordinate equipment isolation and lockout/tagout for maintenance work

- Monitor environmental control systems and ensure emissions remain within permitted limits

- Maintain accurate shift logs, operations data, and communication with plant staff

Job Requirements

- Proven experience operating coal-fired power plant systems; hands-on knowledge of combustion, fuel handling, and ash removal systems

- Prior experience working in a cogeneration facility, with an understanding of combined heat and power (CHP) operations

- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, SOPs, technical manuals, and system schematics

- Proficient in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems

- Demonstrated ability to respond to abnormal plant conditions and make sound decisions under pressure

- Familiarity with environmental regulations and continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS)

Physical Requirements

- Ability to walk, reach, climb, stoop, and lift (up to 75 pounds)

- Ability to work in high-temperature, loud, or confined-space environments typical of power plants

Education / Experience

- High school diploma required.

- 5+ years experience operating coal-fired or cogeneration power plants