Situated in Ludington, Michigan, the Michigan Power facility is a 125 MW 1x1 combined cycle cogeneration plant featuring a single Frame 7EA gas turbine. This advanced facility efficiently generates electricity through a sophisticated combined cycle process, showcasing innovation in power generation. Positioned strategically and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it plays a crucial role in meeting regional energy demands, highlighting advancements in sustainable and reliable power generation.
Opportunity Summary
The Control Room Operator at the Michigan Power Facility is responsible for continuously monitoring the status of all plant systems. This position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are addressed promptly by taking appropriate corrective actions. The CRO also executes plant shutdown and start-up procedures as needed and ensures the plant meets its generating requirements while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Additionally, the CRO ensures that all equipment functions properly by adhering to approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals, and operating directives from plant management.
Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator will include the following primary functions:
•Perform start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine generators, following safety and operational standards.
•Operate and monitor combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, regulating controls to maintain steam temperature, pressure, feedwater, fuel supply, and efficient combustion, while responding to alarms and coordinating with team members.
•Maintain proficiency in operating all plant equipment and proactively monitor systems for potential issues.
•Complete and maintain daily logs and plant records, including electrical output, steam output, emissions, fuel and water consumption, and heat rates accurately and timely.
•Periodically review logs and records to ensure effective tag-out procedures, equipment status, and administrative controls.
•Maintain plant manuals, technical references, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records as needed.
•Conduct thorough and accurate shift handovers, presenting plant issues and concerns to incoming personnel.
•Report plant abnormalities and upset conditions promptly to the Operations and/or Maintenance Manager, assisting with containment, corrective actions, and coordination with the technical team.
•Perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and protect station equipment, responding swiftly and safely to disturbances.
•Participate in troubleshooting and diagnosis of equipment failures or anomalies with the technical team.
•Approve and issue hazardous work permits, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and regulations.
•Uphold personal accountability for safety by adhering to all company safety and environmental policies and actively participating in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs to support a strong safety culture.
•Receive and respond to marketing dispatcher orders and requests following facility guidelines.
•Provide guidance to team members during operational changes, including plant conditions and chemistry adjustments.
•Assist in staff training and development to improve operational competency.
•Support maintenance during shifts and outages by assisting with Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, troubleshooting, and work request preparation, collaborating with maintenance teams for effective repairs.
•Execute tasks assigned by the Operations and/or Maintenance Manager to support 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.
Working Relationships
The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and responds to directions from the Maintenance Manager, and Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the reliable operations of the facility.
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 work schedule consists of 12-hour rotating shifts, with 7 consecutive day shifts followed by 7 consecutive days off, then 7 consecutive night shifts followed by another 7 consecutive days off. 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 ranging from $30 to $35 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.
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 acquired through four years of high school. 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, with exposure to control room activities and system monitoring. Familiarity or interest in combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant operations is preferred.
•Basic understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion and steam turbines, HRSGs, closed system steam generation, industrial safety practices, hazardous waste handling, and recording of plant parameters.
•Develop troubleshooting skills with a willingness to learn how to identify, diagnose, and escalate equipment and operational issues under guidance.
•Exposure to water chemistry control, water condition analysis, water treatment operations, and safe chemical handling.
•Proficiency with computer applications and software used for plant operations, logging, and reporting.
•Commitment to safety and environmental compliance, with a willingness to learn and help ensure adherence to regulations and company policies.
•Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication abilities to maintain accurate plant records, convey information clearly, and collaborate with team members and supervisors while actively listening and following instructions.
•Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring 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.
Experience
Preferred
•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 acquired through four years of high school. 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, with exposure to control room activities and system monitoring. Familiarity or interest in combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant operations is preferred.
•Basic understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion and steam turbines, HRSGs, closed system steam generation, industrial safety practices, hazardous waste handling, and recording of plant parameters.
•Develop troubleshooting skills with a willingness to learn how to identify, diagnose, and escalate equipment and operational issues under guidance.
•Exposure to water chemistry control, water condition analysis, water treatment operations, and safe chemical handling.
•Proficiency with computer applications and software used for plant operations, logging, and reporting.
•Commitment to safety and environmental compliance, with a willingness to learn and help ensure adherence to regulations and company policies.
•Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and effective communication abilities to maintain accurate plant records, convey information clearly, and collaborate with team members and supervisors while actively listening and following instructions.
Education
Required
Preferred
•Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Skills
Preferred
•Safety Policies and Procedures
•O&M - Operations & Maintenance
•Power Plant Fundamentals
•Electrical Hazard Awareness
•Rotating Machinery/Equipment
•Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
Preferred
•Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
•Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
•Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.