Control Room Operator (CRO)

The Gilbert Generating Station, located on a 232-acre site along the Delaware River in Hunterdon County, features a 288 MW four-on-one natural gas combined-cycle unit and a 152 MW oil/gas-fired simple-cycle peaking turbine. Originally commissioned in the 1920s as a coal-fired facility, the plant was converted to oil in 1970 and later transitioned to natural gas, reflecting its evolution in response to changing energy demands and fuel availability.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. As the CRO, this position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared by taking appropriate corrective actions; executes plant shutdown and start-up procedures, as required, and ensures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe and efficient manner. As the CRO, this position ensures that all equipment is operating properly in accordance with approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals and operating directives from plant management.

Your scope of responsibility as CRO includes the following primary functions:

- Assist in the start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine/generators.

- Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all equipment, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliaries.

- Fully support and actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs.

- Accept personal responsibility for own safety, adhering to, supporting, and helping enforce all company safety and environmental rules, policies, and procedures.

- Completes the daily log and other plant records promptly and accurately, covering electrical output, steam output, emissions output, fuel consumed, water consumed, and heat rates.

- Conduct periodic reviews of logs and records to ensure the effective functioning of tag-out procedures, equipment status, and designated administrative systems.

- Participate in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records.

- Communicate plant abnormalities to other plant personnel and management.

- Monitor the performance of plant equipment, taking appropriate corrective action as required when alarms are activated.

- As needed, direct the work of others to assist with tasks.

- Participate in staff training as assigned.

- Follow shift relief procedures, ensuring accurate and complete presentation and delivery of all plant issues and concerns. The on-duty Technician cannot leave until properly relieved.

- Be proficient in the operation of all plant equipment, proactively monitoring all plant equipment and systems.

- Assist in troubleshooting technical issues and diagnosing equipment failures/anomalies.

- Assist with control measures during plant upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective actions.

- Support the maintenance of plant equipment on normal shifts and during outages as plant status allows.

- Actively support the Maintenance Team in the execution of maintenance plans by providing support LOTO (Lockout/Tagout), equipment identification, troubleshooting, work request preparation, or other areas as needed.

- Complete other tasks as requested by the Operations Manager.

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 Operations Manager, and Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to operations personnel.

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 Control Room Operator primarily works a rotating day-shift schedule, with occasional night shifts as needed. 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 will also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of either $46.09 or $51.27 per hour, depending on qualifications, in accordance with the CBA.

Core Qualifications and Skills

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.

- Must currently possess a State of New Jersey Blue Seal Stationary Engineer’s License or be able to obtain one within 12 months of hire.

- An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

- Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a focus on control room management and system monitoring. Preferred experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant.

- Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and HRSGs.

- Theoretical and practical knowledge of thermodynamic processes and turbine principles, closed system steam generation, safety protocols, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant operating parameters.

- Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements is required.

- Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable.

- Must be able to successfully complete the Operator Qualification Program in policy defined period.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to management and team members.

- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure 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.

- Must currently possess a State of New Jersey 'Blue Seal' Engineer's License or be able to obtain one within 12 months of hire.

- An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field is preferred. Alternatively, equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and control is beneficial, though not required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

- Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a focus on control room management and system monitoring. Preferred experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plant.

- Strong understanding of plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, and HRSGs.

- Theoretical and practical knowledge of thermodynamic processes and turbine principles, closed system steam generation, safety protocols, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant operating parameters.

- Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations and chemical handling requirements is required.

- Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls desirable.

- Must be able to successfully complete the Operator Qualification Program in policy defined period.

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to management and team members.

Education

Required

- High School or better

Licenses & Certifications

Required

- Driver's License

Preferred

- NJ BlueS 3rdC 1C Stat Eng

Skills

Preferred

- Control Room Operations

- Power Plant Operations

- Power Plant Fundamentals

- Power Generation

- Startup

- Combustion Turbine

- Steam Turbine

- Safety Statutes and Regulations

- Safety Policies and Procedures

- Hazardous Waste Management

- Piping&Instrumentation Schematics-Read&Interp

- Piping & Instrumentation Design (P&ID)

Behaviors

Preferred

- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

- Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well

- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

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.