Operations Supervisor

Major Oak Power Station is a 305-megawatt lignite-fired facility located in Robertson County near Bremond, Texas—approximately 150 miles south of Dallas and 160 miles northwest of Houston. The plant employs circulating fluidized-bed (CFB) combustion technology to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions, including nitrogen oxides (NOx). To further control pollutants, crushed limestone is introduced into the combustion process, significantly lowering sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, and supporting more environmentally responsible power generation.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Supervisor at the Major Oak Power Station plays a key role by ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility while driving continuous improvement in plant processes and compliance programs. Key responsibilities include managing emergency response plans, supervising and developing operations staff, and maintaining operational readiness. The Operations Supervisor also ensures strict adherence to safety and environmental standards while coordinating with key stakeholders to sustain optimal plant performance.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Supervisor will include the following primary functions:

- Direct operations personnel in daily duties to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the lignite-fired CFB power plant.

- Report plant conditions—normal, abnormal, or emergency—to plant management, and take corrective actions in accordance with established policies or as directed.

- Communicate issues with the coal mine and present solutions to the Operations crews.

- Monitor and maintain lignite, limestone, and ammonia inventories; order limestone and ammonia as needed.

- Track daily and monthly natural gas consumption and costs; order natural gas for unit startups and shutdowns.

- Develop long-term departmental goals to promote effectiveness and efficiency.

- Communicate and implement changes in policies, procedures, computer operations, and equipment requirements as they affect departmental activities.

- Review daily logs and reports; submit applicable reports to upper management.

- Monitor unit performance and recommend operational or equipment changes to improve efficiency.

- Track daily output and availability.

- Compile information and prepare written reports and documents in a clear, concise, and effective manner.

- Assume the responsibilities of the Plant Manager when delegated in his absence.

- Ensure compliance with NERC Reliability Standards and ERCOT Nodal Operating Guides and Protocols to maintain grid stability, operational integrity, and compliant market participation.

- Ensure compliance with applicable PUC standards governing utility operations and customer obligations.

- Ensure compliance with OSHA and environmental safety regulations to protect personnel, equipment, and the environment.

- Ensure compliance with RRC regulations through proper maintenance of the natural gas pipeline.

- Support inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance of the natural gas meter station and pressure reduction stations.

- Coordinate activities with outside contractors as assigned.

- Maintain high morale and motivation among operations personnel by addressing employee concerns promptly and effectively.

- Prepare employees for greater responsibilities and contribute to plant-wide succession planning.

- Assist with recruiting, screening, and hiring operations personnel to maintain a skilled and competent workforce.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

- Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).

- Address safety in all group meetings.

- Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.

- Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.

- Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.

- Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.

- Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.

- Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.

- Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The Operations Supervisor reports to the Plant Manager and is responsible for overseeing O&M personnel, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant and its related processes.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Work is performed in a lignite-fired power plant environment and includes standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, and working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights. Regular lifting of materials and equipment up to 50 pounds is required.

Duties may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling coal, ash, and other materials associated with plant operations. Personnel may be exposed to coal dust, fly ash, hazardous chemicals, high noise levels, extreme heat near boilers and other equipment, and fluctuating outdoor weather conditions.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include hard hats, safety glasses, face shields, air-purifying or supplied-air respirators, hearing protection, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), chemical-resistant suits, hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection equipment. Respirator fit testing may be required based on job responsibilities. Smoking is restricted to designated areas throughout 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 Operations Supervisor works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours.

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.

Some travel will be required to participate in manager, owner, user group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $120,000 to $140,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are looking for a results-oriented supervisor with experience in the operations and maintenance of lignite-fired power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited university, or a high school diploma with 10 years of equivalent experience in power plant operations.

- Strong knowledge of plant design, performance, and overall power plant operations.

- Comprehensive understanding of coal-fired power plant operations and performance.

- Ability to plan, direct, train, and support the work of others effectively.

- Solid knowledge of environmental laws and regulations applicable to fossil-fired power plant operations.

- Experience with fuel supply agreements and other contracts as they relate to power plant operations.

- Well-developed communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential for effective collaboration with management, staff, and external contractors, ensuring smooth operations and resolution of any issues.

- 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 looking for a results-oriented supervisor with experience in the operations and maintenance of lignite-fired power generating facilities, coupled with a track record of leadership, career development, and operational success.

- Bachelor’s degree in an engineering discipline from an accredited university, or a high school diploma with 10 years of equivalent experience in power plant operations.

- Strong knowledge of plant design, performance, and overall power plant operations.

- Comprehensive understanding of coal-fired power plant operations and performance.

- Ability to plan, direct, train, and support the work of others effectively.

- Solid knowledge of environmental laws and regulations applicable to fossil-fired power plant operations.

- Experience with fuel supply agreements and other contracts as they relate to power plant operations.

- Well-developed communication skills—both verbal and written—are essential for effective collaboration with management, staff, and external contractors, ensuring smooth operations and resolution of any issues.

Education

Required

- High School or better

Preferred

- Bachelors or better in Power Plant Technology or related field

- Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field

Licenses & Certifications

Required

- Driver's License

Skills

Preferred

- Safety Statutes and Regulations

- Safety Policies and Procedures

- Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance

- Boilers

- Control Room Operations

- Team building

- Power Plant Operations

- Power Plant Fundamentals

- Power Generation

- O&M - Operations & Maintenance

- NERC

- CMMS

- Environmental Awareness

- Environmental

- Leadership

- OSHA Regulations

Behaviors

Preferred

- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group

- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject

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.