Relief Control Room Operator (CRO)

Located in Niles, Michigan, the Niles Energy Center is a modern 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle facility that provides reliable, efficient power to the regional grid. Powered by two high-efficiency GE 7HA.02 gas turbines and a steam turbine generator, the plant optimizes output and reduces emissions using advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs) and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler. As a model of cleaner thermal generation, the facility supports grid stability and the transition to more sustainable energy.

Opportunity Summary

The Relief Operator / Control Room Operator (CRO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the Niles Energy Center by providing flexible shift coverage and overseeing plant equipment both in the field and from the control room. This position supports daily operations, training, troubleshooting, and administrative tasks while maintaining strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. Ideal for a well-rounded and adaptable operator, this role offers a dynamic work environment with the opportunity to contribute across multiple operational functions.

Your scope of responsibility as Relief Operator / CRO will include the following primary functions:

• Perform the start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine generators, both from the control room and in the field, in compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Operate and monitor plant systems, including combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, as well as balance-of-plant systems such as air, water, fuel, chemical, hydraulic, and electrical.
• Respond to abnormal conditions by initiating corrective action and overriding automatic controls when necessary to maintain equipment within prescribed operating limits.
• Utilize DCS, PLCs, and other control interfaces to adjust plant equipment and processes, ensuring safe and efficient performance across all shifts.
• Provide shift coverage for Control Room Operators (CROs), Operations and Maintenance Technicians (OMTs), or other personnel as directed, including nights, weekends, holidays, and during scheduled or unscheduled absences.
• When not assigned to a shift, maintain a 40-hour workweek supporting operator training, qualification programs, administrative tasks, plant walkdowns, equipment inspections, and general housekeeping under Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager direction.
• Actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs, supporting a strong safety culture and ensuring adherence to all relevant procedures and laws.
• Maintain accurate and timely daily logs and plant records, including parameters such as electrical and steam output, emissions, fuel and water consumption, and heat rate, and participate in effective shift handovers.
• Conduct plant rounds to inspect equipment, collect data, and identify potential issues; report abnormalities and assist in troubleshooting and documentation of plant problems.
• Assist in the development and revision of plant-specific operating procedures and maintain technical documentation, drawings, and maintenance records.
• Support maintenance activities during outages or normal shifts, including Lockout/Tagout procedures, system isolations, and work request preparation.
• Contribute to the overall success of the facility by executing tasks assigned by the O&M Manager and working collaboratively with all plant personnel.
• Execute assigned tasks as assigned by the O&M Manager, contributing to the operational success of the plant.

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 Relief Operator / CRO reports to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager. They collaborate closely with operations and maintenance personnel, occasionally providing guidance to ensure the facility operates safely and reliably.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods, 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 regular work schedule follows a rotating 12-hour shift, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will 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 $46 to $55 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are looking for a skilled Operator with power generation operations experience, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically gained through successful completion of high school or equivalent education. 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.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations with a focus on control room management, system monitoring, and direct operation of combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plants.
• Strong knowledge of plant equipment and systems—including turbine generators, combustion turbines, HRSGs, and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems—with proficiency in startup, operation, shutdown, and electrical system alignment, switching, isolating, and paralleling.
• Thorough understanding of equipment isolation, Lockout Tagout procedures, and plant safety equipment, including their location, purpose, and proper use, complemented by proven experience responding professionally and effectively to abnormal conditions, alarms, and emergencies.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
• Ability to perform basic plant maintenance safely and effectively using standard hand tools, with a proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations and enforcing compliance among team members.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to direct and develop team members effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills combined with strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational abilities to effectively convey information, coordinate across departments, promptly report abnormalities, and efficiently assess and resolve operational issues.
• 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.