Control Room Operator (CRO)

The Ferndale Cogeneration Facility in Ferndale, WA, is a 2x1 combined cycle natural gas power plant that also supplies process steam to a neighboring refinery. It incorporates two GE 7EA combustion turbines paired with a GE steam turbine, collectively generating 270 MW of electricity. This integrated setup exemplifies efficiency and synergy in power generation through its dual turbine configuration and steam supply capability.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) is responsible for monitoring the status of all plant systems on a continuous basis. The CRO ensures that alarms and upset conditions are properly cleared by taking appropriate corrective actions; executes plant start-up and shut down procedures, as required, and ensures that the plant meets its generating requirements while operating in a safe and efficient manner.

Primary Duties

• Operate, monitor, inspect, and control all power plant parameters from the Control Room DCS to ensure safe and effective operations in alignment with marketing and system control directives.
• Start up, operate, and shut down plant equipment, including turbines, generators, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems.
• Proactively monitor equipment performance, responding to alarms and taking corrective actions to maintain optimal operation.
• Report anomalies or upset conditions to the Operations Manager or Lead Control Room Operator, assisting in troubleshooting and diagnosing issues.
• Maintain the plant’s Operating Log, records, and issue Lock-out/Tag-outs to ensure accurate documentation and safe operation.
• Respond to dispatchers' orders for electrical generation and transmission, operating within design limitations to meet production goals.
• Regulate load and operating conditions on plant systems, including turbines, generators, fuel, and steam systems.
• Perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and safeguard equipment as necessary.
• Oversee plant water chemistry and direct adjustments to maintain stability and compliance.
• Provide guidance to Plant Operators (POs) and maintain your qualification to perform PO duties as needed.
• Ensure safe working conditions, overseeing personnel safety and promoting safe work habits.
• Enter work orders for deficiencies into the CMMS and update inventories during your shift.
• Support and participate in NAES Safety and Regulatory Compliance Programs.
• Complete additional tasks as directed by the Operations Manager or Lead Control Room Operator.

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. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The CRO reports to the Operations Manager and provides work direction to, as well as performance oversight of Operations personnel. The CRO may also give direction to maintenance personnel on matters pertaining to plant operations and responds to direction from the Plant Manager in the absence of the Operations Manager.

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. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Control Room Operator follows a rotating 12-hour shift on a modified DuPont schedule to ensure continuous coverage and smooth shift transitions. This position may occasionally require extended hours and flexible shifts, including weekends and holidays, in response to operational schedules, workload demands, or plant conditions. Periodic callouts or "on-call" status may also be required.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $53.78 to $57.99 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

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 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.
• Experience as a Control Room Operator or in an equivalent position in an operating or generating plant is preferred. Direct experience with combined cycle large frame gas turbine power plants is highly preferred.
• Extensive working knowledge of the power plant industry is highly desirable.
• Experience in water chemistry control, water condition analysis, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements is strongly desired.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system generation, industrial safety practices, hazardous waste management, and plant parameter inspection/recording is highly desirable.
• Experience with piping and instrument schematics and process controls is advantageous.
• Experience in reading and interpreting DCS logic is beneficial.
• Must possess excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills.
• 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 the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, 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 basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.