Water Treatment Operator / Chemistry Technician

The Empire Generating facility is a combined-cycle power plant that utilizes two General Electric (GE) Frame 7FA.03 gas turbines and a General Electric D11 extraction-point steam turbine in a 2x1 configuration. This setup provides a total capacity of 635 megawatts. By integrating gas and steam turbines, the plant maximizes efficiency, ensuring a reliable and substantial power output.

Opportunity Summary

The Water Treatment Operator / Chemistry Technician at Empire Generating Facility plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant’s water and steam systems by performing routine sampling, analysis, and chemical treatment support. This position is responsible for maintaining accurate water chemistry through equipment monitoring, calibrations, and minor maintenance, while also assisting with system troubleshooting and environmental compliance. The role offers a hands-on opportunity to support a range of plant systems during daily operations, outages, and critical transitions.

Your scope of responsibility as Water Treatment Operator / Chemistry Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Responsible for the safe and dependable operating condition of all equipment in the water treatment system, including routine daily checks of cooling towers, closed loops, and demineralizer trains to ensure chemical control programs are functioning properly.
• Work to ensure that water treatment plant operations comply with all regulatory limits, including environmental compliance protocols.
• Perform routine water chemistry sampling and laboratory analysis of condensate, feedwater, HRSG, steam, and auxiliary systems to confirm compliance with established chemistry standards.
• Maintain logs and documentation as assigned, updating digital plant systems with accurate records of sample results, calibrations, chemical use, and compliance activities.
• Report any abnormal or irregular conditions to the Lead O&M Technician and take corrective measures as required and/or directed within the scope of defined operating instructions.
• Assist maintenance personnel during scheduled maintenance periods by providing general support to help ensure safe, efficient, and coordinated execution of maintenance activities.
• Set-up, troubleshoot and repair of liquid pumps, valves, air pumps, analyzers, and all other water treatment system equipment.
• Monitor and trend water chemistry data from both online analyzers and laboratory instrumentation, providing direction to Lead O&M Technicians and O&M Technicians on necessary adjustments to the water chemistry program and environmental effluents.
• Assist in providing training and guidance to operations staff on proper sampling techniques, safe chemical handling procedures, and water treatment system operation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager or plant leadership to support overall plant objectives.

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 Water Treatment Operator / Chemistry Technician reports to the O&M Manager and takes general direction from plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel as it pertains to the safe and efficient operation 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 Water Treatment Operator / Chemistry Technician 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.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $35 to $45 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a Chemistry Technician with a background in chemistry, water treatment systems, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will have progressive experience, preferably in industrial or power generation environments.

• Associate degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent military or industrial experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Able to obtain any necessary licenses or certifications required for the position.
• Proven experience in water treatment operations, including water chemistry control and chemical handling, with preferred knowledge of combined cycle power plants and their specific water treatment systems.
• Experience operating and maintaining water treatment equipment and online/laboratory chemistry analyzers, including pH, conductivity, silica, sodium, and dissolved oxygen instruments.
• Working knowledge of steam cycle water chemistry, including treatment chemicals for combined cycle and HRSG systems, corrosion and scaling control principles, and familiarity with high-pressure chemistry programs such as oxygen scavenger, AVT, and phosphate treatment.
• Practical knowledge of generation and boiler operations, closed steam systems, process controls, and reading piping and instrument schematics.
• Awareness of environmental compliance requirements for wastewater, effluent, and stormwater discharges.
• Strong commitment to safe work practices, including PPE use, chemical handling, SDS compliance, and hazardous waste management.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, plant data systems, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), and CMMS/asset management software.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, able to maintain accurate records and convey technical information effectively.
• 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.