Major Oak is a 305 megawatt lignite-fired power plant in Robertson County, near Bremond, Texas, about 150 miles south of Dallas and 160 miles northwest of Houston. The plant uses circulating fluidized-bed combustion technology that minimizes emissions and reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx). The injection of crushed limestone in the process is used to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions.
Opportunity Summary
The Auxiliary Plant Operator (APO) is critically tasked with overseeing the safe and efficient operation of plant equipment and systems, including routine maintenance and emergency response activities. The APO is responsible for monitoring equipment performance, making adjustments as needed, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards to prevent downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
Additionally, the APO is expected to prioritize working towards qualification as a Control Room Operator (CRO) by pursuing relevant training and gaining the necessary experience, further supporting plant operations and career development.
Primary Duties
- Adheres to all safety procedures, including lock-out/tag-out protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to ensure a safe working environment.
- Prioritizes qualifying as a Control Room Operator (CRO) by seeking relevant training and gaining necessary experience.
- Operates plant equipment safely and efficiently, minimizing risks to personnel and equipment while following safety standards.
- Maintains plant equipment at peak efficiency, performing necessary adjustments and repairs to meet operational targets.
- Enhances plant profitability by reducing waste and maintaining high productivity levels.
- Performs maintenance activities promptly and accurately to ensure equipment reliability and prevent downtime.
- Prepares and maintains detailed equipment and operational logs, ensuring clear and professional documentation.
- Reads and responds to written instructions and logbook notations, aligning actions with operational and safety guidelines.
- Keeps accurate readings, records, and reports to support effective plant operations and compliance.
- Participates in daily preventive and corrective maintenance activities, ensuring safe and timely completion.
- Assists with plant clean-up and housekeeping as needed to maintain a clean and organized work environment.
- Understands and follows regulatory requirements to ensure compliance with all relevant standards.
- Builds strong working relationships with teammates, team leaders, technical experts, and engineers for a collaborative work environment.
- Operates station vehicles, including forklifts, trucks, and cranes, safely and efficiently.
- Reviews manuals and develops troubleshooting procedures for equipment to resolve issues effectively.
- Uses plant drawings, blueprints, and manuals to support maintenance and operational tasks.
- Understands equipment layout and plant systems to facilitate effective operation and maintenance.
- Reports any anomalies or issues in plant status to the Shift Supervisor for timely resolution.
- Makes accurate entries in the Operating Log and manages tag-outs as required.
- Responds to orders and requests from dispatchers promptly, supporting effective plant operations.
- Performs emergency operations to maintain electric service and protect equipment during critical situations.
- Provides information to the Control Room Operator (CRO) to support changes in plant conditions and chemistry.
- Conducts routine equipment inspections and rounds to maintain efficiency and prevent issues.
- Performs additional duties as needed to support plant operations and objectives.
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 employees performance.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility. Working conditions include outside in cold and hot weather for periods of time.
Fitness for Duty
All employees 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 regular work schedule follows a 12-hour rotating Dupont schedule. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. “On call” status will periodically be required.
Compensation
Initial starting compensation will range from $32 to $38 per hour.
Job Qualifications
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A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience in plant operations, maintenance, and repair can substitute for formal education.
- Experience in a power plant environment is desired, preferably as an Auxiliary Operator, Plant Operator, Outside Operator, or in an equivalent position.
- Familiarity with power plant equipment, such as motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc.
- Basic understanding of fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
- Proficiency in reading and comprehending mechanical and electrical drawings, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, schematics, and logic diagrams.
- Awareness of power plant safety procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, high-energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment operation.
- Comprehensive insight into maintenance functions and power plant systems, coupled with the ability to effectively understand, apply, and implement plant procedures.
- Capability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plant and material handling equipment.
- Skill in using basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, basic rigging such as winches, hoists, and slings, and implements such as lances, shovels, and pry bars.
- Ability to recognize hazards, anticipate accidents, and implement corrective measures and policies to avoid them.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), GPi Learning Module, and CMMS MP2 Module.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License 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.
Preferred
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree or technical certification in industrial maintenance, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field is preferred. Relevant experience in plant operations, maintenance, and repair can substitute for formal education.
- Experience in a power plant environment is desired, preferably as an Auxiliary Operator, Plant Operator, Outside Operator, or in an equivalent position.
- Familiarity with power plant equipment, such as motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, cooling towers, pollution control equipment, AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, etc.
- Basic understanding of fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, heat transfer and fluid flow, thermodynamics, and chemistry.
- Proficiency in reading and comprehending mechanical and electrical drawings, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, schematics, and logic diagrams.
- Awareness of power plant safety procedures, especially in areas such as chemical handling, high-energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment operation.
- Comprehensive insight into maintenance functions and power plant systems, coupled with the ability to effectively understand, apply, and implement plant procedures.
- Capability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plant and material handling equipment.
- Skill in using basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, basic rigging such as winches, hoists, and slings, and implements such as lances, shovels, and pry bars.
- Ability to recognize hazards, anticipate accidents, and implement corrective measures and policies to avoid them.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), GPi Learning Module, and CMMS MP2 Module.
Preferred
- Associates or better in Power Plant Technology or related field
Required
Preferred
- O&M – Operations & Maintenance
- Control Room Operations
- Power Plant Operations
- Power Plant Fundamentals
- Power Generation
- Chemical Handling
- Environmental Awareness
- Instrument Schematics
- Safety Policies and Procedures
- Water Chemistry
Preferred
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group