Control Room Operator (CRO)

About the role

The Control Room Operator (CRO) monitors and controls the Lockport Cogeneration Facility to support safe, reliable, and efficient generation of electricity and process steam. This position operates GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and associated balance-of-plant systems; responds to alarms and abnormal conditions; and performs plant startups and shutdowns. The CRO coordinates plant operations to meet generation and process steam requirements while maintaining established safety, environmental, and operating limits.

Responsibilities

• Follow all safety, operational, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including NAES compliance programs and required documentation.
• Maintain secure access to DCS/SCADA and other control systems, safeguard operational controls and data, and report cybersecurity or system integrity concerns.
• Start up, operate, monitor, and shut down GE Frame 6B combustion turbines, HRSGs, the steam turbine generator, and associated auxiliary and balance-of-plant systems.
• Monitor plant equipment and processes, respond to alarms and abnormal conditions, and take corrective action to maintain safe and reliable operations.
• Control electrical generation and steam production to meet operating requirements and process steam commitments to the host facility while optimizing plant performance within established limits.
• Respond to emergency and abnormal conditions in accordance with established procedures to protect personnel, equipment, and plant operations.
• Coordinate generation requirements and operating conditions with plant personnel, grid or dispatch personnel, and the host facility as required.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and records for generation, steam production, fuel consumption, emissions, equipment status, and plant performance.
• Conduct effective shift handovers, communicating plant status, equipment issues, process steam requirements, and ongoing operational and maintenance activities.
• Troubleshoot equipment and process abnormalities and support corrective and preventive maintenance, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and equipment testing.
• Analyze operating trends and performance data to identify abnormal conditions and opportunities to improve efficiency, reliability, and plant performance.
• Support operator training and cross-training and participate in planned outages, maintenance activities, testing, and system upgrades with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations.

Requirements

• Associate degree in power plant technology, engineering technology, process technology, or a related field preferred. Equivalent technical training or relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Experience in power plant operations, including control room operations, plant system monitoring, and the safe operation of combined heat and power or comparable generating facilities.
• Strong knowledge of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and balance-of-plant systems, including steam generation, process steam systems, plant startups and shutdowns, and critical operating parameters; GE Frame 6B experience is preferred.
• Demonstrated capability to monitor and control electrical generation and steam production to maintain safe, reliable operations and meet process steam requirements.
• Familiarity with plant water chemistry, water treatment systems, sampling and analysis, and safe chemical handling practices.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety, environmental requirements, hazardous materials and waste practices, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and plant operating procedures.
• Proven troubleshooting skills with the ability to recognize and respond appropriately to equipment abnormalities, alarms, process upsets, and emergency conditions.
• Capable of providing operational direction, sharing technical knowledge, and supporting the training and development of plant personnel.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for conveying plant conditions, operating requirements, and equipment issues to plant personnel and management.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
• 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.