Control Room Operator (CRO)

Middlesex Generating is a landfill gas-fired cogeneration plant situated in Sayreville, NJ, boasting a 17-megawatt (MW) combined cycle facility. Central to its operation are two Solar Tarus T60 Solar Gas Turbines, ensuring efficiency. To maximize performance, we've seamlessly integrated an Elliot Steam Turbine and a Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) into the system. This integration allows us to harness waste heat, thus optimizing our power generation process.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator is responsible for safely controlling, operating, and maintaining generation and auxiliary equipment to protect personnel and equipment, ensure high plant reliability, produce power efficiently, and support the Landfill Gas Collection System goals while remaining in full compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements.

The Control Room Operator coordinates with the MCUA, JP&L, and Wellfield O&M Technicians to align power generation, operations, and maintenance activities with safe and efficient practices. During each shift, the Control Room Operator oversees and manages all plant activities.

Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Operate the plant and all associated equipment under the direction of the Plant Manager, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, ensuring operation within specified parameters.


• Perform simple and combined-cycle plant startups, shutdowns, and casualty control safely and efficiently.


• Monitor plant operations and adjust equipment as needed to optimize performance and maintain compliance with operational standards.


• Monitor emissions and environmental control systems, adjusting as necessary to meet State and Federal permits.


• Troubleshoot equipment failures and collaborate with maintenance personnel to identify and support required repairs.


• Maintain proficiency in operating all plant equipment, including performing proficiency watches outside the Control Room, and effectively communicate plant status to team members.


• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized Control Room and plant environment, adhering to all company safety and environmental policies.


• Keep accurate and timely records of plant operations, including electrical and steam output, fuel and water consumption, emissions, heat rates, and preventive/predictive maintenance activities; review records for potential issues.


• Conduct shift handovers, presenting plant status, operational concerns, and ongoing issues to incoming personnel.


• Support training and provide direction to Plant Operators on DCS operations and plant procedures.


• Participate in plant troubleshooting, controlling upset conditions, and executing corrective actions as required.


• Assist with preventative and corrective maintenance tasks, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, work request preparation, and outage support.


• Always exhibit professional behavior and uphold personal accountability for safety and compliance.


• Execute assigned tasks from the O&M Manager and proactively seek responsibility to support the company’s business needs.

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 CRO reports to the O&M Manager and responds to directions from the Plant Manager. The CRO gives direction to other personnel as it pertains to the reliable operations 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 CRO follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a rotation of day and night shifts. The schedule includes built-in rest days, with the 5th week designated as a relief week to ensure continuous, reliable plant operations.

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 $42.64 to $51.15 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

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.

• A valid New Jersey Blue Seal Boiler Operator license or higher is required.


• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school.


• Knowledge of power plant equipment, systems, and safety practices, including turbine generators, combustion turbines, HRSGs, motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, water treatment facilities, chemical handling, cooling systems, pollution control equipment, and high-energy system operations.


• Understanding of fundamental principles of physics, mathematics, AC and DC electrical theory, heat transfer, fluid flow, thermodynamics, chemistry, and metallurgy.


• Ability to read, interpret, and apply mechanical and electrical drawings, including P&IDs, single-line diagrams, schematics, and logic diagrams.


• Proficiency in operating valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with plant equipment, as well as hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and rigging equipment.


• Experience in monitoring and controlling water chemistry, analyzing water conditions, and ensuring safe handling of chemicals.


• Proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations, with the ability to enforce compliance among team members.


• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including directing, training, and developing team members effectively.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks efficiently.


• 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.