Control Room Operator (CRO) chez NAES Corporation

The Hopewell Power Station is a biomass facility situated in Hopewell, VA, with a capacity of 51 MW. It employs biomass-fired power generation technology to produce electricity, which is sold to Dominion. By utilizing biomass as a fuel source, the Hopewell Power Station plays a crucial role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to the generation of renewable energy.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) plays a critical role in ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a biomass power plant. This position is responsible for continuously monitoring plant systems, responding to alarms or abnormal conditions, and executing start-up and shutdown procedures as required. The CRO ensures that the facility meets its generation requirements while maintaining compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. Duties include monitoring boiler, turbine-generator, and auxiliary equipment operations, maintaining accurate logs and records, and coordinating with plant personnel to address operational issues.

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

• Perform the start-up, operation, and shutdown of biomass-fueled boilers, turbine generators, and auxiliary systems in accordance with plant procedures and safety requirements.
• Monitor fuel handling, combustion, steam generation, emissions control systems, and balance-of-plant equipment to ensure safe and efficient performance.
• Actively participate in safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance programs, supporting a culture of accountability.
• Complete and maintain accurate logs and records, including electrical output, steam production, fuel usage, emissions data, and equipment performance metrics.
• Review operating data and equipment status to verify the effectiveness of plant processes and compliance with operating directives.
• Maintain and update operating manuals, technical references, prints, diagrams, and related documentation as needed.
• Report plant abnormalities to the Operations Manager and coordinate corrective actions with the team.
• Monitor plant alarms and initiate corrective responses to maintain stable and reliable operation.
• Assist in the training and development of operations personnel to strengthen team capability.
• Conduct thorough shift handovers, communicating key plant issues and concerns to incoming operators.
• Participate in troubleshooting equipment issues, diagnosing failures, and coordinating with maintenance teams to resolve problems.
• Support maintenance activities during normal operations and outages, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, and work request preparation.
• Execute additional tasks assigned by plant management, contributing to safe, compliant, and efficient biomass plant operation.

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 Control Room Operator reports to the Shift Supervisor and takes direction from plant management.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, entering, and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces. The role requires routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms, walkways, or in confined spaces.

Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance.

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 Control Room Operator works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations and ensure seamless shift transitions. This position will 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 $33.90 to $45.55 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Operator with biomass power generation experience, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations, with a focus on control room management, system monitoring, and direct operation of biomass-fueled boilers, steam turbine generators, and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Strong understanding of biomass plant equipment, systems, and operational procedures, including fuel handling, combustion systems, steam turbines, generators, emissions control equipment, and balance-of-plant systems.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of steam turbine operations, biomass combustion processes, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and the inspection and recording of plant parameters.
• Experience in water chemistry control, analysis of water conditions, water treatment facility operations, and chemical handling requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including the ability to direct and develop team members effectively.
• Proven track record of adhering to safety and environmental regulations, with the ability to enforce compliance among team members.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey information to management and team members.
• 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.