The Castleton Energy Center is a state-of-the-art 72 MW combined cycle power plant located in a key area for energy production. By combining gas and steam turbines, the facility efficiently generates electricity from natural gas while utilizing waste heat to enhance power output. This innovative plant is integral to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity to the surrounding region.

Opportunity Summary

Join our team as a Power Plant Technician/Trainee and build your career in energy operations. In this hands-on role, you’ll assist with plant operations, learn to monitor, and analyze critical performance metrics, and support the operation and maintenance of major systems under the guidance of experienced professionals. This position offers a unique opportunity to develop technical skills, gain valuable experience in safety protocols and emergency procedures, and grow into a vital part of our team dedicated to maintaining efficient and reliable plant operations.

Primary Duties

Your scope of responsibility as Power Plant Technician / Trainee will include the following primary functions: 

Assist with plant operations related to start-up, shutdown, normal operations, load changes, and emergency conditions under the supervision of experienced operators, including tasks conducted outside the Control Room. Support the operation of major auxiliary systems and equipment, such as boilers, air compressors, circulating water systems, boiler feed water treatment and condensate systems, wastewater systems, generator cooling systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment, under guidance. Learn to monitor plant performance metrics, including pressures, temperatures, flow rates, and system outputs, with assistance from senior team members. Develop skills in trend analysis to identify potential issues. Observe and participate in operating tests and inspections, as well as perform basic adjustments to equipment under supervision to ensure proper operating conditions. Accurately record log sheet entries as directed, ensuring all required data is documented and reviewed by supervisors. Report any abnormal or irregular conditions observed during operations to senior personnel and assist in implementing corrective actions as instructed. Assist in conducting acceptance and performance testing of plant equipment while learning the procedures and standards involved. Participate in emergency activities to maintain service continuity and safeguard equipment, under the direction of experienced staff. Adhere to safety protocols, procedures, and regulatory requirements, including environmental standards, while learning best practices for addressing spills, leaks, or other incidents. Assist with basic predictive and preventive maintenance tasks for mechanical and electrical systems under close supervision. Learn to operate equipment such as forklifts, man lifts, and overhead cranes, with proper training and certification. Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Plant Manager or senior operators, focusing on developing skills and gaining operational knowledge. Complete Control Room Operator qualifications within required timeframe.

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 employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Power Plant Operator reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds. 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.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. Must be able to be respirator qualified. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

The initial schedule will be Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM for two months, followed by a rotating 12-hour shift schedule. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $28 to $30 per hour, and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. Interest or foundational knowledge in power plant operations, with a willingness to learn about the power plant industry. Basic understanding of combustion/steam turbine principles, closed system generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management, and recording plant parameters, with a commitment to developing practical skills in these areas. A basic understanding of electrical systems is beneficial, with a strong willingness to learn troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational aspects of power plant electrical equipment. Ability to learn and interpret technical diagrams, including piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), process flow diagrams, and basic wiring diagrams, with training provided as needed. Familiarity with or eagerness to learn predictive and preventive maintenance practices, including basic mechanical and electrical maintenance tasks. Awareness of workplace safety protocols and a willingness to follow environmental and regulatory compliance standards, including emergency response procedures. Strong desire to develop excellent oral and written communication skills and organizational abilities. Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring it remains in good standing 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.