Control Room Operator (CRO)

NAES•Colbert, GA

4d•$35 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Control Room Operator (CRO) at the Madison Biomass Facility is responsible for continuously monitoring the status of all plant systems. This position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are addressed promptly by taking appropriate corrective actions. The CRO also executes plant shutdown and start-up procedures as needed and ensures the plant meets its generating requirements while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Additionally, the CRO ensures that all equipment functions properly by adhering to approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals, and operating directives from plant management.

Requirements

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 biomass and steam turbine power plant operations, including control room management and system monitoring.
Strong knowledge of Foster Wheeler boilers, steam turbines, emissions control systems such as SCR and hot precipitators, and associated auxiliary equipment, with a practical understanding of biomass combustion, steam generation, and heat transfer theory in power plants.
Skilled in water chemistry control, including water treatment processes and chemical handling procedures specific to biomass plant operations, with experience in monitoring and recording operational data.
Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, manuals, and procedures, with experience interpreting and responding to alarm management systems.
Familiar with human machine interfaces (HMIs) and distributed control systems (DCS), including boiler/turbine control.
Knowledgeable in safe use of hand tools and power equipment.
Trained in continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), emissions control, and preventative maintenance best practices.
Proven leadership in training and supervising operations personnel within a biomass energy environment.
Committed to safety and environmental compliance, promoting a strong safety culture and regulatory adherence.
Excellent verbal and written communication of technical and operational information.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Responsibilities

Perform start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including the Foster Wheeler boiler, steam turbine, and generator, in compliance with safety and operational standards.
Efficiently operate distributed control systems (DCS) to control boilers, steam turbine, and their ancillary equipment.
Operate various programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to manage wood yard, wood drying equipment, and boiler ancillary systems.
Evaluate and maintain proper operation of all machinery by referring to operation and service manuals and established procedures.
Operate and monitor plant equipment and auxiliary systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance.
Monitor and record critical operational parameters such as pressures, temperatures, fuel consumption, electrical output, steam generation, emissions, and heat rates to ensure equipment runs within prescribed limits.
Monitor emissions control systems, including the hot precipitator and SCR, to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Identify and inform appropriate individuals of symptoms requiring maintenance action.
Report plant abnormalities promptly and coordinate resolution efforts with appropriate personnel.
Review logs and operational data regularly to verify equipment status and adherence to tag-out and administrative procedures.
Complete and maintain accurate daily logs and plant records, including electrical output, steam generation, emissions, fuel and water consumption, and heat rates.
Maintain up-to-date plant operating manuals, technical references, and maintenance records.
Participate in troubleshooting and resolving equipment issues in collaboration with the technical team.
Assist in controlling plant upset conditions and executing corrective actions as necessary.
Support maintenance during normal operations and outages, including Lockout/Tagout procedures and equipment troubleshooting.
Support staff training and development initiatives focused on biomass plant operations and safety.
Actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs, supporting a strong safety culture aligned with sustainable energy practices.
Execute assigned tasks from the Operations Manager, contributing to the reliable operation and environmental stewardship goals of the plant.