Control Room Operator (CRO

Control Room Operator

Faribault Energy Park is a 265 MW combined-cycle facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Meticulously developed to be both environmentally conscious and aesthetically appealing to the immediate surrounding area, the plant blends sustainability with efficient power generation. Powered by a GE Frame 7FA dual-fuel combustion turbine generator (CTG), and a A10 GE Steam Turbine, along with innovative resource management practices such as rainwater collection.

The Control Room Operator ensures the efficient and safe operation of plant equipment, including turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems, by managing start-up, operation, and shutdown processes in compliance with safety and operational standards. This role involves proactive monitoring, precise control, and detailed record-keeping while fostering a culture of safety and continuous improvement. The operator will troubleshoot, optimize plant performance, and address abnormalities, ensuring reliable operations and effective collaboration with the team, including managing the MRS remote site as needed.

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

• Perform start-up, operation, and shutdown of all equipment, including turbine generators, by operating control panels to regulate HRSG and turbine load, steam temperature and pressure, feedwater, fuel supply, and combustion conditions, in compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Operate and monitor combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems by reading monitors, meters, gauges, and control systems to verify conditions such as temperatures, pressures, flow rates, vibration, levels, emissions, and equipment status.
• Actively support NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs and promote a strong safety culture.
• Maintain personal accountability for safety by following all company safety and environmental rules, policies, and procedures.
• Accurately complete and maintain daily logs and plant records, including output, emissions, fuel and water use, and heat rates. Ensure logs reflect all relevant readings and control actions.
• Periodically review logs to verify tag-out procedures, equipment status, and administrative systems. Approve and issue Lockout/Tagouts as needed.
• Maintain plant manuals, technical references, drawings, and maintenance records as required.
• Report equipment abnormalities and plant issues to the Lead Control Room Operator. Promptly address upset conditions and perform emergency operations to maintain service and protect equipment.
• Monitor equipment performance and respond to alarms, coordinating with team members. Direct Auxiliary Operators to adjust plant conditions or chemistry as needed.
• Support training and development to enhance operational competency.
• Conduct thorough shift handovers by clearly presenting plant status and concerns to incoming staff.
• Maintain proficiency in plant operations and monitor systems to anticipate issues.
• Assist in troubleshooting and diagnosing technical problems with the team.
• Help manage upset conditions, including containment, control, and corrective action.
• Assist with maintenance activities during normal operations and outages, supporting Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification, troubleshooting, and work request documentation.
• Operate, monitor, and perform routine checks on the MRS remote site, ensuring proper functioning of all systems and equipment, and responding to any issues or alarms as needed.
• Ensure seamless integration between the main facility and the MRS remote site, including remote troubleshooting and coordination with on-site personnel when required.
• Perform additional reasonable tasks as assigned by the Lead Control Room Operator or plant management, as needed. Respond to instructions and requests from dispatchers to ensure proper coordination and compliance.

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.

The Control Room Operator reports to the Operations Manager and takes general direction from the Plant Manager and Lead Control Room Operator. The Auxiliary Operator will also coordinate with other plant personnel on matters pertaining to the safe and efficient operation of the combined cycle generation facility.

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…