Shift Operator

The Shift Operator will be responsible for safely operating and monitoring plant and brine gathering systems to ensure reliable, efficient, and continuous power generation.

Fervo is building the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Cape Station is where that work becomes operational reality — a commercial-scale geothermal facility that demands the same discipline, precision, and ownership that drives the best plant operations programs in the energy industry.

The Shift Operator will report to the Plant Manager and is responsible for the safe, reliable, and continuous operation of Cape Station’s geothermal power plant and brine gathering system. This is a hands-on, field-based role operating on a rotating 24/7 shift schedule that includes nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime.

The Shift Operator is a core member of Cape Station’s plant operations team, responsible for real-time monitoring, operation, and troubleshooting of the geothermal power plant and brine gathering system. This role requires sound mechanical judgment, a strong safety orientation, and the ability to make independent decisions under pressure to keep the facility running safely and at peak performance. Success in this position means maintaining continuous, reliable power generation through disciplined adherence to operating procedures, proactive identification of equipment issues, and effective communication across shifts.

• Operational Control: Operate and monitor plant and gathering equipment including turbines, pumps, separators, heat exchangers, generators, valves, strainers, and automation systems (SCADA/DCS). Start, stop, and regulate equipment as necessary to meet operational targets and ensure grid compliance.
• Routine Monitoring & Inspection: Conduct regular walkdowns of the plant and gathering system to identify abnormal conditions (leaks, vibrations, noise, etc.) and perform basic troubleshooting. Maintain accurate shift logs, checklists, and operational data.
• Emergency Response: Respond to alarms and system upsets according to standard operating procedures (SOPs). Take corrective action independently or in coordination with maintenance and engineering teams.
• Communication & Handover: Provide detailed shift handover briefings to incoming crews. Maintain communication with the Control Room, Supervisors, and support teams throughout the shift.
• Maintenance Support: Support maintenance teams during planned and unplanned outages by preparing equipment and piping systems for safe access (e.g., lock-out/tag-out, line draining). Report equipment malfunctions and assist in minor field-level corrective actions.
• Environmental & Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols including personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, hazard identification, and reporting. Ensure environmental compliance in accordance with air, water, and geothermal fluid handling regulations.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Record readings, prepare reports on production, equipment status, and anomalies. Utilize computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to enter data and create work requests.

• Education: High school diploma or GED required; technical or trade school training in power plant operations, industrial systems, or mechanical/electrical fields preferred.
• Experience
  :
  Minimum 2 years of experience in industrial operations, power generation, or similar field.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Familiarity with thermal or geothermal power generation processes strongly preferred. Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, SOPs, equipment manuals, and process control systems. Basic understanding of mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
• Certifications (Preferred): OSHA 10 or…