Unit Operator

Welcome to the intersection of energy and home services. At NRG, we’re all about propelling the next generation of leaders forward. We are driven by our passion to create a smarter, cleaner and more connected future. We deliver innovative solutions that make our customers’ lives easier—helping them power, protect, and intelligently manage their homes and businesses. To do this, we need creative and talented people to join our company.

We offer a dynamic work environment and a unified and inclusive culture. NRG fosters a strong sense of belonging that leads to better collaboration and business performance. Our company programs are designed to help employees develop the skills they need for success now and in the future. In everything we do, we aim to champion our employees and bring value to our customers, investors and society. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Job Purpose

Responsible for operating and directing the operation of equipment for stopping, starting, and/or regulating power plant boilers, steam generators and systems under the direction of station management; safe control and operation of unit(s) and associated plant equipment, for maximum efficiency and output; coordinate operation and maintenance activities on the unit(s) to minimize impact on generation; advise station management when proposed operation or maintenance activities affect availability of generation; inspect and maintain plant equipment, steam turbines, power boilers, turbine driven generators, mechanical and electrical auxiliaries, fuel systems, ash handling systems, lubricating systems, and water recirculation and treatment systems; coordinate the activities of Equipment Operators assigned to support the equipment being operated; is a member of the station’s fire brigade or acts as station fire guide for outside fire departments; perform all activities in accordance with applicable health, safety, and environmental standards; utilize computer and other technology based work management systems as may be required in performing work duties; perform all activities in a high quality manner to achieve best industry practice; perform general cleaning and housekeeping duties; troubleshoot plant malfunctions; interact with station personnel, contractors, and others to perform unit operator functions; respond to overtime requests as needed; handle special assignments; and perform related work as required.

Essential Functions:

• Operate unit(s) and associated plant equipment, within limits, for maximum efficiency and output while maintaining environmental compliance and safety.

• Monitor equipment conditions using all indications available in the control room, on site, and portable test equipment.
• Diagnose equipment problems, report abnormal conditions to station management, and prepare detailed work requests for plant defects.

• Inspect plant and equipment and prepare defect reports; ensure maintenance requests are completed to a satisfactory standard; ensure the plant work requests are properly submitted through MIMS or other work management system; assist in planning, organizing, and executing unit outages for inspections, overhauls, repairs and cleaning.

• Read, interpret, and implement technical information found in manufacturer’s and OEM technical manuals, electrical and mechanical P & IDs, and operating and maintenance procedures.

• Assist in the planning and layout of jobs including parts and equipment identification and ordering needed to complete the job.

• Prepare work permits and administer the SAFE Access to Plant, or similar systems, as it applies to the equipment for which the Unit Operator is responsible.

• Participate in ongoing training to maintain and enhance the skills required to perform all Unit Operator and Equipment Operator duties and assist in the training of others.
• Make daily checks to ensure safety and cleanliness of the plant is maintained to a high standard, and ensure Equipment Operators carry out scheduled operational checks.
• Conduct shift change by fully briefing the incoming Unit Operator and ensure all Equipment Operators assigned to the plant under the control of the Unit Operator fully brief their reliefs.
• Perform maintenance activities as required in support of the overall maintenance of the plant.
• Perform disconnect switching and electrical and maintenance operations to place equipment in and out of service.
• Monitor and, as necessary, perform routine chemical analysis of plant water to determine the chemical constituents and take corrective action to maintain plant quality within prescribed limits as required.
• Prepare, maintain, and administer procedures and reports related to the operation, monitoring and maintenance of the plant; maintain accurate logs of daily operation, check sheets, change charts and ink recorders.
• Read, interpret and implement complex technical information such as electrical drawings, manufacture data, and operating and maintenance procedures.
• Prepare and maintain quality assurance procedures and technical instructions and actively support and participate in the use and continuous development of the quality management system.
• Assist other classifications as may be required.

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES

Required:

High School degree or equivalent education. Basic computer knowledge and three to seven years of operating and/or maintenance experience preferably as a power plant operator or Control Room Operator or equivalent experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Must have knowledge of job safety requirements, strong verbal and written communications skills, interpersonal skills and possess a demonstrated ability to learn.  Complete an electrical power plant operating training program and possess or be prepared to obtain certification as required.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

This position is exposed to both indoor and outdoor environmental conditions, cold and hot temperatures and moderate to high noise levels.  The position requires a person to occasionally bend, stoop, reach, push, pull, walk, sit, stand and climb. 

(Management reserves the right to change, rescind, add, or delete the duties and responsibilities of positions within the job classification at any time.)

The base salary range for this position is *$53.86 - $57.86* . The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. The range listed is just one component of the total compensation package for employees. Other rewards may include annual bonus, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition the position may be eligible to participate in the benefits program which include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending accounts.  

NRG Energy is committed to a drug and alcohol-free workplace. To the extent permitted by law and any applicable collective bargaining agreement, employees are subject to periodic random drug testing, and post-accident and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.  EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability. Level, Title and/or Salary may be adjusted based on the applicant's experience or skills.  

Official description on file with Talent.