2nd Engineer – Control Room Operator

The 2nd Class Engineer - O&M Technician is responsible for continuously monitoring all plant systems, responding to alarms, executing plant startup and shutdown procedures, and ensuring the facility operates safely, reliably, and efficiently within all regulatory and environmental requirements.

This role supports plant operations, maintenance, and technical activities, with specific responsibilities designated by the Facility Manager. The OMT plays a critical part in maintaining plant performance, compliance, and equipment integrity.

Dartmouth Power Associates power station is an operating power station of at least 74-megawatts (MW) in Dartmouth, Bristol, Massachusetts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operations & Monitoring

• Monitor the status of all major plant systems and equipment on a continuous basis.
• Identify, investigate, and clear alarms; take corrective actions to maintain safe and efficient operation.
• Execute plant startup, shutdown, and operational procedures for turbines, HRSG, and auxiliary equipment.
• Coordinate with the Transmission Owner (utility) and Transmission Operator (ISO) to support dispatch requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of plant relay tripping schemes, emergency procedures, environmental parameters, sabotage reporting, and disturbance response protocols.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Maintain current knowledge of all NERC Reliability Standards applicable to plant operations, including:
• Dispatch instruction response and reliability directives
• Sabotage threat and disturbance reporting
• Availability reporting and real/reactive power changes
• AVR operation changes
• Capacity and reactive demonstration tests
• Communication outage reporting
• Proper line identifier usage during communications
• Ensure accurate, timely logs, records, and compliance documentation.

Technical & Maintenance Support

• Control, monitor, and analyze plant performance using computerized systems and instrumentation.
• Diagnose process abnormalities and implement corrective adjustments within skill scope.
• Support maintenance activities, including equipment testing, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance work orders.
• Operate plant vehicles and equipment safely, including forklifts, cranes, trucks, and lifting devices.
• Assist in training and onboarding new OMTs.
• Successfully complete all required training, certifications, and qualification programs.

Safety & Plant Integrity

• Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly plant environment.
• Adhere to all safety requirements, including Lock-out/Tag-out and use of PPE.
• Monitor plant security systems and ensure compliance with all facility safety policies.
• Report equipment issues, system anomalies, and unsafe conditions promptly and accurately.

Administrative & Communication

• Maintain precise operational logs, reports, and performance charts.
• Engage in clear, effective communication with plant personnel, dispatchers, external stakeholders, and management.
• Participate in shift rotations, overtime, outage coverage, and off-hour call-ins as needed.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the operation and maintenance of major power plant equipment
• Experience with digital control systems
• Extensive background in utility or heavy industrial power plant environments
• Strong electrical and mechanical maintenance skills

Licenses & Certifications

• Minimum: Second-Class Engineer License – Massachusetts Department of Fire Services
• Hoisting License (HE-1D or higher) – or ability to obtain within 12 months
• Hoisting License (HE-3A or higher) – or ability to obtain within 12 months

Skills & Competencies

• Strong operational judgment in complex, high-pressure environments
• Effective communicator with internal teams and external representatives
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to read one-line diagrams and technical documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word

Physical Requirements

• Exposure to varied outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions, high noise levels, hazardous areas, and diverse work surfaces.
• Frequent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high-voltage protective gear.
• Working near high-voltage equipment and operating heavy machinery, with proper training and safety protocols.
• Entry into confined spaces and potentially hazardous environments, often accompanied by exposure to loud machinery and equipment.
• Physical activities including walking, standing for extended periods, crawling, stooping, sitting, climbing vertical and inclined ladders/stairs.
• Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
• Visual acuity requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Participation in a post-offer physical examination and drug screening, as well as ongoing random drug testing.
• Compliance with strict smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
• Shift work with irregular hours.