Control Room Operator

Description

We are ERock!

ERock (NYSE: EROC) is enabling energy for a new era. ERock delivers onsite utility-grade power that gets customers up and running quickly, while supporting long-term grid development. ERock’s proprietary natural gas generators help critical facilities address grid constraints, interconnection delays, and outage risks while accelerating speed-to-power for new and expanding operations. Trusted by data centers, utilities, manufacturers, healthcare systems and government organizations, ERock engineers for rapid deployment, long-duration reliability, low local emissions, and scalable performance to meet the evolving energy demands of today and tomorrow. 

Position Summary:

The Control Room Operator safely and reliably operates McCloud Power Station, ERock's natural gas-fired generating facility in El Paso, Texas, from the plant control room. Working under the direction of the Shift Supervisor, the Control Room Operator starts, loads, monitors, and shuts down generating units and balance-of-plant systems from universal HMI workstations, any one of which can operate the entire facility.

The operator executes dispatch instructions, responds to alarms and abnormal conditions, and keeps the plant within its operating, environmental, and safety limits around the clock. Operators hired before the Commercial Operation Date (COD) will also support commissioning, procedure validation, and first operation of a new plant, providing a rare opportunity to help build an operating crew and its practices from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate and monitor the plant from the control room HMI, starting, loading, and shutting down generating units and balance-of-plant systems in accordance with dispatch instructions and approved operating procedures.
• Receive, repeat back, and execute dispatch and operating instructions using three-part communication, consistent with plant procedures implementing NERC COM-002-4 (Operating Personnel Communications Protocols).
• Recognize and respond to alarms and abnormal or emergency conditions using abnormal and emergency operating procedures; take immediate actions to protect personnel and equipment; and notify the Shift Supervisor.
• Maintain accurate control room logs, perform structured shift turnovers, and review operator rounds data to identify developing equipment problems.
• Prepare and execute switching orders and clearances as directed, serving as an authorized employee under the plant energy control program.
• Implement the plant's cold- and hot-weather operating procedures and freeze-protection checks, consistent with established procedures.
• Monitor emissions, fuel gas, and environmental parameters against air permit limits and plant procedures, and report excursions or monitoring system failures immediately to the Shift Supervisor.
• Coordinate with Maintenance to release equipment for work, support post-maintenance testing, and return equipment to service.
• Perform field operator duties on a rotating basis, including equipment rounds, local operations, and system checks.
• Complete and maintain qualification under the ERock Operator Qualification Program and participate in drills, training, and procedure reviews.
• Prior to COD, support commissioning and startup activities, including procedure validation, system walkdowns, punch-list identification, and initial unit operation.
• Follow all site HSE requirements, stop work when conditions are unsafe, and promptly report hazards, near misses, and incidents.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Basic (Required) Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years of power plant operations experience, including at least 1 year operating from a control board (DCS, SCADA, or HMI) at a generating facility, or equivalent U.S. military power plant operating experience.
• Working knowledge of natural gas-fired generating equipment (reciprocating engines or combustion turbines), generators, electrical switchgear, and balance-of-plant systems such as fuel gas, cooling, and compressed air.
• Working knowledge of switching, clearance, and lockout/tagout practices.
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and to respond to call-outs.
• Based in, or willing to relocate to, El Paso, Texas.
• Ability to work in and around operating power generation equipment in outdoor conditions; climb ladders and stairs; lift up to 50 pounds; and wear required personal protective equipment, including hearing protection and arc-rated clothing.
• Valid driver's license and the ability to pass pre-employment background and drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating reciprocating engine plants (such as Caterpillar, INNIO Jenbacher, or Wärtsilä) or aeroderivative combustion turbines.
• Experience with new plant startup or commissioning.
• Associate degree or certificate in power plant technology, process technology, or electrical and instrumentation.
• Experience communicating with a balancing authority or transmission operator dispatch desk.
• U.S. Navy or other military power plant or propulsion operating experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Company-Paid Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Wellness Programs and Incentives
• 401(k) Retirement Plan & Company Match
• Paid Time Off – Sick & Vacation Time
• Paid Holidays

Do you have what it takes to join the ERock team? Send us your resume today.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ERock is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.