Auxiliary Operator

Auxiliary Operator (Combined Cycle) — Hobbs, NM Equipment: Mitsubishi 501F combustion turbines (501 frame units), D11 steam turbine, HRSGs, multi-unit combined cycle

Position Summary We are seeking an Auxiliary Operator to support safe, reliable operation of a multi-unit combined cycle power facility. This is a hands-on, field-focused role responsible for outside plant operations, including LOTO execution, water/steam chemistry, equipment rounds, and operational support to the Control Room. Candidates should be comfortable working around large rotating equipment and high-energy systems, and able to respond quickly to changing plant conditions.

Core Responsibilities Field Operations / Outside Work (Primary Focus)

• Perform routine outside rounds and operational checks on combustion turbines, HRSG, steam turbine systems, and balance-of-plant equipment
  
  
• Verify equipment status, take readings, identify abnormal conditions (leaks, vibration, temps/pressures, unusual noises), and communicate findings to the Control Room
  
  
• Support plant start-ups, shutdowns, and equipment lineups under direction of Operations leadership
  
  

Safety & LOTO (Primary Focus)

• Execute Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation in accordance with site procedures
  
  
• Support PTW (permit-to-work), JSA participation, confined space/hot work coordination as required
  
  
• Maintain strong safety mindset and ensure compliance with site policies and regulatory requirements
  
  

Water Chemistry / Water Treatment (Primary Focus)

• Perform routine water/steam chemistry sampling and analysis (as applicable to combined cycle operations)
  
  
• Operate and monitor chemical feed systems; support chemical handling/offloading and proper documentation
  
  
• Assist with maintaining chemistry targets to protect HRSG/steam turbine reliability
  
  

Preventive Maintenance & Operational Support

• Assist with PMs as needed, minor troubleshooting, and operational support for maintenance activities
  
  
• Support work orders, tagging, equipment identification, and staging parts/materials for outages or repairs
  
  
• Maintain accurate logs, readings, and shift documentation
  
  

Controls / PLC Support (Occasional)

• Occasionally assist with PLC programming or logic changes under supervision and in accordance with site change-management procedures (MOC), documentation, and testing requirements
  
  

Required Experience / Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in a multi-unit combined cycle facility (strongly preferred)
  
  
• Familiarity working around large frame combustion turbines such as Mitsubishi 501F/501 frame units and steam turbine systems (e.g., D11)
  
  
• Hands-on experience performing field rounds, LOTO, and operational support activities
  
  
• Working knowledge of water/steam chemistry practices in a power generation environment
  
  
• Strong mechanical aptitude; comfortable with pumps, valves, compressors, heat exchangers, and rotating equipment
  
  
• Ability to communicate clearly with CROs, maintenance, and leadership; strong documentation habits
  
  
• Willingness to work shift schedules (including nights/weekends/holidays as required)
  
  

Physical / Work Conditions

• Primarily field/outside work in an industrial environment; exposure to heat, noise, rotating equipment, high-pressure steam systems, and chemicals
  
  
• Ability to climb stairs/ladders, work at heights, and lift up to 50 lbs with appropriate PPE
  
  

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.