Chemistry Supervisor

Sandy Creek Energy Station is a 900-megawatt coal-fired power plant located in Riesel, Texas. It features a single IHI supercritical pulverized coal boiler, a Toshiba steam turbine generator, and Alstom air-quality control systems, making it one of the largest new coal plants in the United States. The plant primarily utilizes Powder River Basin coal and has the capacity to generate electricity for over 900,000 Texas homes and businesses.

Opportunity Summary

The Chemistry Supervisor leads water and steam chemistry programs at a coal-fired power plant, ensuring optimal system performance and compliance with environmental regulations. The role involves managing advanced analytical instrumentation, overseeing chemical treatment processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. This position requires a strong blend of technical expertise and leadership to support safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible plant operations.

Your scope of responsibility as Chemistry Supervisor will include the following primary functions:

• Monitor and evaluate the performance of plant water treatment systems through data analysis, equipment inspections, and daily surveillance. Diagnose system deficiencies and recommend corrective actions to maintain chemistry within operational guidelines.
• Oversee chemical treatment programs for systems such as condenser cooling water, closed-loop cooling, and feedwater systems, ensuring parameters remain within control limits.
• Lead efforts to prevent corrosion, scaling, and deposition in boilers and steam systems by managing water chemistry in accordance with OEM guidelines and industry best practices (e.g., EPRI).
• Supervise and maintain online chemistry instrumentation, including calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of analyzers (e.g., pH, conductivity, silica, sodium, DO).
• Perform statistical analysis, computer modeling, and other analytical methods to interpret study results and prepare technical reports.
• Plan, schedule, and direct the collection and analysis of samples from condensate, feedwater, sewage, bearing cooling, and steam systems.
• Oversee the safe handling, storage, and inventory of treatment chemicals. Maintain SDS documentation, ensure proper labeling and containment, and enforce OSHA and RCRA compliance.
• Develop and implement procedures and training programs related to water and steam treatment. Stay informed on emerging chemistry issues and scientific advances through engagement with professional associations, industry peers, and scientific literature.
• Promote awareness of company policies, industry developments, and business plans. Provide clear, timely communication to team members and encourage input to improve plant operations.
• Conduct and support the completion of annual and ongoing performance evaluations for chemistry personnel.
• Prepare and oversee the maintenance of records, reports, graphs, and logs in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager or plant leadership.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

• Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).
• Address safety in all group meetings.
• Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.
• Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.
• Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.
• Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.
• Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.
• Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.
• Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The Chemistry Supervisor reports to the Engineering Manager and works in cooperation with the Shift Supervisor on matters related to daily plant operations. The Chemistry Supervisor also responds to direction from the Maintenance Manager Sr., the Plant Manager, and the Operations Manager Sr.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $105,000 to $145,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a Chemistry Supervisor with a strong background in power plant chemistry, water treatment systems, and environmental compliance. The ideal candidate will have progressive experience in industrial or power generation environments.

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field is required. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Extensive experience with steam generator water chemistry control systems and processes specific to power plants.
• Strong knowledge of corrosion control methods and water treatment systems and equipment used in fossil fuel power generation.
• Understanding of fossil fuel chemistry and stoichiometric principles applicable to coal-fired power plant operations.
• Experience with supercritical water chemistry projects, including oxygenated water treatment, is highly desirable.
• Broad expertise in chemistry analytical procedures, laboratory techniques, and operation of on-line chemistry monitoring equipment.
• Ability to interpret and follow technical procedures and instructions relevant to assigned chemistry operations.
• Proficiency in software applications commonly used in the industry, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and chemical data management or laboratory information management systems (LIMS).
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey technical information to team members, management, and external stakeholders.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.