Workers are mobilizing, and more workers will be needed for Duke Energy’s new combined-cycle natural gas plant in Citrus County.
Duke Energy’s engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Fluor, is expected to start hiring 600 to 700 temporary construction workers gradually in spring 2016 with peak employment expected in 2017.
Duke Energy and Fluor, in partnership with CareerSource, held a job fair Tuesday to start recruiting local workers.
Cynthia Clark of Inverness is hoping to score an administrative position at the new plant.
"Definitely not a construction kind of gal!" she laughed. "So I thought I would take a look and see what the job entailed!"
However, Fluor is primarily hiring a variety of skilled labor, including equipment operators, iron workers, welders, pipe fitters, concrete pourers and electricians.
Jessica Taylor is a welding student and said she, and her brother who is also applying, are both willing to try any job available.
"We're also looking outside of welding which would be possible pipe fitting or welder's helper," she said.
Built on 400 acres near the existing Crystal River Energy Complex, the new plant will supply 1,640 megawatts of cleaner-burning energy to help serve Florida’s approximately 1.7 million customers in 2018. The project is among the largest under construction in the industry and one of the most important projects for Duke Energy.
The new plant will replace generation from plant retirements, including two 1960s-era coal-fired units, use highly-efficient technology and benefit the local economy and tax base.
The project is looking to hire about 25 percent of its workers from Citrus, Marion, Levy and other surrounding counties.
"Hiring local workers is really important to duke energy, it's important to Fluor and that's why we're here today," said Heather Danenhower of Duke Energy.
“The project will have an area economic benefit of more than $600 million,” said Alex Glenn, Duke Energy Florida’s state president. “We have been a vital part of Citrus County for 50 years. We are committed to hiring local workers and suppliers when possible and continuing to contribute to the success and vitality of our local community.”
Get Hired
Step 1: All applicants have to fill out an online profile
Step 2: Speak with a Fluor Craft recruiter 1-888-782-3363
Note: make sure to mention you want to work at the Citrus County project
