Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician


Job Details

The Panoche Energy Center, situated in Firebaugh, CA, stands as a cutting-edge electrical generating facility distinguished by its utilization of heavy-duty aero-derivative gas turbine technology. At its core, the facility boasts four GE LMS100 combustion turbines, marking a significant advancement in power generation. Notably, the Panoche Energy Center proudly claims the title of the first-ever inter-cooled gas turbine system designed specifically for the industry, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation in energy production.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations & Maintenance Technician (OMT) is responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the power facility while assigned on shift. Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs mechanical equipment, electrical equipment and instrumentation. This equipment includes, but is not limited to the gas turbine, generators, air compressors, water treatment equipment, demineralizers, motors, pumps, diesel generators and other auxiliary equipment. Strictly adheres to all safety and environmental rules and regulations to protect employees and public safety.

Primary Functions

  • Supports the Lead OMT (LOMT) in the proper operation of the simple cycle generating facility with minimal guidance or assistance. Competently operates and maintains all plant equipment. Capable of operating plant equipment locally via PLC panel interfaces. Communicates plant issues and keeps LOMT fully informed of plant operations, unusual conditions, and faulty equipment.
  • Fully supports the use of a computerized maintenance management system (MP2) by displaying a proficiency in using the system, entering data consistent with fellow employees and dedication to the facility maintenance philosophy. Thoroughly records equipment problems on MP2 work requests and documents maintenance actions taken on work order forms. Handles corrective maintenance and preventive maintenance work orders in a timely and high quality manner. Shows diligence in documenting spare parts usage and re-ordering.
  • Reads meters, gauges, or automatic devices to record data such as temperature of equipment, vibration of equipment, hours of operation, pressure, and fluid levels to verify operating conditions. Visually inspects and listens to equipment at periodic intervals to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.
  • Provides detailed status of plant conditions to fellow OMT's at shift turnover.
  • Perform water chemistry analysis on water purification, waste water, and cooling tower systems. Ensure water chemistry is within proper control ranges. Make adjustments to water chemistry, as needed, by controlling chemical feed and/or blowdown rates. Work with plant chemist, OMT's and water treatment vendor to properly monitor overall chemistry program.
  • Operate demineralized water system in accordance with OEM and plant procedures and monitor demineralized water to ensure quality is within acceptable limits.
  • Uses facility operating procedures and equipment technical manuals to operate, maintain and repair facility equipment and ensure equipment is operated within acceptable parameters.
  • Maintains equipment by tightening fittings, replacing valve packing, gaskets, valves, gauges, etc. and cleaning, replacing, oiling and lubricating other component parts and equipment as required.
  • Opens and closes valves as required for proper system operation and mechanical isolation.
  • Opens and closes circuit breakers as required for proper system operation and electrical isolation.
  • Performs capital project and/or major program responsibilities as assigned by plant management.
  • Sets up and operates various tools and instruments to repair parts and equipment. Operates welding and cutting equipment and completes metal fabrication projects.
  • Diagnoses cause of mechanical malfunction or failure of operational equipment. Repair, replace, dismantle and examine defective parts along with lubricating and cleaning parts.
  • Uses fluke meter and other test equipment to calibrate and repair plant instrumentation and electrical circuits.
  • Assist in troubleshooting and inspecting programmable logic controllers, plant control systems and distributive control systems including control card replacement and wiring terminations.
  • Assist in repairing plant instrumentation and plant equipment.
  • Identify and resolve CEMS problems. Assist in performing calibrations and gas bottle change outs.
  • Reads, understands and complies with all regulatory procedures and facility safety programs. Follow all plant environmental permits.
  • Work shift hours, overtime, and irregular hours as needed to support reliable operation of the facility. From time to time the working hours will be determined on short notice based on plant requirements.
  • Performs general housekeeping and continuous improvement of the appearance of the facility including painting projects as required. Maintains the cleanliness of all areas of the plant and control room.


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. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee's performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports to the O&M Manager and responds to direction from the Plant Manager in the absence of the O&M Manager. The O&M Technician works in cooperation with the operations personnel on matters pertaining to the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include working for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, walking, stooping and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The O&M Technician works a rotating 12 hour shift on a modified Dupont schedule with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

The initial hourly rate of pay will range from $40.00 - $50.00.

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma with the ability to comprehend specific procedures and instructions for the assigned area.
  • Associates Degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, or two to four years of related experience and/or training, with a preference for a combination of education and experience.
  • Proficient in locally operating and maintaining plant equipment via PLC panel interfaces, demonstrating expertise in programmable logic controllers for troubleshooting and inspection.
  • Experienced in supporting and utilizing a computerized maintenance management system (MP2), showing adeptness in data entry, maintenance documentation, and efficient work order handling.
  • Skilled in performing water chemistry analysis on purification, waste water, and cooling tower systems, capable of maintaining proper control ranges and collaborating for an effective chemistry program.
  • Competent in reading meters, gauges, and devices to record data, and visually inspecting and listening for malfunctions, with proficiency in operating, maintaining, and repairing facility equipment based on technical manuals and procedures.
  • Required experience in mechanical, instrumentation, and electrical equipment.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of all power plant operations facets.
  • Ability to make competent decisions in emergency situations.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.


About NAES

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

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, 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 basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.





 NAES

 06/01/2024

 Firebaugh,CA