The Goodman Energy Center, nestled in Hays, Kansas, stands as a robust 103 MW powerhouse. It harnesses the energy of 12 Wartsila 20V34SG natural gas fired reciprocating engines, embodying cutting-edge technology in its efficient operation. Situated in the heart of the Midwest, it plays a vital role in meeting the region's energy demands sustainably. Opportunity Summary The O&M Technician is responsible for assisting the Plant Manager in overseeing daily plant operations, including scheduling and manpower allocation, and assuming managerial duties in their absence. They make recommendations to optimize thermal and electrical outputs, ensure accurate record-keeping, and conduct periodic reviews to maintain effective equipment functionality. Additionally, they engage in a wide array of tasks, from performing equipment tests and maintenance to fostering safety and teamwork, ensuring the plant operates efficiently and effectively. Assumes the responsibilities of the Plant Manager in their absence. Primary Duties
- Assist the Plant Manager in overseeing daily plant operations, including plant scheduling and manpower loading.
- Assume the responsibilities of the Plant Manager in their absence.
- Make recommendations to optimize thermal and electrical outputs for efficiency.
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of the daily log and other plant records, including electrical output, emissions output, fuel consumption, water consumption, and heat rates.
- Conduct periodic reviews of logs and records to ensure effective functioning of tag out procedures, equipment status, and administrative systems.
- Participate in maintaining plant operating manuals, technical references, prints, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records.
- Develop and conduct the plant's predictive maintenance program, administering and maintaining plant maintenance and inventory control; conduct plant performance evaluations and collect associated data.
- Perform tests, calibrations, and repairs to instrumentation, including all equipment associated with environmental protection and monitoring, following plant standards and protocols.
- Participate in plant safety tagging and record maintenance to ensure compliance with regulatory and environmental requirements; record maintenance actions taken on appropriate logs.
- Operate generators and auxiliaries, including start-up and shut-down; observe and record readings of required indicators and/or instruments for safe operation within prescribed limits.
- Make recommendations for improving plant performance and operational safety within assigned area of responsibility.
- Prepare plant statistical reports, assist with the preparation of O&M capital budgets, maintenance of plant configuration drawings, databases, operation, and maintenance procedures as needed.
- Assist with the development and administration of specified packages for the initial and continual training of other plant O&M Technician IIs upon request.
- Handle related electrical maintenance duties, including wiring and disconnection of motors, replacement of thermocouples and fuses.
- Inspect, test, troubleshoot, service, repair, calibrate, and install pneumatic and/or electric control instruments.
- Install, maintain, and troubleshoot all mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, micro-processors, and electronic (solid-state) sensing, transmitting, indicating, integrating, recording, and regulating apparatus, equipment, and circuitry associated with the plant.
- Install, test, remove, and replace motors, generators, rotating equipment, rectifiers, batteries, transformers, regulators, reactors, circuit breakers, disconnecting switches, instruments, control relays, communication equipment, lightning arrestors, and other auxiliary equipment with control apparatus in the generating station and associated substation.
- Perform mechanical maintenance installation and repair on plant equipment, structures, and buildings, including incidental welding, brazing, flame, and arc cutting, as well as more complex tasks involving compliance with codes and regulations.
- Safely operate plant equipment needed to perform essential job duties, such as vehicles, cranes, hoists, welding and cutting equipment, etc.; use appropriate safety equipment and techniques in the daily performance of all work activities.
- Read and interpret complex blueprints, wiring and schematic diagrams, and perform both internal and external switching and tagging for mechanical and electrical systems.
- Update station logs, e.g., maintenance repairs and outage logs, time reports, material requisitions, etc., in accordance with plant protocols; complete appropriate plant documents to requisition necessary plant parts, e.g., purchase order request, work order, etc.
- Arrange for the transfer and/or receipt of fuel for plant operation if necessary.
- Cooperate and participate as a team member to accomplish plant goals and objectives.
- Ensure adequate turnover of information between shifts or between projects.
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 Plant Manager and cooperates with all plant personnel. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing 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 Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, work load and plant conditions. On call status will periodically be required. Compensation Initial starting compensation will range from $28.00 to $31.00 per hour. Job Qualifications
- Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school is required. An Associate Degree in a technical field is desirable
- Prior experience as an O&M Technician, Power Plant Technician, or in a similar position within an operating or generating plant.
- Experience in electric generating equipment and operations, particularly in the repair and maintenance of aeroderivative gas turbines and diesel generators.
- Demonstrate expertise in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting industrial equipment. This includes familiarity with instrumentation, control systems, and mechanical components.
- Strong understanding of regulatory requirements and environmental standards relevant to plant operations is essential. This ensures adherence to safety protocols and legal obligations.
- Proven ability to identify, analyze, and resolve complex technical issues efficiently. They should also demonstrate a proactive approach to preventive maintenance and continuous improvement.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with diverse teams, including management, technicians, and external stakeholders, fostering a culture of safety, cooperation, and shared goals.
- Willingness to learn and adapt
- 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.