Gas Operations & Maintenance Technician

Southwest Generation Valmont Facility; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Operations & Maintenance Technician to join their team. This role is vital for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a natural gas-fired power plant. The technician will be responsible for monitoring equipment, performing maintenance tasks, and adhering to safety regulations. The ideal candidate will possess strong mechanical and electrical knowledge, along with excellent problem-solving skills. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a sustainable energy future while working in a collaborative environment that values accountability and excellence.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Savings Benefits

Market Competitive Compensation

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience, understanding environmental regulations.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions effectively.

Responsibilities

• Monitor equipment, perform maintenance, and ensure safety compliance.
• Assist in developing operational procedures and training modules.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Electrical Knowledge

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Testing Equipment

Calibration Appliances

Computer Software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Job description

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Job Title: Operations & Maintenance Technician

Reports To: Operations & Maintenance Manager

Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Operations

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6.2 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

Goal Line is a 49.9-MW natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant located in Escondido, California. This facility is interconnected with the transmission system owned by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) within the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) market. Goal Line sells electricity generated by the Goal Line Facility to SDG&E pursuant to a long-term power purchase agreement.

THE CHALLENGE

Journey-level position responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges, meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Incumbents assist in the development of operational procedures, operator training modules and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant safety, reliability and efficiency. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work periodically reviewed by others; work reflects solid performance of duties.
• Resolves most questions and problems and refers only the most complex issues to higher levels.
• Prioritize daily activities to complete tasks/projects assigned by others.
• Performs a variety of technical services/support duties that are semi-routine in nature.
• Routine and non-routine decisions with some latitude, but still subject to approval.
• With limited guidance, prioritizes and executes responsibilities effectively for a single trade, group of related tasks or functional areas.
• Errors have a small and possibly incremental impact on department or facility and discovered in succeeding operations where work is verified or reviewed.
• May assist with orienting and training employees in moderately complex areas.
• Assists on shift, qualified O&M Technicians in routine daily operations and maintenance troubleshooting and repair tasks.
• Responsible for all safety aspects of operating equipment.
• Conduct safety presentations.
• Complete all O&M Tech I training requirements within 24 months.
• Must be available for night, overtime, weekend, and holiday work as required.
• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• High School Diploma, related military service or equivalent.
• Preferred Associates degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college, trade school certification or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation.
• Journey-level; generally, 5 years directly related experience including understanding of environmental and safety regulations, and previous experience working as a plant operator.
• Requires experience working with and around hazardous chemicals and waste materials.
• Requires previous experience using testing equipment & calibration appliances.
• Requires additional experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Basic certifications/licensures.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarms.

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.