Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES; Bristol (TN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES is seeking an O&M Technician at the Wolf Hills Energy facility in Bristol, VA to support safe operation of combustion turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment. You will monitor plant parameters, perform inspections, preventive maintenance, and coordinate with maintenance personnel to keep equipment in peak condition.

This 12-hour rotating shift role requires attention to detail, strict safety adherence (LOTO), and accurate CMMS documentation.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience in power generation, operations, or maintenance is preferred.
• Ability to read technical manuals, blueprints, and wiring diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Perform startup/shutdown of turbines and generators per procedures.
• Monitor equipment parameters and identify abnormal conditions.
• Inspect and maintain turbines, generators, pumps, and valves.
• Operate plant auxiliary systems and document operations.
• Report malfunctions and take corrective actions per safety rules.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance and return to service with LOTO procedures.
• Maintain logs, work orders, and CMMS records.
• Coordinate with contractors and OEMs during outages and repairs.
• Complete tasks safely and support overall plant operations.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Reading blueprints

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in power plant technology (preferred)

Job description

Wolf Hills Energy is a 250-MW natural gas-fired simple-cycle peaking facility located at 14555 Industrial Park Road in Bristol, Virginia. The plant consists of five Pratt & Whitney Twin Pac Dash-1 combustion turbine units that provide fast-start generation during periods of peak electrical demand. Commissioned in 2001, the facility supports the regional power grid with reliable, on-demand generation.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe and reliable operation of Wolf Hills Energy’s combustion turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment. Responsibilities include equipment monitoring, inspections, troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and minor repairs in accordance with established safety and environmental procedures. This temporary assignment may provide an opportunity for regular employment based on business needs and individual performance.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Perform controlled startup and shutdown of combustion turbines, generators, and auxiliary systems in accordance with established operating procedures.
• Monitor plant equipment and operating parameters, including pressure, temperature, vibration, fluid levels, and operating hours, to identify abnormal conditions and maintain reliable performance.
• Inspect, test, troubleshoot, and perform preventive and corrective maintenance on combustion turbines, generators, compressors, pumps, valves, and other balance-of-plant equipment.
• Operate and monitor auxiliary systems, including fuel gas, compressed air, generator cooling, and other applicable plant support systems.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions, unsafe conditions, and operating abnormalities, taking appropriate corrective action within established procedures.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance and return to service by following applicable safety procedures, including Lock-Out/Tag-Out (LOTO).
• Maintain accurate operating logs, maintenance records, work orders, and equipment documentation, including parts used, repairs completed, and follow-up requirements.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document completed work, track equipment status, and support preventive maintenance planning.
• Assist with troubleshooting and repairs involving plant instrumentation, electrical circuits, and electronic control systems to support dependable equipment operation.
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel, contractors, and equipment manufacturers during routine maintenance, outages, and equipment repairs.
• Complete assigned operating and maintenance tasks in accordance with safety requirements, environmental standards, and established plant procedures.
• Fulfill other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports directly to the O&M Manager and receives general direction from the Plant Manager. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

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 O&M Technician works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This temporary position offers a base pay rate ranging from $38 to $43 per hour.

Operational Experience And Core Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology or a related technical field is preferred. Relevant military or industry experience may be considered in lieu of some educational requirements.
• Experience in power generation, industrial operations, or equipment maintenance is preferred, particularly in combustion turbine or simple-cycle facilities.
• Demonstrated ability to operate equipment, follow technical procedures, and perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Practical knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, including pumps, valves, compressors, generators, and related plant equipment.
• Familiarity with combustion turbine operating principles, auxiliary systems, instrumentation, electronic controls, and plant monitoring equipment.
• Proficiency in reading technical manuals, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and schematics, along with maintaining accurate operating and maintenance records.
• Understanding of industrial safety practices, including LOTO, applicable OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance procedures.
• Competence in using computerized maintenance systems and documenting work orders, repairs, and equipment conditions.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and teamwork skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities. NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.