Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES; Johnstown (Cambria County); On-site; USD 61,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

NAES Corporation seeks an O&M Technician to support the Fairview Energy Center in a 12-hour rotating shift schedule. You will run startups, monitor auxiliary systems, and perform maintenance to ensure reliable plant performance.

Requirements include a high school diploma or equivalent; power plant/industrial experience is preferred. CMMS proficiency and a valid U.S. driver’s license are essential. Safety and teamwork are emphasized in daily operations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology or engineering preferred.
• Hands-on power generation experience in a combined-cycle plant or industrial setting.
• Journeyman-level proficiency in troubleshooting and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, HRSGs, and process controls.
• Ability to read blueprints and electrical schematics and maintain accurate logs.
• U.S. driver’s license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct startup, shutdown, and routine operating activities for the plant's turbines and systems.
• Operate auxiliary systems such as air compressors, demineralized water, and cooling systems.
• Inspect equipment, perform tests, and conduct minor repairs to ensure reliability.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and control equipment to support plant performance.
• Maintain logs, monitor parameters, and report abnormal conditions with corrective actions.
• Train staff in preventive maintenance and safe work practices.
• Use CMMS to manage work orders and inventory.
• Assist with procedures, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work rotating 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

Power Plant Ops

Troubleshooting

Safety Procedures

Reading Blueprints

Electrical Controls

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in power plant technology/engineering

Tools

CMMS

Job description

Opportunity Summary

The Fairview Energy Center is an advanced natural gas combined-cycle power plant featuring GE Frame 7HA.02 gas turbines and a GE steam turbine. In 2020, it was named Power Magazine’s Top U.S. Facility. Located in the Laurel Highlands of PA, approximately 8 miles north of Johnstown and 87 miles east of Pittsburgh, the area is known for its hardwood forests, trout streams, and abundant whitetail deer.

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

• Conduct startup, shutdown, and routine operating activities for combined-cycle combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and associated plant systems.
• Manage the operation of auxiliary systems, including air compressors, demineralized water systems, generator cooling systems, condensers, and other mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Perform equipment inspections, operational tests, minor repairs, and routine maintenance to identify potential problems and maintain equipment reliability.
• Troubleshoot, repair, and maintain mechanical, instrumentation and controls, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment to support reliable plant performance.
• Prepare equipment for service in accordance with established operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Monitor and record operating parameters, including temperature, pressure, vibration, fluid levels, and equipment operating hours, to identify abnormal conditions.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and equipment records, documenting plant conditions, activities, and identified issues.
• Report abnormal operating conditions promptly and take corrective action within established procedures and assigned authority.
• Coordinate with plant personnel regarding operating conditions, plant chemistry, equipment status, and operational changes.
• Train and support employees in preventive maintenance, routine equipment servicing, and safe work practices.
• Utilize the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to manage work orders, track maintenance activities, and support spare parts inventory control.
• Support the review, revision, and implementation of operating procedures, as well as budget planning, cost control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Complete assigned work accurately and efficiently while meeting established safety, quality, and operational expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the O&M Manager or designee.

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 to the Operations Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

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 position offers a base pay rate ranging from $44 to $50 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications And Technical Competencies

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Hands-on experience in power generation or a comparable industrial environment, preferably operating and maintaining combustion turbines, combined-cycle systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Journeyman-level proficiency in plant operations, equipment troubleshooting, and the repair of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems, including pumps, valves, and turbine-generator components.
• Working knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), process controls, electrical systems, and piping and instrumentation schematics.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, including blueprints, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, and accurately maintain operating and maintenance records.
• Understanding of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), applicable OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance standards.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) to manage work orders, track maintenance activities, and support spare parts inventory control.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills, including technical writing, mathematical aptitude, independent decision-making, and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to resolve equipment issues and support maintenance and operational objectives.
• 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.