Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES; South Dakota; On-site; USD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

Canyon Peak Power, operated by NAES, in Bennett, Colorado, seeks an O&M Technician to support safe, reliable on-site operation of six GE LM2500 turbines and associated systems.

You will perform startups/shutdowns, inspections, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, coordinating with plant teams and OEMs as needed.

Qualifications

• Associate degree preferred; relevant industry or military experience considered in lieu of formal education.
• Hands-on experience in power plant operations and maintenance, including startup/shutdown and inspections.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate six GE LM2500 simple-cycle turbines and auxiliary systems.
• Perform equipment inspections, minor repairs, and routine maintenance.
• Document operations, calibrations and maintenance in logs and CMMS.
• Coordinate with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM reps.
• Support safety and environmental procedures and training.

Skills

Power plant operations

Troubleshooting

Instrumentation & controls

LOTO safety

Education

Associate degree in power plant technology

Tools

PLC

Job description

Canyon Peak Power, situated in Bennett, Colorado, is a 162â¯MW simple-cycle gas facility delivering reliable, on-demand energy. The plant features six GE LM2500 simple-cycle gas turbines, offering rapid-start capability and high operational flexibility. Designed to support grid stability, it plays a critical role in meeting peak electricity demand across the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation and maintenance of Canyon Peak Power. The role performs plant startups and shutdowns, equipment inspections, troubleshooting, minor repairs, and routine maintenance across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.

Working closely with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives, the O&M Technician helps maintain equipment reliability and plant availability while supporting responsive, on-demand generation.

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

• Start up, shut down, and operate six GE LM2500 simple-cycle gas turbines and associated auxiliary systems, both inside and outside the control room.
• Complete operator qualification and develop working knowledge of turbine, auxiliary, electrical, emissions control, cooling, fire protection, and plant air systems; operate the facility independently during assigned on-call periods.
• Conduct equipment rounds, inspections, operating tests, minor repairs, and routine maintenance while monitoring operating parameters, alarms, and system performance to identify abnormal conditions and maintain reliable generation.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance or return to service and perform equipment isolations in accordance with plant procedures and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) requirements.
• Respond to abnormal or emergency operating conditions by taking appropriate corrective action, communicating equipment issues, and following established plant procedures.
• Support preventive, corrective, and major maintenance activities, including inspection, testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Troubleshoot and maintain motors, VFDs, switchgear, process instrumentation, PLCs, turbine controls, and associated plant automation systems.
• Interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, control logic diagrams, equipment manuals, and other technical documentation to diagnose equipment issues and support repairs.
• Document operating activities, maintenance work, calibrations, and equipment status through accurate operating logs, CMMS entries, and technical records.
• Coordinate operating and maintenance activities with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives while adhering to applicable safety and quality requirements.
• Maintain plant equipment, work areas, and grounds in a clean and orderly condition; support safe off‑loading of bulk chemicals, fuels, and lubricants; and address unsafe conditions, spills, leaks, and environmental incidents through appropriate corrective action and reporting.
• Participate in safety meetings, technical training, and employee development activities; assist with training other personnel; and safely operate plant vehicles and equipment, including pickups, forklifts, and aerial lifts, in accordance with plant procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support safe, reliable, and flexible operations that meet peak electricity demand and maintain grid stability.

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 Plant Manager 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 10‑hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations and ensure seamless shift transitions.

This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $40 to $50 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications & Technical Experience

• Associate degree in power plant technology, electrical/mechanical technology, instrumentation and controls, or a related technical field is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Hands‑on experience in power plant operations and maintenance, including startup, shutdown, equipment inspections, troubleshooting, and operation of combustion turbines and auxiliary systems.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and maintain mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems at the technician level.
• Practical experience inspecting, repairing, disassembling, and reassembling equipment such as pumps, valves, motors, actuators, and instrumentation.
• Working knowledge of combustion turbine operations, electrical systems, process instrumentation, PLCs, control systems, and plant monitoring equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, P&IDs, control logic diagrams, blueprints, technical manuals, and other plant documentation.
• Familiarity with preventive and corrective maintenance practices, including calibration, testing, troubleshooting, and repair of plant equipment and associated control components.
• Strong understanding of safe work practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), OSHA requirements, and environmental requirements applicable to power generation.
• Experience working with plant personnel, contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives to support operations, maintenance, outages, and troubleshooting activities.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, technical writing, and analytical skills with the ability to accurately document operating and maintenance activities.
• 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.