Plant Manager

NAES; Bennett (CO); On-site; USD 158,500 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy management firm in Bennett, Colorado, is seeking a Plant Manager for a critical role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of a 162 MW gas turbine facility. The position requires strong leadership to manage operations and maintenance, adherence to regulatory standards, and oversight of personnel performance. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in power generation, with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering and a proven track record in managing complex operational environments. This role offers a competitive salary and an opportunity to significantly impact regional energy needs.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in operations and maintenance of power generating facilities.
• Minimum of three years of supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Experience managing operations per an O&M Agreement.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations ensuring policies align with objectives.
• Manage safety culture suited for rapid-response operations.
• Oversee compliance with environmental permits.

Skills

Leadership

Safety Compliance

Operational Performance

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Job description

Canyon Peak Power, situated in Bennett, Colorado, is a 162MW 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 Plant Manager at Canyon Peak Power plays a critical role in supporting grid reliability and meeting peak demand through the safe, reliable operation of a 162 MW simple‑cycle gas turbine peaking facility. The role includes full accountability for managing the operation and maintenance of the plant in accordance with the O&M Agreement, along with regulatory, safety, and commercial oversight within a lean organization focused on flexibility, rapid response, and performance. This position offers broad plant ownership and direct impact in a dynamic, on‑demand generation environment that supports regional energy needs.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Provide overall leadership for a simple‑cycle, fast‑start peaking facility, ensuring policies, procedures, and site practices align with facility objectives, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices, with consistent on‑site leadership.
• Maintain a strong safety culture suited to intermittent and rapid‑response operations, ensuring safe execution of starts, shutdowns, maintenance activities, and contractor work.
• Administer the Management of Change (MOC) program to ensure modifications to equipment, controls, and operating procedures are properly reviewed, approved, documented, and communicated to maintain safety and operational readiness.
• Direct Operations and Maintenance activities to support high dispatch availability, start reliability, and operational flexibility, utilizing OEM and third‑party resources as needed.
• Manage site programs including Safety, Environmental, Training, Administrative, and NERC Compliance (as applicable), applying sound utility and business practices appropriate for a peaking asset.
• Ensure compliance with environmental permits and regulatory obligations for simple‑cycle gas turbine operation, including preparation and submittal of required reports.
• Serve as the primary interface with regulatory agencies, local stakeholders, and the community, leading community relations efforts and maintaining the facility’s reputation as a responsible grid resource.
• Develop and maintain staffing, training, and qualification plans aligned with a rapid‑start peaking plant, ensuring personnel certifications and qualifications remain current.
• Lead workforce development through coaching and professional development to maintain technical competency and engagement within a lean O&M organization.
• Plan and execute maintenance outages and respond to unplanned outages to minimize impacts to dispatch capability while controlling costs and supporting reliable performance.
• Oversee compliance with commercial and service agreements, including O&M, fuel supply, service contracts, and interconnection agreements.
• Lead plant‑level commercial and financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, procurement, and cost control, ensuring accurate financial reporting and adherence to owner requirements.
• Complete special projects and additional assignments as required to support plant performance, compliance, and owner objectives.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the managers, technicians, and Plant Administrator. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and commercial management of the plant.

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 Plant Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. 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.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other off‑site meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $158,500 to $200,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in power plant engineering, operations, and/or maintenance at an electric generating facility of 10 MW or greater, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in maintenance and personnel management within the utility or energy industry, including operations oversight, performance reporting, and planned and unplanned outage management.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of power plant operations and maintenance, environmental, health and safety (EH&S) compliance, budgeting, personnel management, and operational performance management.
• Proven experience managing operations and maintenance activities in accordance with an O&M Agreement, including contractor oversight, compliance tracking, and performance accountability.
• Experience working in or supporting simple‑cycle gas turbine or peaking generation facilities with fast‑start or on‑demand operating profiles.
• Strong self‑motivation with an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to operate effectively in a lean, performance‑driven organization.
• Excellent communication, leadership, teamwork, and presentation skills, with the ability to interact effectively with plant personnel, owners, contractors, regulators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and make sound operational and commercial decisions.
• 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, 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 form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.