Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

The O&M Technician at NAES Corporation in Pleasant Hill, MO, is responsible for ensuring the efficient operation of a natural gas power plant. Key duties include starting up and shutting down systems, conducting inspections and minor repairs, maintaining safety protocols, and documenting operational activities. The role requires collaboration with maintenance teams and proficiency in Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to support equipment reliability and optimal plant performance.
The Dogwood Energy Facility, located near Pleasant Hill in Cass County, Missouri, strategically operates within the northern SPP reliability council region. This 625 MW natural gas combined-cycle plant employs a 2x1 configuration with two Siemens Westinghouse 501F D2 Gas Turbines, two Toshiba Heat Recovery Steam Generators (HRSGs), and one Toshiba Steam Turbine Generator.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician ensures reliable and efficient operation of power plant systems, including combined cycle combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and auxiliary equipment such as air compressors, steam turbines, and condensers. They perform startup, shutdown, inspections, and minor repairs while adhering to safety protocols and maintaining accurate operational logs. By collaborating with maintenance teams and leveraging Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), the technician supports equipment reliability and optimal plant performance.

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

Operations
• Startup, shutdown, and routine operation of power plant systems, including combined cycle combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), Zero Liquid Discharge systems, and Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems.
• Operate major auxiliary apparatus such as air compressors, demineralized water systems, generator cooling systems, steam turbines, condensers, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment to ensure the smooth operation of the facility.
• Conduct operating tests, inspections, and minor repairs on assigned equipment to ensure proper functioning and prevent downtime.
• Prepare equipment for service, adhering to operating procedures and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain accurate logs as assigned, documenting operational activities, equipment status, and any abnormalities encountered during work.
• Maintain the operation of the chemical pumping system, ensuring optimal chemistry control and equipment reliability.
• Obtain direction from other team members to make changes in plant conditions and chemistry.
• Promptly report any abnormal or irregular conditions encountered during work and take corrective actions within prescribed guidelines to prevent equipment damage or operational hazards.
• Monitor and record various operational parameters such as equipment temperature, vibration, hours of operation, pressure, and fluid levels using meters, gauges, or automatic devices to verify optimal operating conditions and identify potential issues.
• Support revising, training, and implementing operating procedures.
• Fulfill other tasks as assigned by the Operations Manager, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.

Maintenance
• Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), accurately entering data, and adhering to facility maintenance protocols to ensure efficient tracking of maintenance activities.
• Document equipment issues on work requests and record maintenance actions taken on work order forms meticulously, including spare parts usage and reordering when necessary.
• Handle corrective and preventive maintenance work orders promptly and with high-quality standards, ensuring thorough documentation and adherence to safety protocols.
• Provide assistance during maintenance periods as required, collaborating with maintenance teams to ensure timely completion of tasks.
• Perform visual inspections and listen to equipment at regular intervals to identify malfunctions, repairs, adjustments, or lubrication needs, taking proactive measures to maintain equipment integrity.
• Diagnose mechanical malfunctions or failures of operational equipment and implement appropriate repair procedures to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.

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 follows a Modified DuPont workweek schedule, consisting of 12-hour shifts with a rotating day and night cycle. 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 $35 to $45 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are looking for a skilled Technician with experience in power generation operations and maintenance, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.
• Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. 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 education on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience as a Technician or in a similar role within a power plant or comparable industrial setting, performing safe and efficient operation and maintenance of plant systems and auxiliary equipment, including monitoring, troubleshooting, and supporting maintenance activities.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMS) systems, electrical systems, piping and instrument schematics, process controls, and inspection/recording of plant parameters.
• Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex technical documentation, including blueprints, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, while documenting maintenance processes to ensure regulatory compliance and continuous improvement in equipment performance and reliability.
• Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance standards.
• Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring 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.