Operations & Maintenance Technician II

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Brandywine Power Facility (Brandywine) is a 230-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located in Prince George’s County, MD. The project operates in the PJM power market as a merchant facility. Brandywine became commercially operational in October 1996. Brandywine has two GE 7EA DLN1 gas turbines with Nooter Eriksen HRSGs and a single GE steam turbine.

THE CHALLENGE

Senior-level position responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges, meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Technician II assist in the development of operational procedures, operator training modules and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant safety, reliability and efficiency. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees and provides functional direction to plant O&M personnel regarding plant operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant equipment and auxiliaries
• Ensures that all site safety requirements and procedures are properly implemented and consistently observed. Identifies safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary
• Ensures procedural compliance in the conduct of plant operations, maintenance, and personnel administration.
• Conducts periodic tours of the plant to inspect equipment; provides direction, supervision and feedback to employees and ensures that all safety rules and plant procedures are followed.
• Ensures housekeeping standards are maintained or initiates corrective action, as required.
• Receive and respond to electrical generation, transmission, and fuel dispatcher's orders and requests. Operate the plant consistent with the design limitations of the equipment as required to meet production objectives.
• Operate control systems to regulate the load on the turbines/generators, HRSG’s and other plant equipment to maintain proper operating conditions for electrical, fuel, steam, feedwater, condensate, and other plant systems as required to support desired operating levels.
• Perform emergency operations to maintain electric service and safeguard station equipment.
• Maintains the plant’s Operating Log and other plant records in a timely and accurate manner. Approves and issues Equipment Lock-out/Tag-outs as required.
• Serves as the site representative after normal hours
• Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to the Operations Manager or Lead Shift Supervisor.
• Qualify and Maintain qualification as PO and ability to perform PO functions as needed
• Provides supervision and direction to the Plant Operator
• Assists in the orientation, training, and development of Plant Operators.
• Becomes lead system representative on assigned systems
• Assists the Operations Manager in facets of department administration and power plant management.
• Provides advice and counsel to both the Operations and Maintenance Managers regarding the technical and administrative conduct of shift operations.
• Writes, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures.
• Supports the Administration, Engineering and Maintenance departments.
• Complete other tasks as assigned.
• Complete all O&M Tech I (Plant Operator) training requirements within 3 months.
• Complete all O&M Tech II (Control Room Operator) training requirements within 6 months.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• High School Diploma, related military service or equivalent.
• Preferred Associate’s degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college, trade school certification or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation.
• Experience as a Control Room Operator or equivalent position in an operating or generating plant.
• Experience in the direct operation of a combined cycle gas turbine power plant preferred.
• Experience with Emerson Ovation DCS and GE Mark VIe preferred.
• Requires experience working with and around hazardous chemicals and waste materials.
• Requires previous experience using testing equipment & calibration appliances.
• Requires additional experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Experience in industrial electrical/mechanical/I&C or certified training/license preferred.
• Experience with a computer work maintenance system (CWMS).
• Overtime requirements will be required by plant management, including weekends, nights, and holidays.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of combustion/steam turbine operations, closed system steam generation, industrial safety, hazardous waste management and inspection/recording of plant parameters is required.
• Ability to comprehend and apply technical information, including mechanical and electrical drawings (such as blueprints, P&IDs, single-line diagrams, and schematics), to problem-solving situations and troubleshooting
• Industrial experience maintaining valves, pumps, motors, welding, and repair of other balance of plant equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.
• Demonstrate knowledge of trips, resets, set points and modes of operation for the combustion turbine, heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine.
• Strong electric aptitude and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Associate will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting.
• May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs.
• Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools.
• Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms.
• Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and safety-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment conditions, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.