Operations & Maintenance Tech II - Onward Energy

JOB DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6.2 GW 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 Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota. The project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2026. In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039. MEC I has a Siemens 501F-D3 combustion turbine rated at approximately 198 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. MEC II has a Siemens 501F-D4 combustion turbine rated at approximately 204 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG. Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW.

THE CHALLENGE

Senior-level position responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment. 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 and efficient manner. Employees will participate in the plant maintenance program as a system owner and document plant maintenance records in a computer work maintenance system (CWMS). Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a variety of complex technical services/support duties requiring specialized operational knowledge.
• Regularly makes decisions on non-routine or escalated technical issues.
• Responsible to meet contract sales agreement within safe, reliable, and efficient equipment operational limitations during his/her shift.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities.
• Reviews own work and possibly the work of others; work results are the highest quality standards and advanced technical competency.
• Resolves the most complex technical issues, conferring with management occasionally; may serve as a resource to others in resolution of complex issues.
• Works under limited to no supervision.
• Prepares, maintains and provides a variety of reports/documents as required or upon request.
• Ensures strict adherence to all safety and environmental procedures.
• Communicates condition of plant systems, equipment and pertinent information to others.
• Interpret and respond to visual and auditory signals from control panel.
• Perform control room and outside operation of all station equipment and systems during routine, abnormal, and emergency operations.
• Position requires a qualification process to demonstrate ability to properly and safely operate the power plant.
• Perform start-up, operation, monitoring, shutdown and lock-out of plant auxiliary equipment at the equipment location.
• Operate all plant mobile equipment, forklift, man lift, etc.
• Perform chemical analysis on plant water systems which include demineralized water, cooling water, wastewater and raw water.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance water plant systems.

• Perform maintenance and upkeep of site buildings and grounds.
• Ensure adequate supply of oil and chemicals are available to support plant operation.
• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
• Must be available for night, overtime, weekend, and holiday work as required.
• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Required to acquire a 2^nd Class A boiler license within 18 months of employment, a 1^st Class A license within 3 years of employment and a Chief A Boiler license within 5 years of employment.
• Qualify as a Control Room Operator (CRO)
• Proficient in work planning with CWMS
• Overtime requirements will be required by plant management, including weekends, nights and holidays.
• Demonstrate knowledge of trips, resets, set points and modes of operation for the combustion turbine, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and steam turbine.
• Demonstrate the ability to use plant test equipment to troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate field devices.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform CEMS calibration, basic troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water chemistry requirements for reliable HRSG and steam turbine operation.
• Required to perform the following within 2 years of assignment:
  • Perform non-coding welding.
  • Perform valve and small pump rebuilds.
  • Perform alignment of pumps, fans and similar equipment.
  • Wire and unwire motors, valves and other components as needed (primarily < 600 Volts)
• High School Diploma, degree from a technical/vocational school, military service or equivalent required.
• Preferred Associates degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college, trade school certification or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation or equivalent experience.
• Senior level, generally, 10+ years directly related experience including understanding of environmental & safety regulations and previous experience working as a senior level plant operator.
• Experience working with and around hazardous energy, chemicals, and waste materials.
• Requires previous experience using testing equipment & calibration appliances.
• Experience in industrial electrical/mechanical/I&C or certified training/license preferred.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with an advanced understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical equipment.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• 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 interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs.
• Ability to provide work direction and training to small groups of employees in a professional and accurate manner.
• Ability and willingness to read and interpret blueprints, schematic diagrams, procedures and technical manuals.
• Demonstrate knowledge of trips, resets, set points and modes of operation for the combustion turbine, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and steam turbine.
• Demonstrate the ability to use plant test equipment to troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate field devices.
• Demonstrate the ability to perform CEMS calibration, basic troubleshooting, and routine maintenance.
• Proven ability to work with a system ownership team to develop, plan, and execute a project.
• Demonstrated knowledge of water chemistry requirements for reliable HRSG and steam turbine operation.
• 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.

• 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 condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

1. 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.

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.