Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician at NAES

The Cascade Power Project is a cutting-edge 900-megawatt combined-cycle power generation facility. Powered by natural gas and equipped with two Siemens SCC6-8000H Power Trains, the plant boasts modern and highly efficient industrial turbines. Set to commence operations in early 2024, this facility represents a significant stride towards sustainable and technologically advanced energy production in the region.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician is responsible for the overall safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power generating facility. You will rely on your extensive knowledge and experience in the operation of power generation or related industrial system equipment to provide hands-on responsibility for starting, stopping, and monitoring all plant equipment. Your familiarity and use of Distributed Control System (DCS) equipment, condition monitoring tools, and proven equipment inspection techniques will be a critical asset for success. As part of an O&M team, you will be expected to contribute to the overall success by supporting predictive, preventative, and corrective maintenance activities.

Primary Functions

• Responsible for achieving the goals outlined in the incentive compensation targets.
• Supports the plant team in maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
• Assists Operations and Maintenance managers in developing and attaining O&M plan targets.
• Maintains positive relationships with suppliers and contractors, ensuring safe and efficient deliveries and work execution at the plant.
• Takes an active role in facilitating tasks at the facility, collaborating with suppliers and contractors for task completion.
• Ensures real-time communication with the grid operator, Energy Trading, and the ISO to ensure compliance with dispatch and system control.
• Fosters community relations by exemplifying NAES corporate policies and values daily.
• Contributes to the development of key performance indicators based on equipment knowledge, striving for targets through innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supports the development of long-term equipment plans by identifying improvement areas proactively and providing operational insights for major maintenance planning.
• Assumes responsibility for managing assigned systems or areas during planned maintenance outages to ensure necessary work completion.
• Maintains ownership and care of tools used in daily activities and preventive maintenance, preserving their usefulness and value.
• Contributes to the development of risk management practices based on equipment history and maintenance findings.
• Primary responsibility for implementing and managing safe work systems in the facility, including LOTO, confined space, hot work, and work authorization.
• Operates and manages environmental regulatory monitoring systems to ensure the highest standards of compliance and accuracy.
• Understands inventory systems and procedures, participating in stocktaking as necessary.
• Familiarizes with ARS (NERC) standards and fulfills operational roles as required.
• Supports the development of standards and procedures for quality assurance in their area of expertise, contributing to audits, inspections, and assessments for continuous improvement.
• Ensures transactions are correctly booked against appropriate accounts and cost codes, understanding the chart of accounts.
• Adheres to purchasing guidelines when necessary.
• Proficiently utilizes IT systems within the organization, demonstrating full competence with CMMS and document management systems for daily tasks and historical record-keeping.
• Provides timely and concise information for internal and external reporting purposes.
• Maintains site security by monitoring access to physical and cyber barriers and reporting breaches promptly.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the team leader.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports to the Operations Manager and takes general direction from the Plant Manager. Additionally, the O&M Technician cooperates with all other plant personnel as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

Power plant environment which entails working conditions that may include extreme hot or cold temperatures, confined spaces, working at extreme heights and on grating, and working around heavy equipment, pressurized, and energized equipment. Both indoor and outdoor work are part of the job requirements. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and lifting up to 23kg.

Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Respirator qualified required.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

This position entails a 12-hour rotating shift encompassing days and nights. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Job Qualifications

Education and Certifications/Licences

• Second Class Interprovincial Power Engineer Certificate preferred; a Third Class Power Engineer Certificate combined with significant relevant power generation experience may be considered.
• Related technology, trade, or technical certification is considered an asset.
• Valid and unrestricted driver’s licence in good standing is required.

Experience & Attributes

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in power plant operations, preferably within a large power generation or comparable industrial facility.
• Demonstrated experience leading plant operations, including start-up, shutdown, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and response to abnormal or emergency conditions.
• Proven ability to lead and co-ordinate operational requirements during planned and forced outages, including equipment isolation, lockout/tagout (LOTO), work co-ordination, system turnover, and return-to-service activities.
• Strong technical knowledge of power generation equipment and systems, including electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Working knowledge of distributed control systems (DCS), plant instrumentation, electrical systems, and associated operating and monitoring equipment.
• Ability to diagnose complex operational and equipment issues, co-ordinate corrective actions, and support safe and reliable plant performance.
• Thorough understanding of applicable occupational health and safety, environmental, operational, and regulatory requirements within a Canadian power generation environment.
• Experience interpreting operating procedures, technical documentation, system data, instrumentation, alarms, gauges, and equipment condition information.
• Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction and guidance to operations personnel while working effectively with maintenance and other plant departments.
• Ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgement, and make timely operational decisions during plant upsets and emergency situations.

What We Offer

• Competitive Compensation
• Medical, dental, and other benefits
• Annual Bonus Incentives
• RRSP Matching Program

Energy People Making Energy Facilities Work – Better

NAES Canada is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES Canada to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, genetic characteristics, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, family status, source of income, sexual orientation, and for a conviction for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended which is protected by applicable local, provincial and federal law.