Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•Athens, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician provides technical leadership and operational oversight to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of New Athens Generating, a 1,080 MW natural gas-fired combined-cycle power generation facility in Athens, New York. The position directs plant operating activities, including equipment startup and shutdown, system monitoring, troubleshooting, and preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. As a lead technical resource, the technician guides plant personnel, coordinates daily operations, supports employee development and regulatory compliance, and contributes to continuous improvement in plant safety and performance. The role reports to the O&M Manager and receives general direction from plant management. It provides operational guidance to maintenance personnel and functional direction to O&M Technicians. The schedule follows a rotating 12-hour DuPont schedule with day and night shifts to provide 24/7 plant coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callout availability may be required as operational needs dictate. Work takes place in a power plant environment that may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and changing outdoor weather. Physical duties include prolonged standing, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Required protective equipment may include hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, hearing protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing, hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Respirator fit testing may be required. Employees participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
At least five years of experience in power plant operations and/or maintenance.
Strong technical knowledge of power generation equipment, including combustion turbines, boilers, pumps, motors, electrical distribution systems, water treatment equipment, and auxiliary plant systems.
Experience operating, troubleshooting, inspecting, and maintaining mechanical, electrical, and process equipment in an industrial environment.
Thorough understanding of power plant water treatment, cycle chemistry, chemical handling, and their effects on equipment reliability and plant performance.
Working knowledge of electrical theory, thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid systems, and fundamental mechanical principles applicable to power plant operations.
Ability to interpret P&IDs, electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and equipment manuals.
Proficiency in using hand and power tools, electrical and mechanical testing instruments, analytical equipment, and appropriate rigging devices.
Familiarity with industrial safety requirements, including LOTO, confined space entry, hazardous energy control, chemical safety, and safe operation of high-energy systems.
Leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to provide technical direction, mentor employees, and coordinate activities across multiple disciplines.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license maintained in good standing.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements and work in the described power plant conditions.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including required physical examination and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Power Plant Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline.
Experience in a natural gas-fired combined-cycle generating facility.

Responsibilities

Provide functional direction and technical guidance to O&M personnel to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operation in accordance with procedures.
Coordinate plant startup, shutdown, equipment operation, and daily operating schedules to meet generation requirements and operational priorities.
Conduct routine plant inspections, identify operating abnormalities and safety hazards, and initiate corrective actions.
Enforce safety and environmental requirements, including equipment isolation, switching, lockout/tagout (LOTO), and safe work practices.
Serve as the lead technical resource for assigned plant systems and support operational decisions, troubleshooting, and equipment reliability.
Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary equipment.
Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions, perform operational testing, and coordinate repairs to restore performance and minimize downtime.
Monitor plant cycle chemistry, water treatment systems, and chemical inventories; make operational adjustments and coordinate replenishment and bulk chemical deliveries.
Investigate incidents, equipment failures, and unusual operating conditions; document findings and recommend corrective and preventive actions.
Maintain operating logs, maintenance records, equipment status reports, production data, and other required documentation.
Analyze operating and maintenance data to identify performance trends, equipment deficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
Develop, review, and update plant operating procedures in accordance with technical standards and operational requirements.
Train and mentor O&M personnel through hands-on instruction, technical guidance, qualification assessments, and structured training.
Communicate equipment conditions, operational concerns, and maintenance priorities to management, employees, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Represent the facility during assigned after-hours coverage.