Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•New York, NY

2d•$55 - $61•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician provides technical leadership and operational oversight supporting 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 role directs plant operating activities, including equipment startup and shutdown, system monitoring, troubleshooting, and preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance. As a lead technical resource, this position guides plant personnel, coordinates daily operations, troubleshoots equipment issues, and supports employee development, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement in plant safety and performance. The Lead O&M Technician reports to the O&M Manager, receives general direction from plant management, and provides operational guidance to maintenance personnel and functional direction to O&M Technicians. The position follows a DuPont rotating 12-hour schedule with day and night shifts, providing 24/7 coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callout availability may be required. The work is in a power plant environment and may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and varying outdoor weather. Physical demands include extended standing, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment may be required, and participation in a Fitness for Duty Program includes 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.
Demonstrated 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 with 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 work across disciplines.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the role’s physical requirements, including routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and working in the described power plant conditions.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random 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 operations.
Coordinate plant startup, shutdown, equipment operation, and daily operating schedules to meet generation requirements and operational priorities.
Conduct routine plant inspections, identify equipment abnormalities and safety hazards, and initiate corrective actions.
Enforce safety and environmental requirements, including equipment isolation, switching, lockout/tagout, 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, conduct operational testing, and coordinate repairs to restore performance and minimize downtime.
Monitor 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 improvement opportunities.
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 stakeholders.
Represent the facility during assigned after-hours coverage.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and remain mentally alert and work safely.