Operating Technician

NAES•Aquasco, MD

6d•$22 - $59•Onsite

About The Position

The Operating Technician at Chalk Point Generating Station in Aquasco, Maryland, supports start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of auxiliary equipment at a facility with seven gas turbines and two steam turbines. The role includes inspecting and testing equipment, performing minor repairs and adjustments, supporting maintenance activities, following Control Room Operator directives, and documenting work using computerized maintenance management and work order systems. The technician operates auxiliary systems and locally controlled electrical and mechanical devices; monitors equipment condition and operating data; investigates abnormal conditions; and troubleshoots mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, PLC, plant control, and DCS issues. The role also includes preparing isolated equipment for service according to safety procedures, maintaining operational logs, tracking spare parts, and carrying out other duties assigned by the O&M Manager. This position works in a power plant environment that may include confined spaces, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, elevated work areas, and variable outdoor weather. A modified DuPont rotating 12-hour schedule provides 24/7 coverage, with day and night shifts and built-in rest days. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability may be required. The position reports to the Control Room Supervisor and takes general direction from plant management.

Requirements

Experience implementing or working within a lockout/tagout (LOTO) program for hazardous energy control is required.
Proficiency with work order systems or computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is required.
Understanding of plant mechanical and electrical systems, including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling equipment, water treatment, pollution control, AC/DC electrical distribution and control systems, and related maintenance practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively, work independently, and develop practical solutions to operational and maintenance challenges.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver's license that remains in good standing.
Ability to stand for extended periods, climb stairs and ladders, work from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in a power plant environment that may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat, and varying outdoor weather.
Ability to use required protective equipment; respirator fit testing may be required.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related field; equivalent technical training in industrial maintenance or instrumentation and controls, or relevant industry or military experience, may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Previous experience in power plant operations or a similar industrial environment.
Knowledge of combustion turbine and/or steam turbine operations, electrical systems, industrial safety, regulatory compliance, hazardous waste management, and monitoring and logging plant operating parameters.
Familiarity with piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) and process control systems.

Responsibilities

Assist with the start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of power plant systems.
Operate auxiliary equipment, including air compressors, demineralized water systems, lube oil cooling systems, hydraulic systems, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical devices.
Conduct operating tests and inspections and perform minor repairs and adjustments.
Follow Control Room Supervisor directives to clear and prepare equipment for service at isolated panels, including clearing, tagging, testing, and applying safety tape according to procedures.
Maintain detailed and accurate operational logs.
Monitor and report abnormal or irregular operating conditions and take corrective actions within operating instructions.
Support maintenance periods and the upkeep and reliability of plant systems.
Use the CMMS consistently, enter accurate data, and align work with the facility's maintenance philosophy.
Record equipment issues and maintenance actions on SAP work orders; manage corrective and preventive tasks; track spare-parts usage and initiate re-orders as needed.
Read meters, gauges, and automatic devices and record equipment temperature, vibration, operating hours, pressure, and fluid levels.
Visually inspect and listen to equipment at scheduled intervals to identify malfunctions or needs for repair, adjustment, or lubrication.
Diagnose and troubleshoot mechanical malfunctions or failures, and repair, replace, dismantle, and examine defective parts; ensure components are lubricated and cleaned.
Use a Fluke meter and other test equipment to calibrate and repair plant instrumentation and electrical circuits.
Safely terminate and connect 480 VAC motor wiring.
Assist with troubleshooting and inspecting PLCs, plant control systems, and DCS, including replacing control cards and wiring terminations.
Perform additional tasks as required by the O&M Manager.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs and remain mentally alert while working.
Participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.