Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

NAES•Berkeley, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam directly to the University of California, Berkeley campus. The site includes a steam plant in operation since the 1930s and a cogeneration plant originally constructed in the mid-1980s, together supporting the campus heating distribution system. With 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the primary steam provider, while auxiliary boilers and the steam plant ensure a consistent, year-round supply to meet campus demand. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician is essential to the safe and reliable operation of the Berkeley Cogeneration Plant, delivering electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. This role involves expertly operating and maintaining the LM2500PJ gas turbine, steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and supporting equipment to ensure continuous, efficient performance. The technician performs startups, shutdowns, inspections, and minor repairs while rigorously following safety protocols and maintaining precise operational logs to support uninterrupted, year-round campus energy and steam supply.

Requirements

Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school.
Proven track record in technician roles within power generation, with hands-on experience operating and maintaining gas turbines, steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and other combined cycle cogeneration systems.
Demonstrated expertise in journeyman-level operations and mechanical systems, including startup, shutdown, and routine operations, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
Experience disassembling and reassembling plant components such as pumps, valves, and turbine-generators, as well as working with microprocessor and electronic systems.
Strong theoretical and practical knowledge of gas and steam turbine operations, Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEMS) systems, electrical systems, piping and instrument schematics, process controls, and monitoring plant parameters to ensure reliable performance.
Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting complex technical documentation, including blueprints, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, while documenting maintenance and operational processes to maintain regulatory compliance and enhance equipment reliability.
Thorough understanding of safety protocols, including Lock-Out-Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures, OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance standards relevant to a cogeneration and steam plant environment.
Proven ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors, optimizing resources and ensuring timely completion of maintenance or operational tasks to support smooth plant operations.
Advanced problem-solving abilities, with strong technical writing, communication, and mathematical skills to clearly convey complex operational or maintenance solutions.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Responsibilities

Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operations of the LM2500PJ gas turbine, Terry letdown steam turbine, HRSG, auxiliary boilers, and supporting plant systems.
Operate major auxiliary equipment including air compressors, reverse osmosis water and cooling systems, condensers, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical apparatus to ensure stable facility performance.
Conduct operating tests, inspections, and minor repairs on assigned equipment to maintain reliability and prevent unplanned downtime.
Prepare equipment for service and follow established operating procedures and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
Maintain detailed and accurate logs documenting operational activities, equipment status, and any abnormalities.
Promptly identify, report, and address abnormal or irregular conditions to protect equipment and ensure safe operations.
Assist maintenance teams during scheduled outages or repairs, contributing to timely task completion and equipment readiness.
Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to record data, track work orders, and ensure efficient execution of maintenance activities.
Document equipment issues on work requests and record corrective actions, including spare parts usage and reordering needs.
Perform corrective and preventive maintenance work orders in a timely and thorough manner, with strong focus on safety and quality.
Monitor and record operational parameters such as temperature, vibration, pressure, hours of operation, and fluid levels using meters, gauges, or automated devices.
Conduct regular visual and auditory inspections of equipment to identify malfunctions, repairs, or lubrication needs and take proactive measures to maintain reliability.
Diagnose equipment malfunctions or failures and implement appropriate repair procedures to minimize downtime.
Analyzes and adjusts chemical levels and processes in both boiler water and water supplies to meet standards and removal of impurities.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the cogeneration plant.