Operations Manager - Faribault Energy Park

NAES•Faribault, MN

14h•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager opportunity involves leading a dedicated team responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Faribault Energy Park, a 265 MW combined-cycle generating facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). In this role, you will drive operational excellence by optimizing plant performance, managing budgets and operator scheduling, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance. You will also oversee training and development programs, ensure regulatory and environmental compliance, manage contractor relationships, and provide accurate operational reporting to support the facility's commitment to safe, sustainable, and dependable power generation.

Requirements

Extensive experience in power plant operations management, leading teams to achieve high standards of safety, reliability, environmental compliance, and operational performance.
Strong technical knowledge of combined-cycle power generation systems, including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and associated thermal and electrical equipment.
Proven ability to analyze plant performance data, operational events, and equipment failures to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reliability, and cost control.
Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, with knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and experience maintaining compliance within an operating power generation facility.
Experience managing contractor activities and service agreements to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plant standards.
Proficient with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and plant information systems preferred.
Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing operational demands, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with plant personnel, management, contractors, regulatory agencies, and owner representatives.
Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and mentor personnel while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management.
Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.

Responsibilities

Lead the Operations Team to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while supporting the facility's performance, environmental, and safety objectives.
Oversee operator scheduling to ensure adequate staffing for continuous plant operations and provide on-call operational support to maintain plant reliability and timely response to operational events.
Optimize plant performance by establishing operational objectives and evaluating thermal, electrical, and environmental performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
Analyze operating results, equipment performance, and operational events to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall plant performance while assisting in the development and management of the operations budget.
Partner with the Maintenance Manager to assess equipment condition, support maintenance planning activities, and provide technical and operational guidance as required.
Ensure accurate maintenance of plant logs, records, operating reports, and compliance documentation, including reports required by the owner, regulatory agencies, and applicable industry standards.
Manage controlled operational documents, including procedures, manuals, and operating instructions, ensuring they remain current, accurate, and compliant with plant requirements.
Maintain and administer training programs that support employee development, operational readiness, safety performance, and compliance with plant procedures and industry best practices.
Oversee implementation of the plant water chemistry program, including sampling, testing, laboratory activities, inventory control, and personnel training.
Coordinate environmental compliance activities to ensure adherence to permit requirements, environmental regulations, and company policies while promoting sustainable operating practices.
Develop and manage contractor work scopes and service agreements to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plant standards.
Foster a positive team culture through open communication, employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of plant operations, maintenance, safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement initiatives.