Relief Operator

NAES•Sparks, NV

1d•$35 - $47•Onsite

About The Position

The Relief Operator at Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant primarily performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on Wärtsilä reciprocating engines and associated mechanical equipment. The role includes troubleshooting, repairs, outage support, and maintenance documentation. As needed, the position provides Auxiliary Operator relief coverage by monitoring equipment, conducting operating rounds, and supporting routine plant operations. The station is a 116-MW natural gas-fueled facility in Storey County, Nevada, supporting regional mining operations. It includes 14 Wärtsilä 34SG spark-ignition engines and a 1-MW AC solar photovoltaic system. The Relief Operator reports to the Maintenance Manager, receives direction from the Operations Manager during relief coverage, and general direction from the Plant Manager. The role collaborates with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives. Work requires extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and potentially callout availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs. The work takes place in a power plant environment that may involve confined spaces, narrow areas, hazardous materials, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, high heat near equipment, and changing outdoor weather conditions. Physical demands include extended standing, climbing stairs and ladders, working at heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment may be required, including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing, hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Respirator fit testing may be required. Employees participate in a Fitness for Duty Program that includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening. The position offers base pay of $34.91 to $46.94 per hour and eligibility for an annual performance bonus. NAES Corporation provides operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. The company states its commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace and merit-based employment decisions.

Requirements

Relevant hands-on experience maintaining mechanical equipment in power generation, manufacturing, or a similar industrial environment is preferred.
Practical knowledge of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance, including troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling engines, pumps, valves, compressors, and other mechanical equipment.
Familiarity with power plant operations, equipment monitoring, operating parameters, and startup and shutdown procedures; ability to complete required Auxiliary Operator training and qualifications.
Proficiency using precision measuring instruments, diagnostic equipment, and shop tools to assemble, disassemble, align, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment.
Ability to interpret meters, gauges, instrumentation, technical drawings, and equipment manuals.
Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices, including lockout/tagout, equipment isolation, and compliance with safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
Effective troubleshooting, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives.
Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, including maintaining CMMS records, documenting maintenance activities, and completing operating logs and shift turnovers.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the stated physical requirements and participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent technical training, industry, or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
Experience with Wärtsilä or other natural gas reciprocating engines is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on Wärtsilä natural gas reciprocating engines, mechanical auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant equipment.
Diagnose mechanical equipment failures, identify root causes, and complete repairs to minimize downtime and improve reliability.
Inspect, repair, and overhaul engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, valves, turbochargers, bearings, and mechanical assemblies, following OEM procedures.
Maintain pumps, compressors, fans, heat exchangers, fuel gas equipment, lubrication and cooling systems, piping, and related components.
Support planned outages and engine overhauls, including equipment preparation, inspections, repairs, work coordination, testing, and return-to-service activities.
Monitor equipment condition and operating parameters using precision instruments, diagnostic equipment, and machine shop tools.
Record maintenance activities, equipment conditions, repairs, and recommendations in the CMMS and maintain accurate work orders and records.
Contribute to improvements in preventive maintenance procedures, inspection schedules, spare parts planning, and equipment reliability practices.
Coordinate maintenance with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives, including providing technical assistance and oversight of assigned contractor work.
Provide Auxiliary Operator relief coverage by conducting equipment rounds, monitoring engines and auxiliary systems, recording operating parameters, and identifying abnormal conditions.
Assist with plant startups, shutdowns, routine operations, equipment adjustments, and responses to abnormal conditions in coordination with Control Room personnel and established procedures.
Conduct operational testing, equipment isolation, lockout/tagout, shift turnovers, and operating documentation while maintaining safety and environmental compliance.
Perform additional duties assigned by plant management to support plant reliability, operational readiness, and facility performance.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and work safely while on company property.