Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined-cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. Operating at 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the campus’s primary steam provider, supported by auxiliary boilers and the steam plant to maintain reliable, year-round energy supply.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Berkeley Cogeneration Plant, which provides electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. This role operates and maintains the LM2500PJ gas turbine, steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and supporting plant systems. The technician performs startups, shutdowns, inspections, and minor repairs while following safety procedures and maintaining accurate operating records to support continuous plant operation.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operation of the LM2500PJ gas turbine, Terry letdown steam turbine, HRSG, auxiliary boilers, and supporting plant systems.
• Operate auxiliary equipment, including air compressors, reverse osmosis and cooling water systems, condensers, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Monitor and record plant operating parameters, including temperature, vibration, pressure, operating hours, fluid levels, and other equipment conditions.
• Conduct routine inspections, operating tests, and preventive maintenance to identify abnormal conditions, lubrication needs, and developing equipment issues.
• Troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and perform minor corrective repairs on mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems to minimize downtime.
• Prepare equipment for service and maintenance activities in accordance with operating procedures, LOTO requirements, and established safety practices.
• Complete preventive and corrective maintenance work orders and assist maintenance personnel during scheduled outages, repairs, and equipment restoration.
• Use the CMMS to document equipment conditions, work requests, completed maintenance, corrective actions, spare parts usage, and other required information.
• Test and adjust boiler and water-treatment chemistry to maintain established water-quality and operating standards.
• Maintain accurate operating logs and promptly communicate equipment abnormalities, operating concerns, and maintenance needs to appropriate plant personnel.
• Support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the cogeneration facility by performing additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The O&M Technician works a 4-on, 4-off 12-hour rotating shift schedule, ensuring continuous plant operation and support across all hours. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $56.75 to $68.09 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required; an associate degree in power plant technology, engineering, or a related technical field is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of additional education.
• Hands-on power generation background operating and maintaining gas turbines, steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and combined-cycle or cogeneration plant systems.
• Journeyman-level knowledge of plant operations and mechanical systems, including startup, shutdown, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment.
• Practical experience disassembling, repairing, and reassembling plant equipment, including pumps, valves, and turbine-generators, with working knowledge of electronic and microprocessor-based systems.
• Technical understanding of gas and steam turbine operations, CEMS, electrical systems, process controls, P&IDs, and plant operating parameters.
• Skilled in interpreting and troubleshooting blueprints, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and other technical documentation while accurately documenting maintenance and operational activities.
• Thorough knowledge of safe work practices, including LOTO, OSHA requirements, and environmental compliance standards applicable to cogeneration and steam plant operations.
• Effective coordination with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to support maintenance, outages, and operational activities.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, technical writing, and mathematical skills to effectively address operational and maintenance issues.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.