Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

The Orange Grove Energy Facility is a 98.3 MW natural gas simple cycle plant featuring two GE LM6000 PC Sprint combustion turbines. Located in Pala, CA, it sits roughly halfway between Riverside and San Diego, easily accessible via I-15. This strategic location allows the plant to efficiently serve the energy needs of the surrounding areas.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician at the Orange Grove Energy Facility supports safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations by monitoring equipment, performing preventive and corrective maintenance, and maintaining accurate operating records and procedures. This role also utilizes the CMMS, coordinates with vendors and contractors, supports procurement and inventory activities, and ensures compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

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

Plant Operations and Maintenance

• Ensure the proper operation, monitoring, and supervision of plant equipment during the shift to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
• Monitor meters, gauges, and recording devices; document operating data and analyze trends to verify equipment and facility conditions.
• Use operating procedures and technical manuals to start, stop, adjust, and operate equipment within established parameters.
• Inspect equipment, identify abnormal or deficient conditions, perform preventive and corrective maintenance, and initiate work orders as needed.
• Keep the Plant Manager informed of equipment issues, unusual operating conditions, environmental concerns, safety issues, and recommended improvements.
• Write and update operating procedures to reflect changes and improvements in plant processes and equipment.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to manage work orders and maintain accurate equipment and maintenance history.
• Plan and coordinate mechanical, electrical, and technical maintenance activities, ensuring necessary parts, tooling, services, and contractor support are available.

All other responsibilities

• Coordinate vendors and maintenance contractors, including work schedules, equipment downtime, deliveries, and outage activities.
• Obtain vendor and contractor quotes, submit Requests for Quotations (RFQs), review scopes and pricing, and issue approved purchase orders.
• Oversee contractor work to ensure compliance with OSHA requirements and company safety policies and procedures.
• Maintain an organized warehouse and accurate inventory records, including receiving, inspecting, storing, auditing, returning, and tracking materials, equipment, and tools.
• Maintain accurate vendor, procurement, inventory, and related records within the CMMS.
• Read, understand, and comply with all facility safety, environmental, and regulatory procedures.
• Support environmental compliance by maintaining plant operations within applicable air and water permit requirements.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports directly to the Plant Manager.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

The O&M Technician works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule consisting of 7 days on and 7 days off, alternating between day and night shifts. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $45 to $60 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate degree or technical training in power generation, industrial maintenance, mechanical, electrical, or a related field preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of additional education.
• Experience operating and maintaining power generation or similar industrial equipment, including turbines, generators, and associated plant systems.
• Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with experience performing preventive and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Ability to monitor equipment and operating parameters, identify abnormal conditions, and use meters, gauges, and other diagnostic or recording devices.
• Ability to read and apply operating procedures, technical manuals, drawings, and equipment documentation to safely operate and maintain plant systems.
• Experience using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for work orders, maintenance documentation, equipment history, and maintenance planning.
• Experience coordinating vendors, contractors, parts, materials, and services to support maintenance and plant operations; procurement and inventory experience is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety practices and environmental requirements, with the ability to perform work in accordance with facility procedures and applicable regulations.
• 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.