Operations Lead Jobs in South Carolina

POSITION DESCRIPTION

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See for more information.

The Broad River Facility (Broad River) is an 860-megawatt natural gas-fired simple-cycle facility located in Gaffney, SC. The project operates in the SERC power market and has a long-term power purchase agreement with Duke Energy. Broad River became commercially operational in 2001. Broad River has five GE 7FA.03 dual-fuel combustion turbines with once-through steam generators for summer peaking operations.

THE CHALLENGE

The Lead Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician is an operations position that assists in the safe and efficient operation of the power plant and the supporting equipment and systems. This Lead O&M Technician will be required to qualify on all watch levels and occasionally carry out all routine round and readings, water/gas chemistry analysis, inspects and monitors operating components and reports plant status, just as any other operator at the plant. The base shift schedule for this position will be day shift, Monday through Friday. This position will be expected to cover day shift and night shift as directed by the O&M Manager. The foundation of this position is to have a single person focused on improving operations and maintenance programs and processes, be a qualified operator available when additional operations support is needed, and to assist the other employees with plant operations and maintenance activities.

The Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician provides support for the near term and long-term maintenance of plant equipment by participating in outage planning along with related direction and task monitoring for the staff. The Lead Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician contributes to the safe and efficient operations of the plant, meeting all environmental and safety requirements, and leads much of the site’s safety program.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operations
  • Shift coverage as required.
  • Conduct daily morning meetings and interface with operations teams to improve communications, elevate priority work and impacts, organize tasks, and interact on typical and daily interactions.
  • Review daily reports, turnover sheets, status boards, and related operations activities for accuracy and integration into the overall plans.
  • Direct and perform routine unit/equipment performance monitoring, testing, and making recommendations based on the data collected.
  • Support advancements with the operations qualification program
  • Communicate plant issues and keeps plant management fully informed of unusual conditions, damaged equipment, and current job progress as the job relates to facility operations. (Interface with operations teams to improve)
  • Maintains accuracy of shift operating logs, records and other administrative documents related to the power plant. Maintains complete and accurate reports of downtime outages, repair requirements, and production indices.
  • Diagnose cause of mechanical malfunction or failure of plant operating equipment.
  • Manage the operational round system (electronic and/or hard copy) for the benefit of data requirements and accuracy.
• Maintenance
  • Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events, and provides analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans.
  • Maintain turbine history (inspections/reports, outages, specific problems, etc.) Utilize PI-Process Book to review and analyze data to identify performance or reliability issues with plant equipment. (Work with operations to improve the use of PI).
  • Direct contractors as needed for the repair of plant equipment, assign point of contact from staff.
• CMMS
  • Focus on improving the Computerize Maintenance Management System (CMMS) with an emphasis on Maximo for the purpose of planning and scheduling work orders.
  • Integrate into the oversight and control of the inventory program including receiving, storing, use reporting, and replenishment.
  • Integrate the maintenance program into the team’s daily activities and support the O&M Manager’s continuous improvement objectives for the following:
    • Inventory oversight and optimization
    • Predictive Maintenance programs
    • Routine work schedules and work orders
    • Asset Management and history tracking
• Outage
  • Participate in the outage planning program and lead the weekly outage meetings.
  • Outage project oversight, planning, and coordination in support of the O&M Manager.
• Administrative
  • Assist with budget preparations and periodic reporting.
  • Lead the operations schedule and coverage in support of the O&M Manager
  • Develops, assists, reviews, and revises operating and related procedures. Ensures procedural compliance in the conduct of plant operations and maintenance. Develop and coordinate operational and maintenance procedures.)
  • Act as a champion for continuous improvement in the plant. Will occasionally attend offsite conferences or training classes applicable to the plant.
• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• Minimum of 7 years power plant experience (or similar process) with emphasis on plant control systems and instrumentation.
• Preferred bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline.
• Extensive working knowledge of instrumentation, controls and electrical is required.
• Previous leadership experience is preferred.
• Moderate working knowledge of Maximo is preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of GE Mark VI DCS is preferred.
• Knowledge of industrial electricity and safety practices, precautions, and procedures is preferred.
• Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings with or on behalf of Onward Energy at all levels inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees and understand the importance of positive employee relations.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied programs and tasks involved within the operations and maintenance functions.
• Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work activities and decision making.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Ability to demonstrate advanced computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, and various other programs.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to prioritize, handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting.
• May be required to lift, carry, and mover up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools.
• Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off of platforms.
• Will used vision abilities to focus, see short and protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and safety-toe boots.
• Able to hear (as some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers employees a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to Recruiting@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.