The Southampton Power Station, a 51 MW biomass facility in Franklin, VA, is a beacon of safety and excellence. It primarily uses Wood Chips as fuel and has achieved recertification as a Virginia STAR Worksite under VOSH's Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP). This recognition highlights its commitment to top-tier safety and health management systems. As a vital part of the Southampton County electrical grid, it efficiently delivers bulk electrical power to serve the needs of local consumers.

Opportunity Summary

The Instrumentation Controls and Electrical (IC&E) Technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of all instruments, control systems, and electrical equipment in the power plant and associated facilities. This role involves performing highly skilled work in the inspection, repair, testing, adjustment, installation, and removal of all electronic and electrical power plant equipment and systems.

Primary Functions

Perform preventive maintenance on all major equipment and systems, including emergency backup systems. Maintain complete files, logs, and drawings for all designated equipment. Assist in maintaining and controlling spare parts inventory to ensure plant reliability. Participate in physical inventories. Conduct troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and analysis on Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) equipment. Assist in the administrative maintenance of plant operating manuals, technical references, prints, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records. Perform instrument calibration as scheduled or required. Maintain all plant instrumentation and electrical equipment. Inspect, repair, install, and remove all types of motors, generators, transformers, switches, control equipment, wiring, electrical signal and communication systems, and storage batteries. Work with electrical systems up to and including 4160 volts. Conduct troubleshooting and analysis on Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and turbine control equipment. Fully support and participate in the NAES Safety and regulatory compliance programs. Complete other tasks as assigned by the Maintenance Manager.

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 IC&E Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and works in cooperation with the operating utility on matters pertaining to the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Relationships

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, respirators (must be respirator qualified), ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Working outdoors in adverse weather conditions, or 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 a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

This position offers a Monday to Friday workday, during regular day shift hours, 7:00am to 5:30pm. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.

Compensation

The initial starting compensation will range from $37.00 to $48.00 per hour.

Job Qualifications

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. Graduation from an accredited Instrument Technician Program coupled with experience in a similar Technician role in a related industry is desirable. Additional relative work experience with increasing responsibility may be substituted for this requirement. Experience working with voltages up to 4,160 volts is preferred, along with a demonstrated comprehensive understanding of electrical equipment and safety protocols, which are vital for ensuring safe and efficient operation. Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting and analyzing complex systems such as DCS, PLCs, and CEMS is highly valued. Proficiency in preventive maintenance skills, showcasing hands-on experience with various equipment types, is required. Strong organizational skills are necessary, including the ability to maintain equipment files, logs, and drawings, as well as experience with inventory forecasting and management. Ability to effectively coordinate with vendors and contractors, ensuring timely task completion, and possessing excellent communication skills for collaboration. Desired qualities include adaptability to changing priorities, willingness to undertake additional tasks, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver’s License at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.