The Walnut Creek Coal Mine is a prominent surface coal mine featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including an 80-cubic-yard dragline, a 29-cubic-yard mass excavator, a 24-cubic-yard hydraulic backhoe, and a fleet of 150-ton end-dump trucks. The Walnut Creek Mine is a captive lignite operation with an impressive capacity, producing over 2 million tons of lignite annually. Additionally, the mine operates a blending program to ensure consistent quality lignite for fueling a 308-megawatt power plant.

Opportunity Summary 

The Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing essential maintenance and repair tasks that ensure safe and efficient Mine operations. This role includes diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing a wide range of mechanical and electrical equipment while adhering to strict safety and environmental protocols. As a critical team member, the Maintenance Technician works collaboratively with Operations and contractors to support the Mine’s daily objectives and long-term reliability goals.

Primary Functions

Troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair mechanical and electrical equipment using procedures, including tasks such as drilling, tapping operations, metal heating/cutting, and machinery alignment. Participate in the Mine’s preventive maintenance program by performing routine maintenance tasks, including collecting trend information for the Maintenance Manager. Use operating manuals, technical references, diagrams, and preventive/predictive maintenance records to complete assigned duties effectively and ensure accuracy in work performed. Assemble, disassemble, repair, and adjust various types of electrical and mechanical equipment as needed. Identify mechanical design issues or potential machinery improvements, recommending modifications to address and resolve these issues. Adhere to safety and environmental regulations; implement safe work practices, identify hazards immediately, and recommend or carry out necessary repairs. Accurately document maintenance activities, repairs, and updates in the Mine’s computer-based maintenance systems. Work closely with Operations employees to support daily Mine operations, ensuring alignment between maintenance and production goals. Train others as necessary to enhance their technical skills and knowledge in maintenance procedures. Schedule, coordinate, and monitor contractor employees on specific tasks, ensuring work quality and adherence to Mine standards. Keep the work area organized and clean to promote safety and efficiency. Take on other responsibilities as directed by management to support overall Mine operations.

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.

Work Relationships 

The Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from the Mine Manager. Additionally, collaborates with Operations employees on matters related to the daily operations of the Mine.

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 a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening. 

Work Schedule

This position offers a 12-hour rotating Dupont schedule. Position requires extended work hours and varied shifts, with the possibility of weekend and holiday work; as required by schedules, workload, and Plant conditions. The ability to be on “On-Call” status may be periodically required. 

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $29.50 to $39.75 per hour, plus an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. Completion of required Maintenance Technician checklists, or ability to successfully complete all skills in these checklists within 90 days of the start date. Demonstrated intermediate knowledge and skills in welding, rigging, rotating-machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, and interpreting mechanical drawings. Ability to diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical and electrical equipment, with a strong understanding of preventive and predictive maintenance practices. Skilled in using technical manuals, diagrams, and maintenance records to perform equipment assembly, disassembly, repair, and alignment accurately. Proficient experience as a Mechanic with a solid understanding of mechanical principles and repair techniques. Proficiency in Windows-based software programs. Strong communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment and effectively support daily Mine operations. Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring it remains in good standing 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.