The La Paloma Power Facility operates as a natural gas-fired combined cycle plant, delivering a capacity of 1,022 megawatts. Utilizing ABB GT24 combustion turbines, ABB HRSGs, and an ABB VAX 16 Steam Turbine, this facility employs reliable technology for efficient energy production. Its strategic location and dependable equipment ensure consistent electricity supply while adhering to stringent environmental regulations, fostering sustainability and growth within the region. (approximately 40 miles west of Bakersfield).

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician is responsible for managing station shift operations and maintenance, including the start-up and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries, while ensuring adherence to site safety procedures. This role involves conducting routine plant inspections, maintaining accurate documentation, performing cycle chemistry testing, and executing equipment switching and tagging in line with best practices. Additionally, the technician investigates plant issues, supports preventive and predictive maintenance efforts, and communicates effectively with both internal personnel and external stakeholders to support plant goals.

Primary Functions

Perform station shift operations and maintenance, including the start-up and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries. Conduct routine plant tours to inspect equipment and provide feedback to the Shift Supervisor and related personnel. Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures; identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary. Serve as the lead system representative on assigned systems. Maintain accurate shift operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders, and other administrative documents related to the power plant. Perform routine cycle chemistry testing and make necessary adjustments to optimize efficiency. Monitor daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water, and other consumables, and initiate action to replenish supplies when appropriate. Execute all plant switching and tagging of equipment in accordance with approved procedures and best practices in operations and maintenance. Perform electrical and mechanical inspections, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks under the direction of Management when assigned. Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents, and unusual events; provide analyses, recommendations, reports, and follow-up plans. Read and record gauges and meters; perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required. Develop, assist, and revise operations and maintenance-related procedures. Maintain housekeeping standards and perform related duties. Conduct routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; support corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment when properly trained or supervised. Demonstrate continuous proficiency improvements toward qualifying as a Shift Supervisor and Maintenance Technician. Communicate with other company personnel on-site and at other locations; represent the company in dealings with the public, fuel suppliers, power customers, vendors, contractors, regulators, and other non-company personnel. Assist team members and work with all departments to support La Paloma Generating in achieving its goals. Perform other duties necessary to fulfill plant 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 to the Plant Manager and cooperates with all plant personnel. 

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 regular work schedule is based on 12-hour shifts rotating days and nights. Employees work dayshift for 7 days, followed by 7 days off. Then, they work night shift for 7 nights, followed by another 7 days off, and this cycle repeats.

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

Initial starting compensation will range from $35 to $57 per hour and will include an annual performance bonus. Varying levels of experience will be considered.

Job Qualifications

Understanding procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school. Experience in operations and/or maintenance is required, preferably at a gas turbine combined cycle facility. Familiarity with power plant mechanical and electrical equipment, including motors, pumps, boilers, fluid systems, chemical handling, water treatment systems, pollution control equipment, and AC and DC electrical distribution and control systems, along with associated maintenance functions. Skilled in locating, troubleshooting, and adjusting defects in mechanical equipment and/or maintaining, installing, modifying, and troubleshooting plant electrical systems and equipment. Proficiency in at least two of the following skills: pipe-fitting, welding, machining, rigging, rotating machine repair, fabrication, machine alignment, basic vibration analysis, and using electrical test equipment. Awareness of power plant safety policies and procedures, particularly in areas such as chemical handling, high-energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment. Knowledge of chemistry and power plant chemical applications. Capability to operate and maintain various analytical and test equipment. Competence in using basic hand tools, portable electric and pneumatic tools, and basic rigging equipment such as winches, hoists, and slings. Ability to operate valves, switches, controls, keyboards, and other devices associated with power plants. Strong aptitude in math and desired mechanical/electrical ability. Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers 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.