The Montpelier Generating Station is a simple cycle facility which features four Pratt & Whitney FT8-1 Twin Pac Dual Fuel (Gas & Oil) Natural Gas Turbine Power Plant Generator Sets, accompanied with 8 power turbines (PT’s) and gas generators (GG’s). With a combined output capacity of 236 megawatts, this station plays a crucial role in supplying power to the region. The utilization of advanced Pratt & Whitney technology underscores the plant's commitment to efficiency and reliability in contributing to the local energy infrastructure.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager plays a critical role in aligning plant personnel and objectives with client requirements, fostering a culture of excellence and safety. Responsibilities encompass administering comprehensive safety and operational programs to ensure the plant operates efficiently and reliably. Additionally, strategic management of planned and unplanned outages is vital to minimize downtime. The role extends to overseeing meticulous reporting, maintaining records, and driving recruitment efforts—all aimed at creating a positive work environment and achieving optimal plant performance. 

Primary Functions

Your scope of responsibility includes the following primary functions:

Align plant personnel and objectives with client requirements to ensure seamless integration and fulfillment of operational goals. Administer comprehensive Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs, ensuring the plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. Direct and lead the team to uphold the highest standards for reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations. Manage planning, budgeting, contracting, and performance of both planned and unplanned plant outages to minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency. Oversee the meticulous preparation of client and production reports, budgets, and environmental compliance reports, demonstrating commitment to transparency and regulatory adherence. Maintain the integrity of necessary plant logs and records on a daily basis to ensure accurate and thorough documentation of operational activities. Spearhead the sourcing, screening, and hiring of new or replacement personnel, contributing to the growth and capability of the plant workforce. Foster high morale and motivation among plant personnel, creating a positive and engaging work environment. Collaborate with key stakeholders to implement continuous improvement initiatives for enhanced plant performance and efficiency. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, environmental standards, and safety protocols through proactive monitoring and adherence. Develop and execute strategic plans to optimize plant operations, enhance productivity, and meet long-term goals. Facilitate effective communication channels between plant personnel, management, and external stakeholders to promote transparency and alignment with organizational objectives.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly). Address safety in all group meetings. Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work. Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division. Involve all NAES teammates in these activities. Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements. Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations. Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors. Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the plant Operations & Maintenance Technicians. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance and commercial management of the plant. 

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours. This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

The initial starting compensation will range from $153,900 to $185,000 and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis. Prior experience as a Plant Manager at a simple cycle combustion turbine facility is strongly preferred, particularly one utilizing Pratt & Whitney FT8 or similar technology. Familiarity with dual fuel (natural gas and distillate fuel oil) peaking operations, along with strong technical proficiency in turbine operations and maintenance, is highly desirable. Demonstrated hands-on support and problem-solving ability is a plus. Extensive leadership or supervisory experience in power generation business practices, with a focus on independent power producers and peaking operations, is required. The ability to supervise technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel in a fast-paced, on-demand environment is essential. Demonstrated expertise in administering comprehensive Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental QA/QC programs, ensuring the plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. Experience in managing planning, budgeting, contracting, and performance of both planned and unplanned plant outages to minimize downtime and optimize operational efficiency. Experience in supervising and managing personnel, ensuring effective team dynamics and performance. Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to foster high morale and motivation among plant personnel, creating a positive and engaging work environment. Must possess a valid and unrestricted 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, 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 form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.