The Ferndale Cogeneration Facility in Ferndale, WA, is a 2x1 combined cycle natural gas power plant that also supplies process steam to a neighboring refinery. It incorporates two GE 7EA combustion turbines paired with a GE steam turbine, collectively generating 270 MW of electricity. This integrated setup exemplifies efficiency and synergy in power generation through its dual turbine configuration and steam supply capability.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Manager leads the daily operations and routine maintenance of the project, ensuring reliable performance and efficiency. They drive the execution of the Operating Plan, proactively identifying areas for improvement or development. Additionally, the Operations Manager maintains optimal operating conditions and oversees the Environmental and NERC compliance program to uphold regulatory standards.

Primary Duties

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

Direct the Operations Team in performing their duties to maintain reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations. Ensure thermal and electrical outputs are maintained at maximum levels and efficiencies. Report normal, abnormal, or emergency plant conditions to the Plant Manager and take necessary corrective action per established policy or at the Plant Manager's direction. Provide guidance to the Maintenance Manager regarding equipment conditions and necessary maintenance activities. Analyze operating results and equipment failures to improve project efficiency and performance, implementing new methods to reduce operating costs. Oversee the training of all plant personnel and maintain the plant Training Manual. Prepare required reports for the owner and/or utility. Supervise the daily upkeep of essential plant logs and records. Maintain the plant Operations Manuals and ensure operating policies and procedures are current. Sustain morale and motivation among operations personnel, addressing employee concerns promptly. Ensure proper implementation of the water chemistry program, including testing, inspections, and maintenance of the water treatment program. Coordinate project environmental activities across plant departments to ensure compliance with procedures and permit conditions, and train Operations personnel accordingly. Ensure plant operations comply with all environmental and NERC regulations. Prepare and submit required reports, including environmental, NERC, and other regulatory documents, and maintain the Environmental QA/QC Manual. Ensure compliance with NAES policies, procedures, project work rules, and local, state, and federal requirements. Supervise and enhance Operations department skills through improvement, training, and safety programs, ensuring sufficient trained personnel for continuous and safe project operation, including adverse conditions, and preparing employees for increased responsibilities. Provide operations training for maintenance technicians, instructing on job-related skills and equipment operating procedures with a focus on safety and efficiency. Issue new operating procedures as needed, regularly reviewing existing procedures and revising them as necessary to ensure they reflect correct and safe operating practices.

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/Support Regular Safety Meetings (at least monthly). Address Safety at all Group Meetings. Conduct Inspections and Observations: establish within the department a regular inspection of the work area and a safety observation process of work being performed. Establish and lead these activities following any rules, requirements or guidance established in your business unit, group, or division. Involve all NAES teammates in the activities. Analyze result, write work orders, train, and educate to eliminate hazards, at-risk behavior and meet company regulatory requirements. Conduct Regular Observation Tours: Conduct no less than two safety observation tours of high-risk activities e.g., confined space to verify that employees are performing the work in accordance with safe practices, company procedures and OSHA regulations. Regular and Frequent Contacts: conduct one-on-one contact sessions with workers to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations and coach safe behaviors, e.g., whether the employee is wearing all required personal protective equipment. Respond to Incidents: respond to all safety-related incidents including, but not limited to injuries, incidents and near misses; write a report that explains what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective action following any established business unit or division practice. Follow up as necessary to ensure that corrective action is taken.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager coordinates with the Maintenance Manager, and Office Supervisor as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and 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.). 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 work schedule, during regular dayshift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

Initial starting compensation will range from $153,000 to $175,000 and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate who has extensive power plant Operations technical and leadership experience with a work history that demonstrates a pattern of accomplishments and advancement.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field is preferred. Demonstrated advanced-level skills and experience in plant operations, with a focus on directing and managing operations to ensure reliability, safety, and efficiency. Strong technical knowledge of power plant operations, including thermal and electrical systems. Proven track record in analyzing operational results and equipment failures to implement efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures. Knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in coordinating environmental compliance activities within a plant setting. Demonstrated understanding of NERC compliance requirements, with the ability to support and ensure adherence to applicable standards and regulations in plant operations. Familiarity with contract management and experience in overseeing external contractors to optimize plant performance and efficiency. Commitment to safety standards and practices, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements. Demonstrated leadership skills with a proven ability to effectively guide, motivate, and supervise a diverse operations team, including oversight of hourly employees and delegation of tasks for project completion. Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make decisions under pressure. Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with Maximo Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), with experience preferred. Excellent communication skills, capable of reporting plant conditions and interacting effectively with management, staff, and external stakeholders. 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.