Rathdrum is a 275 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired project that commenced commercial operations in September 2001 and is tolled under a long-term agreement to Avista. The tolling agreement expires in October 2026. Rathdrum's equipment configuration is platformed on GE 7FA technology, along with a heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine. The project includes an SCR and is a recent vintage, environmentally compliant project.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager is tasked with implementing comprehensive safety, operations, maintenance, and compliance programs to ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role requires applying sound business principles to enhance profitability while managing both planned and unplanned plant outages. The Plant Manager will also foster a culture of safety, lead plant personnel, and act as a liaison to the community and regulatory agencies.

Primary Functions

Implement the plant’s Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental Compliance programs to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations. Apply sound business principles, industry-leading techniques, and prudent utility practices to enhance plant profitability. Manage and oversee planned and unplanned plant outages, optimizing schedules to maximize production, minimize costs, and improve profitability. Administer project agreements, including the O&M Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, Long-Term Service Agreement, and Interconnection Agreements, ensuring facility operation aligns with these contracts. Develop and implement staffing, training, and qualification plans, aligning personnel goals with those of the facility and ownership. Foster a safe working environment and promote a culture of safety awareness, ensuring all personnel actively contribute to the safety of others. Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental permits, regulations, and agreements with neighboring landowners, and review and approve required environmental and regulatory reports. Control and monitor plant expenditures through budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting methods. Establish annual budgets in accordance with the O&M Agreement. Serve as a liaison to the community and regulatory agencies. Enhance the plant’s image as a responsible neighbor and environmental steward, encouraging staff participation in community activities. Provide hands-on support for operations and maintenance as needed. Assist in the evaluation and resolution of equipment problems and failures. Engage external resources as necessary to resolve technical and administrative issues. Provide strong leadership to all plant personnel. Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to ensure they align with current goals, operational requirements, and industry best practices. Complete special projects as assigned by the Operations Director.

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 Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and is responsible for the total site staff. The direct reports are the Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Plant Engineer. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact to Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation and maintenance 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.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

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

Regular scheduled workdays are Monday to Friday 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

The initial starting compensation range available for this position is $155,000 to $195,000 and will include an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking a candidate who has extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, including significant exposure to gas turbine power plants.

Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or equivalent. Relevant work experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. Prior experience as a Plant Manager of a power generation facility, demonstrating expertise in optimizing plant performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and implementing best practices in safety and environmental management. Plant Manager experience at a combined cycle is a plus. Extensive experience supervising technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel, including leading diverse teams, conducting performance evaluations, and providing mentorship and training to enhance staff skills and foster a collaborative work environment. Significant experience in the business principles and practices of power-generating facilities, particularly independent power producers. Demonstrated expertise in environmental management, budget development and control, organizational development, and contract administration. Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including senior management and plant personnel, while fostering collaboration across all organizational levels. Results-oriented problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a proven track record of managing change initiatives to improve the technical, human resources, business, and financial performance of the plant. Must possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator'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.