Operations & Maintenance Technician II - Mechanical

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 4,000 MW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S.  Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future.  Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation.  Based in New York, Denver, and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on.  We are where renewable meets reliable.  See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Mankato Energy Center (MEC) is a 720-megawatt natural gas-fired combined-cycle facility located within the city limits on the northern edge of the City of Mankato, Minnesota.  The project operates in the MISO power market and sells energy under contract to Northern States Power (NSP), a subsidiary of Xcel Energy.  MEC I became commercially operational in July 2006 in a 1x1 configuration and is contracted through July 2026.   In 2019 MEC II began commercial operations and is contracted with NSP through 2039.  MEC I has a Siemens 501F-D3 combustion turbine rated at approximately 198 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG.  MEC II has a Siemens 501F-D4 combustion turbine rated at approximately 204 MW (at ISO Conditions) with a Nooter Eriksen HRSG.  Both units deliver steam to a single Toshiba TCDF-40L steam turbine rated at 330MW. 

THE CHALLENGE

Journey-level position responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges, meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters. Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks. Incumbents assist in the development of operational procedures, operator training modules and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant safety, reliability and efficiency. Employees will participate in the plant maintenance program as a system owner and document plant maintenance records in a computer work maintenance system (CWMS). Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a variety of complex technical services/support duties requiring specialized operational knowledge.
• Regularly makes decisions on non-routine or escalated technical issues. 
• Responsible to meet contract sales agreement within safe, reliable, and efficient equipment operational limitations during his/her shift.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities.
• Reviews own work and possibly the work of others; work results are the highest quality standards and advanced technical competency.
• Resolves the most complex technical issues, conferring with management occasionally; may serve as a resource to others in resolution of complex issues.
• Works under limited to no supervision.
• Prepares, maintains and provides a variety of reports/documents as required or upon request.
• Ensures strict adherence to all safety and environmental procedures.
• Communicates condition of plant systems, equipment and pertinent information to others.
• Interpret and respond to visual and auditory signals from control panel.
• Perform control room and outside operation of all station equipment and systems during routine, abnormal, and emergency operations.
• Position requires a qualification process to demonstrate ability to properly and safely operate the power plant.
• Perform start-up, operation, monitoring, shutdown and lock-out of plant auxiliary equipment at the equipment location.
• Operate all plant mobile equipment, forklift, man lift, etc.
• Perform chemical analysis on plant water systems which include boiler water demineralized water, condensate water, feedwater, cooling water, and raw water.
• Operate and perform routine maintenance on a reverse osmosis system and cation/anion bed demineralizing system.

• Perform maintenance and upkeep of site buildings and grounds.
• Ensure adequate supply of oil and chemicals are available to support plant operation.

• Work is on a rotating shift schedule - Will be ‘On Call’ for specified shifts.

• Complete all O&M Tech II training requirements within 18 months.

• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• High School Diploma, related military service or equivalent.
• Preferred Associates degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college, trade school certification or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation.
• Journey-level; generally, 5 years directly related experience including understanding of environmental and safety regulations, and previous experience working as a plant operator.
• Requires experience working with and around hazardous chemicals and waste materials.
• Requires previous experience using testing equipment & calibration appliances. 

• Requires additional experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Experience in industrial electrical/mechanical/I&C or certified training/license preferred.

• Required to acquire a 2^nd Class A boiler license within 18 months of employment, a 1^st Class A license within 3 years of employment and a Chief A Boiler license within 5 years of employment.
• Experience with a CWMS.
• Overtime requirements will be required by plant management, including weekends, nights and holidays.
• Industrial experience maintaining valves, pumps, motors, welding and repair of other balance of plant equipment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity and mathematics
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs.
• Ability to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of trips, resets, set points and modes of operation for the combustion turbine, heat recovery steam generator and steam turbine.
• Strong electric aptitude and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical equipment.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

VACCINE REQUIREMENT

To access Onward locations (office, plant, wind/solar site), where permitted by applicable law (including any applicable reasonable accommodation, medical or religious exemption), candidates must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine by employment start date. Proof of vaccination status will need to be provided to either site management or Human Resources prior to facility or office access

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Associate will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and safety-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) in order to hear plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.   

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to HR@onwardenergy.com. 

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.