POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Operations and Maintenance Tech I Reports To: Operations and Maintenance Manager Direct Reports: No Functional Unit: Operations FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Type: Full-Time Plant Location: Broad River, Gaffney, South Carolina THE COMPANY Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7,000 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 Denver, New York 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 Broad River Facility (Broad River) is an 860-megawatt natural gas-fired simple-cycle facility located in Gaffney, SC. The project operates in the SERC power market and has a long-term power purchase agreement with Duke Energy. Broad River became commercially operational in 2001. Broad River has five GE 7FA.03 dual fuel combustion turbines with once through steam generators for summer peaking operations 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 and efficient 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 dispatch requirements within safe, reliable, and efficient equipment operational limitations during his/her shift. • Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities. • Reviews own work and 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 the 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 the 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 the ability to operate the power plant properly and safely. • 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 maintenance and upkeep of site buildings and grounds. • Ensure an 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. • Overtime will be required by plant management, including weekends, nights, and holidays. • Complete all O&M Tech I training requirements within 3 months. • Other duties as assigned. THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED Associates degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year colleges, trade school certification or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation or equivalent experience preferred. High School Diploma required. • Participate in training program and will become qualified as an O&M Tech I • Perform all station shift operation and maintenance, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries. • Conduct routine tours of the plant to inspect equipment, provide feedback to the O&M Tech II and to the employees. • Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures. Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary. • Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties. • Perform routine preventive and predictive maintenance on all systems and equipment; support corrective maintenance efforts on selected equipment when properly trained or supervised. • Perform other duties necessary to fulfill plant requirements. • Display routine proficiency improvements towards becoming qualified as an O&M Tech I. • Communicate with other company personnel onsite and at other locations. • Assist other team members and work with all departments to support the Broad River Energy facility in achieving their goals. • Work weekends and nights as needed and must have the ability to work shifts on an as needed basis. • The O&M Tech I operates from established and well-known procedures under general directions. The O&M Tech I encounters recurring work situations of high complexity, with occasional variations from the norm. • The O&M Tech I must perform all his or her activities in a safe manner, in compliance with all environmental permits at all times. The O&M Tech I must effectively communicate information to supervisors and fellow plant personnel, relative to the condition of the plant equipment and performance and provide suggestions for plant improvements. • All employees have the responsibility to both the customer and their co-workers to do the job right the first time and to ensure the customer’s needs are being met 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 mover 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 of platforms. • Will used vision abilities to focus, see short and protective equipment (PPE) including but no limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves and safety-toe boots. • Able to hear (as 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. The job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms. 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 Recruiting@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.
See More Details >>Onward Energy is seeking an Operations & Maintenance Manager for their Broad River facility in Gaffney, SC. This full-time role involves leading daily operations, ensuring safety and compliance, managing budgets, and overseeing plant performance. The manager will support the Plant Manager in achieving operational goals and maintaining high reliability while prioritizing employee safety and environmental standards. Position Description Job Title: Operations & Maintenance Manager Reports To: Plant Manager Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Position Type: Full-Time Plant Location: Broad River, Gaffney SC The Company Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 7 GW 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 employees, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Corporate Offices in Denver, New York and Charlotte, we are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information. The Broad River Facility (Broad River) is an 860-megawatt natural gas-fired simple-cycle facility located in Gaffney, SC. The project operates in the SERC power market and has a long-term power purchase agreement with Duke Energy, >15yrs. Broad River became commercially operational in 2001. Broad River has five GE 7FA.03 dual fuel combustion turbines with once through steam generators for summer peaking operations. Broad River Energy II is currently in a development phase to add a new advanced unit gas turbine to the site projected to go commercial 2030. THE CHALLENGE The O&M Manager is responsible for providing leadership along with daily oversight, direction, and guidance to operations and maintenance within the plant. Assist the Plant Manager in ensuring achievement of key operating objectives in the areas of employee safety, employee relations, environmental, profitability, unit availability, efficiency, equipment safety and reliability in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, polices, and procedures. In addition, provide specialized knowledge, skills, and oversight of day-to-day plant functions. The Responsibilities • Assist Plant Manager in providing oversight of and direction to all mission critical programs and processes such as performance management, outage management, project management, asset integrity and financial management. • Ensure high plant reliability and overall cost competitiveness, without compromise to employee safety or environmental commitments. • Support and emphasize importance of safety and environmental programs and ensure regulatory compliance. • Ensure the safety of all employees of the facility through elimination of injuries to employees, contractors and visitors. • Interface with regulatory, political, business, civic and public representatives. • Identify all permit requirements and ensure the applicable testing is performed and proper information is provided for renewing the permits as required by jurisdictional regulatory agencies. • Assist in the development and administration of the operating budget. • Prepare, maintain and provide a variety of reports/documents as required or upon request. • Qualify operators as O & M Technician I for the plants and ensure all operators maintain proficiency in safely operating the plants. • Fill in as plant operator as needed, including start-up and shutdown. • Respond to plant trips and upsets as required. • Create and support an organizational culture that encourages and rewards employee involvement, innovative thinking, adaptation to change, responsible risk taking, and continuous improvement. • Promote productivity and teamwork with open communication, timely decision making, and use of leadership skills to set high standards of performance, while providing the direction necessary to achieve performance. • Establish responsibilities, goals and expectations of assigned employees. Monitor and provide feedback to employees to ensure daily production activities support plant goals. • Work under limited to no supervision. • Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities. • Provide management direction in the absence of the Plant Manager. • Occasional travel may be required. • Other duties as assigned. THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related technical discipline • Minimum of 7 years’ experience in power generation field or exceptional work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree. • Previous second-line supervisory experience (i.e. Assistant Plant Manager, O&M manager, O&M Supervisor) is preferred. • Knowledge of operation and maintenance of gas & steam turbines, electrical generators and heat recovery steam generators • Maintain the highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings with or on behalf of ONW at all levels inside and outside the organization. • Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees and understand the importance of positive employee relations. • Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives. • Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied programs and tasks involved within the operations and maintenance functions. • Must be able to read and understand control logistic diagrams, P&IDs, and other technical material pertinent to power plant operation and maintenance. • Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work activities and decision making. • Excellent troubleshooting skills. • Ability to anticipate and accept changes in the organization and adapt to meet new requirements. • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness. • Ability to demonstrate advanced computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point and various other programs. • Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions. • Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions. • Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history. The Physical Requirements Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation. • 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 of 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 steel-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 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. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling and talking. Bells, whistles and alarm. THE TOTAL REWARDS Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First, and offers employees 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 Recruiting@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.
See More Details >>Entering the wind trade in Gaffney, SC, typically begins with specialized training and apprenticeships, combining hands-on experience with technical education. This training pathway, which lasts about two to three years, provides aspiring wind energy professionals with the necessary skills to work on wind turbines and related infrastructure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the wind energy sector employs approximately 9,566 people nationwide, with significant growth expected to continue, particularly in regions with strong wind resources like Gaffney, SC. The average weekly wage for wind energy technicians in Gaffney is around $2,471, with experienced professionals often earning upwards of $108,000 annually. Training programs and apprenticeships are available through trade schools, industry associations, and local wind energy companies, offering a pathway to a rewarding career in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector.
