Apprentice Power Plant Operator Jobs in Michigan

Title: Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician

Location: Niles, MI 49120

Duration: Fulltime Permanent

Description:

Located in Niles, Michigan, Energy Center is a 1.08-gigawatt gas-fired combined-cycle power facility that provides reliable, efficient electricity to the regional grid.

Equipped with two GE 7HA.02 gas turbines, a steam turbine generator, advanced heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and a low-NOx auxiliary boiler, the plant maximizes efficiency while minimizing emissions. It plays a vital role in supporting grid reliability and a cleaner energy future.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician supports the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of Niles Energy Center by performing operations, maintenance, monitoring, and troubleshooting with the Control Room Operator. The role performs equipment start-up, shutdown, and routine operations while ensuring safety and environmental compliance.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Technician will include the following primary functions:

• Support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the plant by performing field operations, monitoring, maintenance, and safety activities in coordination with the Control Room Operator.
• Receive shift turnover, review logs, and inspect equipment while identifying special instructions and abnormal operating conditions.
• Monitor and operate boilers, gas and steam turbines, auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Perform start-up, shutdown, and routine operations under the direction of the Control Room Operator.
• Prepare equipment for service and perform inspections and operational tests to verify proper performance and prevent downtime.
• Identify, report, and respond to abnormal equipment conditions while maintaining accurate operating logs and equipment records.
• Monitor emissions control systems and promptly notify the Control Room Operator of regulatory deviations.
• Collect water samples and perform chemical testing in accordance with plant procedures and laboratory safety requirements.
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals, perform transfer operations, and respond to spills or leaks in accordance with emergency procedures.
• Operate electrical breakers and switches and perform lockout/tagout procedures to safely isolate equipment for maintenance.
• Perform scheduled operational and reliability testing of critical plant equipment, including lubrication, protection, fire protection, and chemical safety systems.
• Perform routine maintenance, minor repairs, calibration, and troubleshooting of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. Support planned and unplanned outages.
• Assist with inspection and troubleshooting of PLC, DCS, and other plant control systems to ensure reliable automation.
• Coordinate onsite contractor and vendor activities and provide status updates to the Control Room Operator.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe work areas throughout the facility.
• Maintain CMMS work orders and accurately document maintenance activities, spare parts usage, and inventory transactions.
• Perform additional duties as directed by control room staff and plant management to support effective plant operations.

 

Work Schedule

• The O&M Technician works a rotating 7-on/7-off schedule, alternating between day and night shifts each work period.
• This position may require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and periodic on-call duty based on plant operating needs.

Core Qualifications and Skills:

We are looking for a skilled Technician with experience in power generation operations and maintenance, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree in Power Plant Technology or a related technical or engineering field preferred. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience operating and maintaining power generation equipment, including combustion turbines, boilers, auxiliaries, combined-cycle systems, and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Proficiency with hand tools and routine maintenance, with the ability to troubleshoot and repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical equipment, including pumps, valves, and turbine-generator components.
• Ability to interpret microprocessor-based control systems, CEMS, blueprints, electrical schematics, and P&IDs while maintaining accurate operating and maintenance records.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), environmental regulations, and safe work practices.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with plant personnel, contractors, and vendors to support safe and reliable operations.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information and manage multiple priorities.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.