Entry Level Power Plant Operator Jobs in Minnesota

Faribault Energy Park is a 265 MW combined-cycle facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Meticulously developed to be both environmentally conscious and aesthetically appealing to the immediate surrounding area, the plant blends sustainability with efficient power generation. Powered by a GE Frame 7FA dual-fuel combustion turbine generator (CTG), and a A10 GE Steam Turbine, along with innovative resource management practices such as rainwater collection.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations Manager opportunity involves leading a dedicated team responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Faribault Energy Park, a 265 MW combined-cycle generating facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). In this role, you will drive operational excellence by optimizing plant performance, managing budgets and operator scheduling, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance. You will also oversee training and development programs, ensure regulatory and environmental compliance, manage contractor relationships, and provide accurate operational reporting to support the facility's commitment to safe, sustainable, and dependable power generation.

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

• Lead the Operations Team to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while supporting the facility's performance, environmental, and safety objectives.
• Oversee operator scheduling to ensure adequate staffing for continuous plant operations and provide on-call operational support to maintain plant reliability and timely response to operational events.
• Optimize plant performance by establishing operational objectives and evaluating thermal, electrical, and environmental performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze operating results, equipment performance, and operational events to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall plant performance while assisting in the development and management of the operations budget.
• Partner with the Maintenance Manager to assess equipment condition, support maintenance planning activities, and provide technical and operational guidance as required.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of plant logs, records, operating reports, and compliance documentation, including reports required by the owner, regulatory agencies, and applicable industry standards.
• Manage controlled operational documents, including procedures, manuals, and operating instructions, ensuring they remain current, accurate, and compliant with plant requirements.
• Maintain and administer training programs that support employee development, operational readiness, safety performance, and compliance with plant procedures and industry best practices.
• Oversee implementation of the plant water chemistry program, including sampling, testing, laboratory activities, inventory control, and personnel training.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities to ensure adherence to permit requirements, environmental regulations, and company policies while promoting sustainable operating practices.
• Develop and manage contractor work scopes and service agreements to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plant standards.
• Foster a positive team culture through open communication, employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of plant operations, maintenance, safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement initiatives.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain 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.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager cooperates with the Maintenance Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Operations Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

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

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $142,800 to $171,350 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Extensive experience in power plant operations management, leading teams to achieve high standards of safety, reliability, environmental compliance, and operational performance.
• Strong technical knowledge of combined-cycle power generation systems, including gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, and associated thermal and electrical equipment.
• Proven ability to analyze plant performance data, operational events, and equipment failures to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reliability, and cost control.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety and environmental stewardship, with knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements and experience maintaining compliance within an operating power generation facility.
• Experience managing contractor activities and service agreements to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plant standards.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and plant information systems preferred.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, adapt to changing operational demands, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with plant personnel, management, contractors, regulatory agencies, and owner representatives.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and mentor personnel while fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, 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 form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.