Operations Manager Startup Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Rathdrum Power Plant 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 2041. 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 Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician at the Rathdrum Power Plant supports the safe and efficient operation of a 275 MW combined-cycle natural gas-fired facility utilizing GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine systems, and associated auxiliary equipment. This role operates, monitors, troubleshoots, and maintains plant systems while supporting startup and shutdown activities, inspections, preventive maintenance, and outages in accordance with established safety and operational procedures. Working collaboratively with plant personnel and utilizing CMMS programs, the O&M Technician helps maintain equipment reliability, environmental compliance, and overall plant performance through 2041.

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

• Operate and monitor GE 7FA combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine systems, and auxiliary equipment in accordance with plant operating procedures.
• Utilize plant control systems to regulate turbine load, steam temperature and pressure, feedwater flow, fuel supply, and combustion conditions for safe and efficient operation.
• Monitor plant support systems including condensers, cooling systems, demineralized water systems, air compressors, generator cooling equipment, and emissions control systems.
• Identify and report abnormal equipment conditions, alarms, or upset conditions to the Lead O&M Technician or Operations Manager while taking corrective actions within established guidelines.
• Receive and respond to operational directives from plant supervision and electrical dispatch personnel to support generation and system reliability requirements.
• Assist with startup, shutdown, and routine operation of combustion turbines, HRSGs, steam turbine systems, and auxiliary equipment.
• Support emergency operating activities to maintain electric service and protect personnel and plant equipment during abnormal conditions.
• Conduct routine inspections, equipment rounds, operational checks, and basic troubleshooting activities on plant systems and auxiliary equipment.
• Perform preventive maintenance, minor repairs, and equipment servicing on mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems in accordance with plant procedures.
• Prepare equipment for maintenance by implementing lockout/tagout (LOTO), system isolations, work permits, and return-to-service procedures.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, maintenance documentation, and equipment records detailing plant status and completed activities.
• Utilize CMMS programs to complete work orders, document maintenance activities, and support preventive maintenance tracking.
• Coordinate with operations personnel, maintenance teams, contractors, and plant supervision to support safe and efficient plant activities.
• Support plant safety, environmental compliance, and operational reliability initiatives while performing additional assigned duties as directed by plant leadership.
• Fulfill other tasks as assigned, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of plant operations.

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. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from plant management. Additionally, this position will coordinate with all other plant personnel to ensure safe and reliable plant operations.

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 O&M Technician follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts that includes built-in rest days to support continuous and reliable plant operations. 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.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate of $40 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

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.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions related to the assigned area, typically acquired through four years of high school. An Associate degree in power plant technology, a related technical field, or engineering is preferred. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience operating and maintaining combined-cycle power generation equipment, including combustion turbines, steam turbines, HRSGs, and auxiliary systems in a utility or industrial environment.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, instrumentation, and control systems used in power generation facilities.
• Ability to perform plant startup, shutdown, switching, and routine operating activities in accordance with established procedures and safety standards.
• Familiarity with turbine-generator systems, pumps, valves, motors, compressors, and auxiliary equipment, including inspections and routine maintenance activities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, P&IDs, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, operating procedures, and OEM manuals.
• Basic understanding of plant instrumentation, PLC-based control systems, CEMS, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, environmental compliance requirements, and safe work practices.
• Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills with the ability to work collaboratively with plant personnel and contractors.
• 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.