POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Plant Manager

Reports To: Director, Gas Plant Operations

Direct Reports: Yes Functional Unit: Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Full-Time

Plant Location: San Diego / Escondido, CA

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 Pio Pico Energy facility is a 336 MW simple cycle, natural gas fired, peaking facility with a PPA with San Diego Gas and Electric to 2042. The plant is located in San Diego, CA and became commercially operational in 2016.

Goal Line is a 49.9-MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant located in Escondido, California. This facility is interconnected with the transmission system owned by San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) within the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) market. Goal Line sells electricity generated as a Merchant Facility participating in the Resource Adequacy Market.

THE CHALLENGE:

The Plant Manager is responsible for management of overall Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of two facilities (Pio Pico & Goal Line). The Plant Manager is accountable for providing adequate supply of manpower, tools, equipment, and spare parts are available for the safe and efficient operation of the plant. The Plant Manager will provide leadership, management, and establish goals to attain associate safety, reliable plant operations, trained, qualified and engaged workforce, positive employee relations, financial performance and compliance with all environmental and regulatory requirements.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that the entire plant is within corporate goals of safety, environmental and regulatory compliance.

• Formulate and manage financial forecasting in accordance with budgetary and capital expense constraints.

• Direct O&M Manager(s) in the performance of plant outages, capital projects and daily operation.

• Administer the plant’s Safety, Operations, NERC Compliance, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry and Environmental QA/QC programs to assure the safe, efficient and compliant operation of the plants.

• Ensure the safety of all associates of the plant through elimination of injuries to associates, contractors and visitors.

• Ensure the plants are operated and maintained in compliance with all NERC and WECC regional standards including performing self-certifications and audits.

• Create and support an organizational culture that encourages and rewards associate involvement, innovative thinking, adaptation to change, responsible risk taking, and continuous improvement.

• Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to assure that they reflect current plant operating requirements.

• Provide leadership through workforce planning, succession planning and training opportunities.

• Provide regular feedback to associates on their performance to allow them to capitalize on their strengths and focus on opportunities for improvement.

• Work under limited or without supervision.
• Independently prioritizes and executes responsibilities.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement activities.
• Devise and implement profit improvement projects.
• Provide technical support to corporate business development and other Onward Energy plants as needed.

• May be required to support job responsibilities as needed outside of scheduled work hours.

• Occasional travel may be required.

• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical discipline preferred.

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in power generation field or exceptional work or military experience in a related technical field may substitute for the degree.

Experience with GE LMS100 preferred.

• Previous supervisory experience (i.e. Plant Manager, Assistant Plant Manager, O&M manager, O&M Supervisor) is preferred.

Experience with California environmental LORS and CAISO energy markets is preferred.

• 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 associates and understand the importance of positive employee relations.
• Ability to develop and lead plant associates so they operate as a team and utilize the most efficient practices.
• Ability to obtain and apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily work activities and decision making.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills, verbal skills that are persuasive, and the ability to promote business initiatives.

• Extensive knowledge of combustion turbine and ancillary equipment theory, operation and maintenance. Controls experience, particularly with PLCs, GE Mark VIe and BOP DCS is preferred.
• Some level of advanced technical skills, such as rotating-equipment vibration analysis, electrical troubleshooting, etc. is desired.
• 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, PowerPoint and various other programs.
• Knowledge of OSIsoft PI Software is preferred.
• Knowledge of California environmental regulations, greenhouse gas and NOx credits preferred.
• Valid U.S. Driver's license with acceptable MVR history.

THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

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, earplugs/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

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. Some travel to and work at other sites is required.

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.