Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager

Athens Generating, a key player in the energy sector located just 30 miles south of Albany in the beautiful town of Athens, NY. Our state-of-the-art facility boasts a powerful 1,080-megawatt capacity, utilizing three Siemens 501G combustion turbine generators powered by advanced natural gas combined-cycle technology. This ensures efficient, reliable power generation for the region. Surrounded by scenic landscapes, it’s a vital force driving the area’s electricity grid with cutting-edge innovation.

Opportunity Summary

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager at Athens Generating plays a key role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the facility’s natural gas combined-cycle equipment, including three Siemens 501G combustion turbine generators. This leadership role is responsible for implementing and optimizing maintenance strategies, fostering a high-performance culture through mentoring and development, and ensuring strict compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. With a focus on continuous improvement, risk mitigation, and strategic financial management, the O&M Manager will be instrumental in maximizing uptime, enhancing plant performance, reducing costs, and supporting long-term success for this vital regional energy resource.

Your scope of responsibility as O&M Manager includes the following primary functions: Operations and Performance Monitoring

- Oversee the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all power generation equipment, including Siemens 501G combustion turbines, heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs), and auxiliary systems.

- Monitor performance indicators, assess equipment status, and lead daily operations to minimize downtime, reduce energy use, and ensure operational continuity.

- Develop short- and long-term operational plans to optimize performance and align with production goals and regulatory standards.

- Analyze data to identify trends and implement strategies that increase efficiency and reduce downtime.

Maintenance and Risk Management

- Plan, manage, and schedule preventative and corrective maintenance programs for mechanical, electrical, and control systems, including gas turbine components, HRSGs, and balance-of-plant equipment, monitoring performance and providing technical expertise to maximize uptime and ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently.

- Attend outage planning meetings, develop strategies to minimize downtime, and ensure timely, efficient, and safe repairs.

- Maintain accurate records of equipment performance, including runtime, downtime, maintenance costs, and manpower, and report findings to the Plant Manager.

- Track and report on maintenance activities to support future planning and audits.

- Monitor compliance with environmental, safety, and health regulations, including emissions, wastewater discharge, and OSHA standards, while identifying and mitigating operational risks related to personnel safety, equipment integrity, and regulatory adherence.

- Develop, test, and implement emergency response plans for equipment failure, grid instability, and hazardous material incidents.

Personnel and Strategic Management

- Supervise and mentor plant production, operations, and maintenance personnel, overseeing work, conducting pre-job briefings, ensuring job completion, and promoting effective performance through training, performance appraisals, and development initiatives.

- Coordinate staff training programs, provide guidance, and motivate personnel to effectively accomplish their duties while ensuring adherence to high safety, quality, and performance standards.

- Conduct performance appraisals, oversee Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and provide guidance on safety, task completion, and operational continuity.

- Assist with budget development and management, controlling expenditures, coordinating procurement of parts and services, and communicating with utility providers, vendors, contractors, and internal teams to support operations and strategic plant goals.

- Write, review, and update procedures to ensure safety, consistency, and compliance with industry best practices.

- Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager, supporting plant operations, and contributing to overall plant success.

NAES Safe

Safety Is a Core Value Of NAES And As a Condition Of Employment, All Employees Are Expected To Be 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. This Includes, But Is Not Limited To, The Following Functions:

- Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).

- Address safety in all group meetings.

- Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.

- Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.

- Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.

- Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.

- Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.

- Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.

- Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The O&M 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, 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 Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will 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 $138,600 to $166,300 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operation 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 experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

- Extensive experience managing plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of power generation equipment, including thermal and electrical systems.

- Strong technical expertise in power plant operations, focusing on system optimization, efficiency, and equipment performance monitoring.

- Proven ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive cost savings.

- In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and a track record of ensuring compliance within plant operations.

- Experience in contract management, overseeing contractors to align with plant goals and improve operational efficiency.

- Strong commitment to safety standards, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company policies to minimize risks.

- Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, motivating, and supervising plant personnel, with effective task delegation and performance management.

- Skilled in handling shifting priorities, balancing tasks, and making decisions under pressure to maintain operations.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with CMMS for managing plant operations and maintenance.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to report on plant performance and collaborate effectively with teams and external stakeholders.

- 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.

Qualifications

Skills

Preferred Leadership:

Advanced

O&M - Operations & Maintenance:

Advanced

Power Plant Operations:

Advanced

Power Plant Fundamentals:

Advanced

Power Generation:

Advanced

HRSG - Heat Recovery Steam Generator:

Advanced

Steam Turbine:

Advanced

Combustion Turbine:

Advanced

Environmental Compliance:

Intermediate

Safety Policies and Procedures:

Advanced

Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance:

Intermediate

CMMS:

Intermediate

Maintenance Management:

Advanced

Mechanical Aptitude:

Advanced

Microsoft Office Suite:

Intermediate

Motivating Others:

Advanced

Team Leadership:

Advanced

Verbal and Written Communications:

Advanced

Behaviours

Preferred Leader:

Inspires teammates to follow them

Innovative:

Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking

Functional Expert:

Considered a thought leader on a subject

Team Player:

Works well as a member of a group

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field

High School or better

Experience Preferred

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operation 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 experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.

Extensive experience managing plant operations to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient performance of power generation equipment, including thermal and electrical systems.

Strong technical expertise in power plant operations, focusing on system optimization, efficiency, and equipment performance monitoring.

Proven ability to analyze operational data, identify trends, and implement improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce downtime, and drive cost savings.

In-depth knowledge of environmental regulations and a track record of ensuring compliance within plant operations.

Experience in contract management, overseeing contractors to align with plant goals and improve operational efficiency.

Strong commitment to safety standards, ensuring adherence to regulatory and company policies to minimize risks.

Demonstrated leadership in mentoring, motivating, and supervising plant personnel, with effective task delegation and performance management.

Skilled in handling shifting priorities, balancing tasks, and making decisions under pressure to maintain operations.

Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced with CMMS for managing plant operations and maintenance.

Excellent communication skills, with the ability to report on plant performance and collaborate effectively with teams and external stakeholders.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License