Job Description
Plant Manager Location Rathdrum, ID :
Rathdrum 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 2026. 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 Plant Manager is tasked with implementing comprehensive safety, operations, maintenance, and compliance programs to ensure the plant operates safely, efficiently, and reliably. This role requires applying sound business principles to enhance profitability while managing both planned and unplanned plant outages. The Plant Manager will also foster a culture of safety, lead plant personnel, and act as a liaison to the community and regulatory agencies.
Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager will include the following primary functions:
- Implement the plant's Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Administrative, Training, Chemistry, and Environmental Compliance programs to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operations.
- Apply sound business principles, industry-leading techniques, and prudent utility practices to enhance plant profitability.
- Manage and oversee planned and unplanned plant outages, optimizing schedules to maximize production, minimize costs, and improve profitability.
- Administer project agreements, including the O&M Agreement, Power Purchase Agreement, Long-Term Service Agreement, and Interconnection Agreements, ensuring facility operation aligns with these contracts.
- Develop and implement staffing, training, and qualification plans, aligning personnel goals with those of the facility and ownership.
- Foster a safe working environment and promote a culture of safety awareness, ensuring all personnel actively contribute to the safety of others.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable environmental permits, regulations, and agreements with neighboring landowners, and review and approve required environmental and regulatory reports.
- Control and monitor plant expenditures through budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting methods. Establish annual budgets in accordance with the O&M Agreement.
- Serve as a liaison to the community and regulatory agencies.
- Enhance the plant's image as a responsible neighbor and environmental steward, encouraging staff participation in community activities.
- Provide hands-on support for operations and maintenance as needed.
- Assist in the evaluation and resolution of equipment problems and failures.
- Engage external resources as necessary to resolve technical and administrative issues.
- Provide strong leadership to all plant personnel.
- Conduct periodic reviews of plant policies and procedures to ensure they align with current goals, operational requirements, and industry best practices.
- Complete special projects as assigned by the Operations Director.
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 Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and oversees the site staff, including the Operations Manager, Maintenance Manager, and Plant Engineer. Acts as the single point of contact with the Owner for all operational and maintenance matters.
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
Regular scheduled workdays are Monday to Friday during regular dayshift 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 $155,000 to $195,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Job 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 a related discipline is preferred, as it offers a solid foundation for understanding the technical principles underlying power plant operations and management. Equivalent industry or military experience may be accepted in place of a degree on a year-for-year basis.
- Prior experience as a Plant Manager of a power generation facility, demonstrating expertise in optimizing plant performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and implementing best practices in safety and environmental management. Plant Manager experience at a combined cycle is a plus.
- Extensive experience supervising technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel, including leading diverse teams, conducting performance evaluations, and providing mentorship and training to enhance staff skills and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Significant experience in the business principles and practices of power-generating facilities, particularly independent power producers.
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental management, budget development and control, organizational development, and contract administration.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including senior management and plant personnel, while fostering collaboration across all organizational levels.
- Results-oriented problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a proven track record of managing change initiatives to improve the technical, human resources, business, and financial performance of the plant.
- 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.
Experience
Preferred
- 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 a related discipline is preferred, as it offers a solid foundation for understanding the technical principles underlying power plant operations and management. Equivalent industry or military experience may be accepted in place of a degree on a year-for-year basis.
- Prior experience as a Plant Manager of a power generation facility, demonstrating expertise in optimizing plant performance, enhancing operational efficiency, and implementing best practices in safety and environmental management. Plant Manager experience at a combined cycle is a plus.
- Extensive experience supervising technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel, including leading diverse teams, conducting performance evaluations, and providing mentorship and training to enhance staff skills and foster a collaborative work environment.
- Significant experience in the business principles and practices of power-generating facilities, particularly independent power producers.
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental management, budget development and control, organizational development, and contract administration.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly to diverse audiences, including senior management and plant personnel, while fostering collaboration across all organizational levels.
- Results-oriented problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a proven track record of managing change initiatives to improve the technical, human resources, business, and financial performance of the plant.
Education
Preferred
- Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field
- High School or better
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Skills
Preferred
- Team Leadership
- Management
- Power Plant Operations
- Power Plant Fundamentals
- Power Generation
- Budgeting
- Environmental Compliance
- Interpersonal Skills
- Key Performance Indicators
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Motivating Others
- O&M - Operations & Maintenance
- Outage Management
- Safety Policies and Procedures
- Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
Required
- Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Motivations
Required
- Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Contract work, Local area, Outdoor, Flexible hours, Shift work, Day shift, Monday to Friday,