Gas Operations & Maintenance Manager

About the Role

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. The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Manager provides leadership and daily oversight for operations and maintenance at the Goal Line facility, a 49.9-MW natural gas-fired cogeneration power plant in Escondido, California. This role assists the Plant Manager in achieving key operating objectives in safety, environmental compliance, profitability, unit availability, efficiency, and equipment reliability while ensuring adherence to all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Plant Manager in overseeing mission-critical programs such as performance management, outage management, project management, asset integrity, and financial management.
• Ensure high plant reliability and cost competitiveness without compromising safety or environmental commitments.
• Support and emphasize safety and environmental programs, ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Ensure the safety of all employees, contractors, and visitors through injury prevention.
• Interface with regulatory, political, business, civic, and public representatives as directed.
• Ensure plant operations and maintenance comply with NERC and WECC regional standards, including self-certifications and audits.
• Identify permit requirements and ensure applicable testing and renewals are completed.
• Assist in developing and administering O&M and Capital budgets.
• Prepare and maintain required reports and documents.
• Respond to plant trips and upsets as needed.
• Foster a culture of employee involvement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Promote productivity, teamwork, and high performance through leadership and communication.
• Establish responsibilities, goals, and expectations for assigned employees and provide feedback.
• Work independently to prioritize and execute responsibilities.
• Provide management direction in the absence of the Plant Manager.
• Oversee inventory management and procurement activities.
• Devise and implement profit improvement projects.
• Provide technical support to corporate business development and other Onward Energy plants.
• Directly oversee Operations and Maintenance Managers and collaborate with Budget Analysts to develop O&M and Capital plans.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related technical discipline. Exceptional work or military experience in a related field may substitute for the degree.
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in the power generation field.
• Previous second-line supervisory experience (e.g., Assistant Plant Manager, O&M Manager, O&M Supervisor) is preferred.
• Knowledge of operation and maintenance of gas steam turbines and electrical generators.
• Highest standards of conduct and integrity in all dealings.
• Ability to lead, coach, and guide employees with a focus on positive employee relations.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, with persuasive communication abilities.
• Ability to plan, organize, schedule, and direct varied programs and tasks.
• Proficiency in reading and understanding control logic diagrams, P&IDs, and other technical materials pertinent to power plant operations.
• Ability to apply knowledge of competitive business practices in daily decision-making.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and adaptability to organizational changes.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Advanced computer knowledge, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in standards, procedures, and applicable government/environmental regulations.
• Operational knowledge of work and asset management, as well as analytical/reporting applications.
• Effective change leadership and communication of company strategies to stakeholders.
• Proven ability to achieve performance metrics and drive process adherence.
• Understanding of utility finance.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license with acceptable MVR history.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, and lift (up to 50 lbs) for extended periods.
• Use of arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls, and tools.
• Occasional work at heights, climbing ladders, stairways, and platforms.
• Visual abilities including focus, depth perception, color recognition, and peripheral vision.
• Ability to hear plant alarms, equipment conditions, and oral instructions.
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots.

Work Environment

The role is primarily performed inside the power plant but may involve work in all weather conditions. Noise levels range from moderate to high. The job site includes light to heavy equipment, vehicles, materials, communication tools, and alarms. Occasional travel to other sites may be required. Performing this job without full attention may result in serious injury or fatality.

Benefits

Onward Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including market-competitive compensation, health and life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.