Operations & Maintenance Technician I

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. The Goal Line facility is a 49.9-MW natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant in Escondido, California, interconnected with the SDG&E transmission system within the CAISO market.

About the role

Journey-level position responsible for starting, stopping, and monitoring equipment, including reading gauges, meters, and recording activities in operating logs. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record, and adjust operating parameters. Performs plant maintenance tasks, including diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment. Assists in developing operational procedures, operator training modules, and plant betterment initiatives to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency. Ensures compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations and plant procedures.

Works under general supervision, resolving most questions and problems independently. Prioritizes daily activities and executes responsibilities effectively for a single trade or functional area. Errors may have a small impact on department or facility operations. Must be available for night, overtime, weekend, and holiday work as required, with occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Assist qualified O&M Technicians in routine daily operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair tasks.
• Perform overhaul maintenance and system improvement tasks.
• Conduct safety presentations and ensure all safety aspects of operating equipment are followed.
• Complete all O&M Tech II training requirements within 24 months.
• Support job responsibilities outside of scheduled work hours as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, related military service, or equivalent.
• Preferred: Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from a two-year college, trade school certification, or advanced education in mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation.
• Journey-level experience: generally, 5 years of directly related experience, including understanding of environmental and safety regulations and previous experience as a plant operator.
• Experience working with and around hazardous chemicals and waste materials.
• Experience using testing equipment and calibration appliances.
• Experience with machinery repair and control systems.
• Basic certifications/licensures.
• Valid U.S. Driver’s license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact well across all levels of the company and with outside vendors.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other programs.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls, and tools.
• Occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work off platforms.
• Use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception, and peripheral vision.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (within defined dB limits) to detect plant alarms, equipment conditions, and receive oral instructions.

Work Environment

• Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may involve all weather conditions (warm/hot to cool/cold, occasional rain).
• Noise levels range from moderate to high.
• Job site contains light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment, and tools.
• Environment includes people standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking, as well as bells, whistles, and alarms.
• Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause 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.