Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant is a 116-MW natural gas-fueled facility in Storey County, Nevada, supporting regional mining operations. The facility features 14 Wärtsilä 34SG spark-ignition engines designed for efficient, low-emission generation, along with a 1-MW AC solar photovoltaic system that adds renewable energy to the site.
Opportunity Summary
The Relief Operator at Western 102 Power Station and Solar Plant primarily performs preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on Wärtsilä reciprocating engines and associated mechanical equipment. Responsibilities include troubleshooting, repairs, outage support, and maintenance documentation. As needed, this position also provides Auxiliary Operator relief coverage, supporting equipment monitoring, operating rounds, and routine plant operations.
Your scope of responsibility as Relief Operator includes the following primary functions:
Mechanical Maintenance & Equipment Reliability (Primary)
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on Wärtsilä natural gas reciprocating engines, mechanical auxiliaries, and balance-of-plant equipment to support reliable generation.
- Diagnose mechanical equipment failures, identify root causes, and complete repairs to minimize downtime, prevent recurring issues, and improve reliability.
- Inspect, repair, and overhaul engine components, including cylinder heads, pistons, valves, turbochargers, bearings, and mechanical assemblies in accordance with OEM procedures.
- Maintain supporting mechanical systems, including pumps, compressors, fans, heat exchangers, fuel gas equipment, lubrication and cooling systems, piping, and related components.
- Support planned outages and engine overhauls through equipment preparation, inspections, repairs, work coordination, testing, and return-to-service activities.
- Monitor equipment condition and operating parameters, using precision instruments, diagnostic equipment, and machine shop tools to support troubleshooting and repairs.
- Document maintenance activities, equipment conditions, repairs, and recommendations in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), ensuring accurate work orders and records.
- Contribute to improvements in preventive maintenance procedures, inspection schedules, spare parts planning, and equipment reliability practices.
- Coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives to execute maintenance activities safely and efficiently, providing technical assistance and oversight of assigned contractor work.
Plant Operations & Relief Coverage (As Needed)
- Provide Auxiliary Operator relief coverage, conducting equipment rounds, monitoring Wärtsilä engines and auxiliary systems, recording operating parameters, and identifying abnormal conditions.
- Assist with plant startups, shutdowns, routine operations, equipment adjustments, and responses to abnormal conditions in coordination with Control Room personnel and established procedures.
- Conduct operational testing, equipment isolation, lockout/tagout (LOTO), shift turnovers, and operating documentation while maintaining safety and environmental compliance.
Complete additional duties as assigned by plant management to support plant reliability, operational readiness, and facility performance.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The Relief Operator reports to the Maintenance Manager, receives direction from the Operations Manager during relief coverage, and general direction from the Plant Manager. This position collaborates with plant personnel, contractors, and OEM representatives to support safe, reliable operations and maintenance.
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
This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply. Auxiliary Operator relief coverage, and other plant needs.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $34.91 to $46.94 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Core Qualifications and Skills
- An Associate degree in Plant Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Process Technology, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical training, industry, or military experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
- Relevant hands-on experience maintaining mechanical equipment in power generation, manufacturing, or similar industrial environments is preferred. Experience with Wärtsilä or other natural gas reciprocating engines is highly desirable.
- Practical knowledge of preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance practices, including troubleshooting, repairing, and overhauling engines, pumps, valves, compressors, and other mechanical equipment.
- Familiarity with power plant operations, equipment monitoring, operating parameters, and startup/shutdown procedures, with the ability to complete required Auxiliary Operator training and qualifications.
- Proficiency using precision measuring instruments, diagnostic equipment, and shop tools to assemble, disassemble, align, repair, and maintain mechanical equipment.
- Ability to interpret meters, gauges, instrumentation, technical drawings, and equipment manuals to evaluate operating conditions and support maintenance and operational activities.
- Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), equipment isolation, and compliance with applicable safety procedures and regulatory requirements.
- Effective troubleshooting, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, with the ability to work independently and coordinate with Operations, Maintenance, contractors, and OEM representatives.
- Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to maintain CMMS records, document maintenance activities, and complete operating logs and shift turnovers.
- 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.