Operations Manager

The Hunterstown Generation Station is a cutting-edge natural gas-fired combined cycle power plant with a generating capacity of 810 MW. It features three GE 7FB.04 combustion turbines that convert natural gas into mechanical energy, complemented by a GE D11 steam turbine that captures and utilizes waste heat to significantly enhance overall efficiency. This advanced configuration delivers reliable power generation while minimizing environmental impact through optimized energy use.

Opportunity Summary

This Operations Manager opportunity at Hunterstown Generation Station, an 810 MW natural gas-fired combined cycle facility, involves leading a high-performing team to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations aligned with organizational performance and safety goals. You will oversee daily operations, support maintenance coordination, and drive continuous improvement in thermal and electrical output through performance analysis and root cause investigations. Additional responsibilities include managing operator scheduling, leading training programs, ensuring regulatory and environmental compliance, maintaining operating procedures, managing contractor relationships, and providing accurate operational reporting to support sustained plant excellence.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

Operations Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the Operations Team to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient plant operations through clear direction and oversight.
• Foster a positive work environment by supporting staff morale and addressing employee concerns in a timely and professional manner.
• Oversee skill development, training, and safety programs to maintain a well-prepared workforce capable of supporting continuous and safe operations.
• Manage training initiatives for plant personnel and maintain the Training Manual to reflect current practices and compliance requirements.
• Provide hands-on operations training to maintenance technicians, emphasizing safe work practices and proper equipment usage.
• Ensure thermal and electrical outputs are consistently maintained at optimal levels to support plant performance goals.
• Maintain a strong focus on maximizing plant availability and supporting commercial performance.
• Support the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) process and ensure corrective actions are implemented effectively and on time.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities with the Compliance Manager, ensuring all permit conditions are met and personnel are properly trained to respond.
• Ensure compliance with NAES policies and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Serve as the Station Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) process owner, ensuring program integrity and safe work practices.
• Prepare and submit reports for the owner and/or utility as required, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Report all plant conditions—normal, abnormal, or emergency—to the Plant Manager, ensuring appropriate analysis, response, and documentation in accordance with policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall plant operations and company objectives.

Maintenance Coordination & Technical Support

• Set priorities for routine maintenance and contribute to outage planning to align with operational needs and resource availability.
• Advise the Maintenance Manager on equipment conditions and upcoming maintenance requirements.
• Analyze plant performance and equipment failures to identify improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Oversee the execution of the water chemistry program, including testing, inspections, and required adjustments.
• Collaborate with plant management to develop and manage contractor scopes of work, maximizing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and issue operating procedures, and periodically review and update them to reflect current safe and effective practices.
• Oversee the daily upkeep of plant logs and records, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and update the Operations Manuals so that procedures and policies remain current and accessible.

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 Operations 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 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

The Operations Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business 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 $145,000 to $175,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & 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. Experience must include a supervisory or management position in which there was oversight of hourly employees and delegation of tasks associated with completion of projects.

• 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 industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
• Extensive experience in plant operations management, preferably in a combined cycle plant.
• Proven ability to successfully direct and oversee activities to ensure reliability, safety, and operational efficiency, while effectively guiding, motivating, and supervising a diverse operations team, including delegation of tasks for project completion.
• Strong technical skills and qualifications in power plant systems, including in-depth knowledge of gas turbines, steam turbines, generators, as well as thermal and electrical systems.
• Proven track record in analyzing operational results and equipment failures to implement efficiency improvements and cost-saving measures.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and experience in coordinating environmental compliance activities within a plant setting.
• Familiarity with contract management and experience in overseeing external contractors to optimize plant performance and efficiency.
• Commitment to safety standards and practices, ensuring compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, handle multiple tasks simultaneously, and make decisions under pressure.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) desired.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of reporting plant conditions and interacting effectively with management, staff, 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.