National Energy is looking for a strong, motivated Operations Technician to join our team in Lincoln, MI. The Operations Technician will report directly to the Operations Manager.

The Operations Technician is responsible for the safe operation of all systems and auxiliary equipment required for safe and efficient power plant operations while on shift. The Operations Technician will also inspect and perform preventative and minor maintenance on mobile equipment, conveying systems, and other auxiliary equipment for the plant.

Duties:

Safety is a core value of National Energy. In this position, the Operations Technician will have required tasks to accomplish while on shift but will ensure all work is performed in a safe manner and in continued compliance with established procedures and OSHA regulations.

• Works with on-shift Unit Supervisor to ensure that all site safety and environmental requirements and procedures are followed and takes corrective actions as necessary.
• Understands and follows Standard Operational Procedures and Emergency Procedures.
• Assist with testing and maintaining plant chemistry.
• Understands the operation of all plant equipment and systems and can take immediate corrective action when required.
• Performs routine rounds on entire plant and maintains logs on specific plant equipment.
• Takes direction from on-shift Unit Supervisor to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the plant.
• Operate mobile equipment which may include wheel loaders, trucks, lifts, and various machinery in a safe and efficient manner.
• Perform preventative maintenance and minor repairs on equipment and support systems routinely and thoroughly.
• Inspects equipment and systems as required.
• Maintain accurate operational logs on mobile equipment, as required.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area; regularly cleans, sweeps and picks up conveyor spillage; unplugs choke points; reports or resolves any unsafe conditions immediately.
• Must perform consistent and accurate work.
• Capable of performing several routine duties involving various procedures which require minor decisions.
• Participate in required safety/regulatory training.
• Participate in various company provided proficiency training programs.
• Interface with Woodyard Operations and Maintenance teams.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

• May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes and vapors from fuels and other substances, heavy machinery operations, rotating equipment, electrical energy, high pressure steam, hot or cold work environment temperatures, high noise levels, slippery surfaces, water hazards and moving heavy equipment.
• Regularly will be required to walk to other pieces of equipment to perform routine and non-routine O&M tasks. Will be required to use ladders and stairs. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds to 70 pounds).

Mental/Emotional Demands of the job:

• Performing repetitive or short cycle work.
• Working alone or apart, in physical isolation from others.
• Working under specific instructions.
• Making judgments and decisions.
• Dealing with changing priorities.
• Working under pressure to meet specific deadlines.
• Dealing with unplanned schedule changes, call-ins and prolonged working hours.
• This role is part of a very limited sized staff which requires dropping the job at hand to assist elsewhere in the plant on short notice, which adds extra stress to an already stressful daily routine.
• Shift work. Prolonged, irregular working hours.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Basic mechanical knowledge.
• Eyesight corrected to 20/40 to accurately read and interpret instruments and gauges.
• Able to hear and understand audible alarms.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and heavy equipment. Must possess a valid state of Michigan driver’s license.
• Must be willing to be trained on all heavy equipment in the power plant.
• Ability to work overtime, as well as any shift schedule, including nights and weekends. Must be available for call-ins during unforeseen emergency situations at the plant.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in power plant operations, biomass is a plus.
• Experience with rotating equipment.
• Experience with conveying systems.

Additional Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to pass required drug testing and background checks.
• Must be willing to work weekends and off hours on occasion to support the power plant.

This job description is not intended to be comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Duties and responsibilities may change without notice.

This is a nonexempt position.