Santa Rosa Energy Center is a 1x1 Combined Cycle Power Plant located in Santa Rosa County, Florida, operating a GE 7FA.03 combustion turbine, Nooter Erickson HRSG, and GE steam turbine.The facility operates under a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) extending through 2049, providing strong operational stability and long-term career opportunity.
The Operations & Maintenance Technician is responsible for the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of a combined-cycle power facility while on shift. This includes operating, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation equipment such as gas and steam turbines, generators, HRSGs, compressors, pumps, motors, water treatment systems, and other balance-of-plant equipment. Strict adherence to all safety and environmental regulations is required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain combined-cycle power plant equipment with minimal supervision.
- Perform inspections and monitor systems, recording data on temperature, vibration, pressure, water chemistry, and other operating conditions.
- Maintain and repair plant equipment: tighten fittings, replace valve packing, gaskets, valves, gauges, and lubricate components.
- Conduct water chemistry analysis on HRSG, auxiliary boiler, and cooling tower systems; adjust chemical feed and blowdown rates as needed.
- Operate and monitor demineralized water systems to ensure quality standards.
- Identify and resolve CEMS issues; assist with calibrations and gas bottle changes.
- Utilize CMMS for work orders and maintenance documentation.
- Assist with outage planning, scheduling, and development of O&M procedures.
- Perform piping and conduit installations for system upgrades.
- Operate heavy equipment such as man lifts and forklifts.
- Maintain plant inventory and assist with audits.
- Open and close circuit breakers for system operation and electrical isolation.
- Ensure compliance with all safety programs, environmental permits, and regulatory procedures.
- Maintain housekeeping standards and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications and Skills
- 2–4 years of related experience in power plant operations or maintenance preferred.
- High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate degree or technical school training preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of power plant operations and equipment.
- Ability to make sound decisions in emergency situations.
- Proficient in troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems.
- Skilled in reading and interpreting P&IDs, electrical one-lines, mechanical drawings, and technical manuals.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; capable of writing procedures and reports.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word).
- Knowledge of water chemistry and ability to maintain proper control ranges.
- Ability to operate machine tools (drill press, pipe threading machine, grinder) for repairs.
Physical Requirements
- Exposure to varied outdoor environments, including extreme weather conditions, high noise levels, hazardous areas, and diverse work surfaces.
- Frequent use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection, hot gloves, and high-voltage protective gear.
- Working near high-voltage equipment and operating heavy machinery, with proper training and safety protocols.
- Entry into confined spaces and potentially hazardous environments, often accompanied by exposure to loud machinery and equipment.
- Physical activities including walking, standing for extended periods, crawling, stooping, sitting, climbing vertical and inclined ladders/stairs, operating large valves, and performing tasks requiring up to 50 lbs. of pulling, turning, lifting, or carrying.
- Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
- Participation in a post-offer physical examination and drug screening, as well as ongoing random drug testing.
- Compliance with strict smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
