Operations & Maintenance; O&M Technician

Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Technician

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The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam directly to the University of California, Berkeley campus. The site includes a steam plant in operation since the 1930s and a cogeneration plant originally constructed in the mid-1980s, together supporting the campus heating distribution system. With 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the primary steam provider, while auxiliary boilers and the steam plant ensure a consistent, year-round supply to meet campus demand.

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Technician is essential to the safe and reliable operation of the Berkeley Cogeneration Plant, delivering electricity and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. This role involves expertly operating and maintaining the LM2500PJ gas turbine, steam turbines, auxiliary boilers, and supporting equipment to ensure continuous, efficient performance. The technician performs startups, shutdowns, inspections, and minor repairs while rigorously following safety protocols and maintaining precise operational logs to support uninterrupted, year-round campus energy and steam supply.

• Perform startup, shutdown, and routine operations of the LM2500PJ gas turbine, Terry letdown steam turbine, HRSG, auxiliary boilers, and supporting plant systems.
• Operate major auxiliary equipment including air compressors, reverse osmosis water and cooling systems, condensers, and locally controlled electrical and mechanical apparatus to ensure stable facility performance.
• Conduct operating tests, inspections, and minor repairs on assigned equipment to maintain reliability and prevent unplanned downtime.
• Prepare equipment for service and follow established operating procedures and safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment.
• Maintain detailed and accurate logs documenting operational activities, equipment status, and any abnormalities.
• Promptly identify, report, and address abnormal or irregular conditions to protect equipment and ensure safe operations.
• Assist maintenance teams during scheduled outages or repairs, contributing to timely task completion and equipment readiness.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to record data, track work orders, and ensure efficient execution of maintenance activities.
• Document equipment issues on work requests and record corrective actions, including spare parts usage and reordering needs.
• Perform corrective and preventive maintenance work orders in a timely and thorough manner, with strong focus on safety and quality.
• Monitor and record operational parameters such as temperature, vibration, pressure, hours of operation, and fluid levels using meters, gauges, or automated devices.
• Conduct regular visual and auditory inspections of equipment to identify malfunctions, repairs, or lubrication needs and take proactive measures to maintain reliability.
• Diagnose equipment malfunctions or failures and implement appropriate repair procedures to minimize downtime.
• Analyzes and adjusts chemical levels and processes in both boiler water and water supplies to meet standards and removal of impurities.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Plant Manager to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the cogeneration plant.

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.

The O&M Technician reports to the Operations and Maintenance Manager and takes general direction from other plant management. Additionally, this…