Operations Manager - Faribault Energy Park

Faribault Energy Park is a 265 MW combined-cycle facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). Meticulously developed to be both environmentally conscious and aesthetically appealing to the immediate surrounding area, the plant blends sustainability with efficient power generation. Powered by a GE Frame 7FA dual-fuel combustion turbine generator (CTG), and a A10 GE Steam Turbine, along with innovative resource management practices such as rainwater collection.

The Operations Manager opportunity involves leading a dedicated team responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Faribault Energy Park, a 265 MW combined-cycle generating facility owned by the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA). In this role, you will drive operational excellence by optimizing plant performance, managing budgets and operator scheduling, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance reliability, efficiency, and environmental performance.

You will also oversee training and development programs, ensure regulatory and environmental compliance, manage contractor relationships, and provide accurate operational reporting to support the facility's commitment to safe, sustainable, and dependable power generation.

• Lead the Operations Team to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while supporting the facility's performance, environmental, and safety objectives.
• Oversee operator scheduling to ensure adequate staffing for continuous plant operations and provide on-call operational support to maintain plant reliability and timely response to operational events.
• Optimize plant performance by establishing operational objectives and evaluating thermal, electrical, and environmental performance data to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze operating results, equipment performance, and operational events to enhance efficiency, reliability, and overall plant performance while assisting in the development and management of the operations budget.
• Partner with the Maintenance Manager to assess equipment condition, support maintenance planning activities, and provide technical and operational guidance as required.
• Ensure accurate maintenance of plant logs, records, operating reports, and compliance documentation, including reports required by the owner, regulatory agencies, and applicable industry standards.
• Manage controlled operational documents, including procedures, manuals, and operating instructions, ensuring they remain current, accurate, and compliant with plant requirements.
• Maintain and administer training programs that support employee development, operational readiness, safety performance, and compliance with plant procedures and industry best practices.
• Oversee implementation of the plant water chemistry program, including sampling, testing, laboratory activities, inventory control, and personnel training.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities to ensure adherence to permit requirements, environmental regulations, and company policies while promoting sustainable operating practices.
• Develop and manage contractor work scopes and service agreements to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with plant standards.
• Foster a positive team culture through open communication, employee engagement, accountability, and professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of plant operations, maintenance, safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement initiatives.

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. 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.

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 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,…