Operations Manager

Edson, AB

The Cascade Power Project is a cutting-edge 900-megawatt combined-cycle power generation facility. Powered by natural gas and equipped with two Siemens SCC6-8000H Power Trains, the plant boasts modern and highly efficient industrial turbines. Set to commence operations in early 2024, this facility represents a significant stride towards sustainable and technologically advanced energy production in the region.

Opportunity Summary

As an essential member of the leadership team, the Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring plans, processes and measures are in place to achieve safe, efficient and reliable operation and maintenance of the facility; to maximize operational effectiveness and ensure compliance with regulatory standards and contractual commitments; to operate the facility in accordance with equipment manufacturer instructions to achieve optimum performance and profitability of the facility and provide support to maintenance and engineering teams.

The Operations Manager assumes the role of Chief Operating Engineer as defined in the Power Engineering regulations and provides leadership and mentoring for the operations team.

Primary Functions

Take ownership and lead in communicating NAES’ Mission and Vision to the Operations staff.
Ensure the implementation of safety management systems to maintain a safe work environment, adhering to corporate requirements and OH&S regulations; oversee emergency response preparedness in operations.
Ensure understanding and implementation of environmental monitoring and reporting systems to meet corporate and regulatory standards.
Maintain, review, and acknowledge operational logs via the electronic system, updating as necessary to meet facility needs.
Develop operational processes, procedures, and checks, both routine and non-routine, to ensure safe facility operations, including managing Permit to Work, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), and Carseal systems.
Identify primary operational risks for the facility and develop risk mitigation strategies as needed; oversee Operations requirements in Management of Change (MOC) and Pre-Startup Safety Review (PSSR) processes.
Maintain communication and relationships with energy trading and AESO regarding daily plant capability, including planned and unplanned events.
Track, monitor, and correct plant operating capabilities as necessary.
Update the operational component of the Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Plan based on sound asset management planning.
Ensure performance factor targets outlined in the O&M plan are met and that all staff and procedures maintain the necessary quality and training levels to achieve these factors.
Develop and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the plant and educate plant staff on understanding these metrics.
Understand the chart of accounts and ensure accurate booking of transactions against the appropriate cost center and account.
Manage the Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS) program in compliance with requirements.
Incorporate operational and reliability information into the major maintenance plan and ensure any findings or developments from major maintenance are integrated into operating practices.
Develop departmental goals aligned with performance goals to contribute to the overall success of the facility.
Perform other duties and prioritize tasks as required.

Accountabilities

Ensure that Operations personnel have all necessary skills and training required for their roles and maintain adequate records to verify training and development; Ensure compliance with ABSA requirements, including PEIM program requirements.
Foster a culture focused on Health and Safety and compliance.
Plan and implement an operations progression system and continuously develop operational personnel.
Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and clients to identify and address priority items.
Achieve targeted availability, reliability, and starting reliability targets.
Manage all operations-related supplier relationships.
Develop generation, heat rate, and performance standard budgets for one to five years.
Manage Operations cost budget, including variable operating costs (chemical and water treatment costs).
Collect and evaluate Reliability Availability Maintainability (RAM) data consistently and accurately.
Develop long-term operating budgets and availability forecasts based on maintenance plans.
Develop, implement, and utilize Operations Procedures required for the safe and reliable operation of equipment, emergency response, pressure component Quality Control (QC), environmental controls, waste management, and compliance with regulations. This includes participation in all environmental reporting requirements.
Ensure that direct reports understand and can communicate corporate HSE policies.

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 (“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/Support Regular Safety Meetings (at least monthly).
Address Safety at all Group Meetings.
Conduct Inspections and Observations: establish within the department a regular inspection of the work area and a safety observation process of work being performed.
Establish and lead these activities following any rules, requirements or guidance established in your business unit, group, or division.
Involve all NAES teammates in the activities.
Analyze result, write work orders, train, and educate to eliminate hazards, at-risk behavior and meet company regulatory requirements.
Conduct Regular Observation Tours: Conduct no less than two safety observation tours of high-risk activities e.g., confined space to verify that employees are performing the work in accordance with safe practices, company procedures and OSHA regulations.
Regular and Frequent Contacts: conduct one-on-one contact sessions with workers to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations and coach safe behaviors, e.g., whether the employee is wearing all required personal protective equipment.
Respond to Incidents: respond to all safety-related incidents including, but not limited to injuries, incidents and near misses; write a report that explains what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective action following any established business unit or division practice. Follow up as necessary to ensure that corrective action is taken.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager cooperates with the Maintenance Manager, and all other plant personnel as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Power plant environment which entails working conditions that may include extreme hot or cold temperatures, confined spaces, working at extreme heights and on grating, and working around heavy equipment, pressurized, and energized equipment. Both indoor and outdoor work are part of the job requirements. Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and lifting up to 23kg. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g. hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Respirator qualified required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

This position entails a Monday to Friday work schedule during regular day shift hours. Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload and plant conditions. Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Job Qualifications

Education, Licenses/Certifications, and training

First Class Power Engineer certificate is a requirement.
An undergraduate degree in a related field or Technology Certificate in an engineering or science discipline from an accredited college or university.

Experience & Attributes

A minimum of 3 years of direct supervisory experience in leading teams within a power generation or industrial environment. This experience should demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and develop personnel, delegate tasks, provide guidance and support, resolve conflicts, and ensure team performance aligns with organizational goals and objectives.
At least 8 years of progressive work experience in power generation within combustion turbine, steam turbine, and steam plant auxiliaries’ operation and maintenance, or 10 years of commensurate work experience performing related duties in an industrial environment.
In addition to a high level of operations knowledge, this position requires skills and experience in high-voltage electrical operation, digital control operation, strong mechanical aptitude, as well as a good understanding of mathematics and physics.
Candidates must have previously demonstrated experience in successfully handling multiple projects simultaneously in a self-directed manner.
Proven track record of implementing and ensuring strict adherence to safety management systems to maintain a safe working environment within a power generation facility.
Risk Management and Mitigation: Proficiency in identifying primary operational risks for power generation facilities and developing effective risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions and ensure continuity of operations.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license at all times.

What we offer:

Competitive Compensation
Medical, dental and other benefits
Annual Bonus Incentives
RRSP Matching Program

About NAES - Energy People Making Energy Facilities Work Better

NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES Canada is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES Canada to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, genetic characteristics, religious beliefs, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, family status, source of income, sexual orientation, and for a conviction for which a pardon has been granted or a record suspended which is protected by applicable local, provincial and federal law.

Desired Skills and Experience

Licenses & Certifications

1st Class Pwr Eng Cert-CA

Experience

A minimum of 3 years of direct supervisory experience in leading teams within a power generation or industrial environment. This experience should demonstrate the ability to effectively manage and develop personnel, delegate tasks, provide guidance and support, resolve conflicts, and ensure team performance aligns with organizational goals and objectives.
At least 8 years of progressive work experience in power generation within combustion turbine, steam turbine, and steam plant auxiliaries operation and maintenance, or 10 years of commensurate work experience performing related duties in an industrial environment.
In addition to a high level of operations knowledge, this position requires skills and experience in high-voltage electrical operation, digital control operation, strong mechanical aptitude, as well as a good understanding of mathematics and physics.
Candidates must have previously demonstrated experience in successfully handling multiple projects simultaneously in a self-directed manner.
Proven track record of implementing and ensuring strict adherence to safety management systems to maintain a safe working environment within a power generation facility.
Risk Management and Mitigation: Proficiency in identifying primary operational risks for power generation facilities and developing effective risk mitigation strategies to minimize potential disruptions and ensure continuity of operations.

Education

Bachelors or better in Power Plant Technology or related field.

Skills

Management
Power Generation
Power Plant Fundamentals
Power Plant Operations
Control Room Operations
Key Performance Indicators
Motivating Others
Plant Operations
Safety Policies and Procedures
Team Leadership
Verbal and Written Communications

Behaviors

Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
Team Player: Works well as a member of a group