Instrument & Control Technician

THE COMPANY

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 6,000 MW of utility-scale wind, solar and natural gas generation projects across the U.S. Our Vision is to reliably power a sustainable future. Our Mission is that as North America’s premier independent power generator, we will deliver renewable and reliable power to our customers, opportunities to our associates, sustainable returns to the families who invest in us, and a better world to the next generation. Based in New York, Denver, and Charlotte, Onward Energy is a company where people and power are always on. We are where renewable meets reliable. See www.onwardenergy.com for more information.

The Fountain Valley Facility is a 240 MW simple cycle, natural gas-fired, peaking facility with a PPA with PSCo to 2032. The plant is located in Fountain, Colorado. Adjacent to the Fountain Valley Facility is 145 vacant acres of land for future development.

THE CHALLENGE

Perform operations, testing, maintenance, and administrative functions of a distributive control system (DCS) and all associated field devices including the Continuous Emission Monitoring System (CEMS) for a simple cycle gas power plant.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work safely, following company and operator policies, procedures and work practices in a positive, cooperative, and productive manner.
• Monitoring, troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing the plant’s electrical, controls and instrumentation systems as assigned including specification and initiation of purchase requisitions on assigned systems/equipment including ability to safely apply lock-out tag-out process on owned equipment/systems or other equipment and/or systems when performing maintenance.
• Responsible for electrical maintenance on equipment less than 600 volts and a backup responsibility for greater than 600 volts.
• Conduct job safety briefings (JSB) at turnover and perform quality JSB’s for each job.
• Shall be capable of verifying absence of voltage on all systems (DC through 125V and AC through 230kV) utilizing appropriate meters or non-contact detectors.
• Capable of troubleshooting of various electrical circuits (contactors, motor starters, ability to recognize single phasing on motors, lighting circuits, etc.) and communicate the cause of protective relay trips and repair initiating problems where applicable in accordance with NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) standards.
• Computes and analyzes test data.
• Use installed and portable test equipment and technical manuals to troubleshoot equipment and systems.
• Monitor, maintain and review all system startup procedures to determine control and electrical personnel support requirements.
• Coordinates job activities relating to job planning, work methods, job standards and job reporting for the work assigned.
• Perform both routine and non-routine preventative and corrective maintenance on plant equipment.
• Required to be “On Call” while off shift to support emergency repair or monitoring as necessary.
• Assist other plant personnel as needed.
• Maintenance and upkeep of site buildings and grounds.
• Maintain, calibrate, and repair plant instrumentation and control devices.
• Prepares, maintains and provides a variety of reports/documents as required or upon request.
• Reviews P&I Drawings and logic diagrams.
• Communicates the condition of plant systems, equipment, and pertinent information to others.
• Coordinates job activities relating to job planning, work methods, job standards and job reporting for the work assigned.
• Creates procedures related to instrumentation and electrical systems.
• Directs and performs work in accordance with policies and procedures as established by the company and regulatory agencies.
• Operate all plant mobile equipment, forklift, man lift, etc.
• Maintain documentation records of calibration tests, and certification of electrical and instrument equipment.
• Required to complete the O&M Tech I qualification process. Qualification is required within 2 years of the date of hire.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

• A two-year technical degree and minimum of 5 years of power plant and/or industrial electrical, instrumentation or electronics experience is required.
• In lieu of a degree, significant power plant and/or industrial electrical or electronics experience may also qualify an applicant for this position.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), Allen Bradley Controllogix – Studio 5000 Logix Designer, VM Ware, Various PLC Controllers, Teledyne Monitor Labs CEMS controls and equipment. Programming and configuration capabilities preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment operating limits, parameters, operating procedures, and systems. Performs corrective actions if limits are exceeded.
• Working knowledge of simple cycle power plant system, power plant operations, and maintenance, electrical principles, work practices, procedures, and materials.
• Ability to interpret control drawings and P&ID’s.
• Ability to make maintenance related decisions with minimum direct supervision.
• Knowledge of instrumentation test equipment, signal generators, relay tests sets, oscilloscopes, and computers.
• Knowledge of industry related CEM System hardware, software, and reporting.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills and possess the ability to learn.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with an advanced understanding of chemistry, physics, electricity, and mathematics.
• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to demonstrate basic computer knowledge of Word, Excel, Power Point, and various other programs.
• Must be able to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside vendors.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history, if applicable.

THE PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to accomplish physical requirements with or without reasonable accommodation

• Associate will be required to adhere to large amounts of standing, walking, bending, squatting, and lifting. May be required to lift, carry, and move up to 50 lbs. Will use arms and hands to signal, grab, hold, turn, push, and pull objects, materials, controls and tools. Will occasionally work at heights, climb ladders, stairways, and work from platforms. Will use vision abilities to focus, see short and long distances, colors, depth perception and peripheral vision. Will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hard hat, safety glasses/goggles, ear plugs/muffs, masks/respirators, safety vests, gloves, and steel-toe boots.
• Able to hear (at some dB limit of loss) plant alarms, equipment condition, and to receive oral instructions.
• Able to see to determine plant operating conditions and to avoid safety hazards.

THE TEAM

The Onward Energy team is comprised of industry professionals who embrace our values of accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and excellence. At Onward Energy, we seek to find solutions rather than assign blame.

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT

Performing this job without full/focused attention may cause serious injury or even fatality. Work is generally performed inside the power plant but may work in all weather conditions ranging from warm/hot - cool/cold. Occasional rain and snow. Noise levels will be moderate to high. Job site will contain light to heavy equipment vehicles, small to large equipment, materials, communication equipment and tools. People standing, walking, sitting, signaling, and talking. Bells, whistles, and alarms.

THE TOTAL REWARDS

Onward Energy total rewards philosophy is motivated by a key tenet of People First,
and offers associates a comprehensive total rewards package which includes market competitive compensation, health, life insurance, and retirement savings benefits.

If you require an accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a disability to HR@onwardenergy.com.

EEO STATEMENT:

Onward Energy is an Affirmative Action Employer, Females/Minority/Veterans/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.