Head of Power Plant Operations and Pipeline

JOB DESCRIPTION

The primary purpose of the Head of Power Plant Operations and Pipeline is to lead the safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant day-to-day operation of the facility's 106 MW natural gas-fired steam (Rankine-cycle) generating unit and its natural gas supply pipeline in Dresden, New York. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this role owns the operating floor - leading the operations team, directing real-time operation of the unit, and translating plant capability into reliable, cost-effective power production - while also overseeing reliable and compliant operation of the natural gas pipeline serving the facility. This role is accountable for shift coverage, operating discipline, and the procedures, schedules, and records that keep operations running consistently, and works closely with the Head of Maintenance and other site functions to execute the Plant Manager's priorities.

DESIRED OUTCOMES

• Safe, reliable day-to-day operation of the unit, with a strong operating-floor safety culture and full adherence to environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Consistent achievement of operational targets - availability, heat rate, start reliability, and load following - in support of facility objectives.
• Reliable and compliant operation of the natural gas pipeline serving the facility, with fuel supply maintained and integrity and regulatory requirements met.
• A well-organized, fully staffed, and cross-trained operations team with clear shift structures, current operating procedures, and disciplined execution.
• Reduced operational forced outages and derates through vigilant monitoring, early fault detection, and prompt corrective action.
• Smooth coordination between operations and maintenance so that work windows, outages, and returns to service are executed efficiently.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the unionized operations team - O&M Technicians - Operations (Operator Trainee through O&M Tech 4 / Senior Operator) - including scheduling, staffing, training, qualification, and performance.
• Direct real-time operation of the 106 MW natural gas-fired steam unit - boiler, steam turbine, generator, condenser, feedwater, and auxiliary systems - to meet dispatch, efficiency, and emissions targets.
• Oversee day-to-day operation of the natural gas supply pipeline serving the facility, including reliable fuel supply, pipeline monitoring and integrity, and regulatory compliance.
• Own operating discipline: develop, maintain, and enforce standard operating procedures, startup and shutdown sequences, and abnormal/emergency operating procedures.
• Execute operations safety programs on the floor - lockout/tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work, and emergency response - in support of the EHS Leader's site-wide programs.
• Monitor operational performance using performance software and control systems; conduct root cause analysis on operational events and drive corrective actions.
• Work closely with the Head of Maintenance to plan maintenance windows, unit loading, outages, and returns to service while minimizing downtime.
• Manage operations-side costs, consumables, and staffing within the facility budget set by the Plant Manager.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, shift records, and documentation to support reliability, auditability, and regulatory readiness.
• Support the Plant Manager in delivering facility performance objectives and regulatory and environmental compliance.

TEAM

• Reports to - Plant Manager
• Team Members - O&M Technicians - Operations (Operator Trainee, O&M Tech 1-4 / Senior Operator) - unionized per IBEW Local 10 CBA
• Coordinates with - Head of Maintenance, Head of EHS, HR and Electrical Engineer

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 8 years of experience in power plant operations, with direct experience at a Rankine-cycle (steam) generating facility.
• Proven experience leading and supervising operations teams, preferably in a unionized environment.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field preferred; equivalent operational experience will be considered.
• Experience managing operating costs and staffing within a plant budget.
• Familiarity with natural gas pipeline operation and compliance is a plus.
• Proven problem-solving abilities and hands-on root cause analysis experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong organizational skills - able to structure shift coverage, balance competing operational priorities, and keep procedures, schedules, and records disciplined and current.
• In-depth knowledge of Rankine-cycle systems - boilers, steam turbines, generators, condensers, feedwater and condensate systems, and balance-of-plant auxiliaries.
• Operational command of steam units - expert understanding of startup, shutdown, and load-following operation.
• Natural gas pipeline knowledge - familiarity with natural gas pipeline operation, fuel supply, monitoring, integrity, and compliance requirements.
• Team leadership - able to lead, develop, and hold accountable a unionized operations workforce.
• Safety and environmental awareness - working knowledge of LOTO, permitting, emergency response, and environmental compliance on the operating floor.
• Systems and tools - proficiency with plant performance software, distributed control systems (DCS), and advanced Excel.
• Technical literacy - ability to read and interpret P&IDs (piping and instrumentation diagrams), engineering drawings, and system schematics.
• Business awareness - ability to translate operational performance into business and economic impact.

WHY IS THIS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY?

• Dresden, New York area location.
• Salary $150K-$170K + 20-25% Bonus
• Full Relocation
• Advancement opportunities