Plant Manager

at  NAES Corporation

The Altavista Biomass Power Station is a renewable energy facility located within the Lynchburg, Virginia metro region, in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility has a capacity of 51 MW and is equipped with two B&W boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator working in synergy to generate electricity from biomass feedstocks. NAES has a long standing operating history with the regulated electric utility that owns the station. The plant’s electrical generation is included as a valuable resource in the utility’s long-range plans.

OPPORTUNITY SUMMARY

The Plant Manager is pivotal in ensuring the facility’s safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation, in accordance with all agreements, regulations, and owner directives. They provide leadership to all plant personnel, overseeing employee selection, training, and qualification maintenance, while also ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and contractual requirements.
Additionally, the Plant Manager serves as a key liaison between the facility, the community, and the industry, nurturing positive relationships to enhance the plant’s reputation and profitability. With direct responsibility for maximizing plant profitability, they implement strategic measures to optimize operational efficiency and financial performance, ensuring sustained success within the organization and broader community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include the possibility of standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, etc.). There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking a candidate who has extensive technical power plant and leadership experience with a work history that demonstrates a pattern of accomplishments and advancement.

• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent desired.
• Previous experience as a Plant Manager within the power generation sector is required, specifically emphasizing backgrounds in biomass, bioenergy, or solid fuel operations is preferred.
• Experience supervising technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel is desired.
• Significant experience relating to the business principles and practices of power generating facilities, specifically regulated utilities.
• Demonstrated skills in environmental management, budget development and control, organizational development, and contract administration.
• Must have strong leadership, motivational, and communication (oral and written) skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a successful track record in managing change initiatives for improving the technical, human resources, business, and financial performance of the plant.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Drivers License at all times.

EXPERIENCE

Preferred

• We are seeking a candidate who has extensive technical power plant and leadership experience with a work history that demonstrates a pattern of accomplishments and advancement.
• Previous experience as a Plant Manager within the power generation sector is required, specifically emphasizing backgrounds in biomass, bioenergy, or solid fuel operations is preferred.
• Experience supervising technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel is desired.
• Significant experience relating to the business principles and practices of power generating facilities, specifically regulated utilities.
• Demonstrated skills in environmental management, budget development and control, organizational development, and contract administration.
• Must have strong leadership, motivational, and communication (oral and written) skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Results-oriented problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a successful track record in managing change initiatives for improving the technical, human resources, business, and financial performance of the plant.

EDUCATION

Required

• High School or better

Preferred

• Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field

SKILLS

Preferred

• Management
• Leadership
• Budgeting
• Environmental Compliance
• Interpersonal Skills
• Key Performance Indicators
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Motivating Others
• O&M - Operations & Maintenance
• Outage Management
• Power Plant Operations
• Safety Policies and Procedures
• Team Leadership
• Verbal and Written Communications

• 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