Direct Energy

Solar Field Maintenance

Posted on: 27 Nov 2023

Nipton, CA

Job Description

At NRG, we’re bringing the power of energy to people and organizations by putting customers at the center of everything we do. We generate electricity and provide energy solutions and natural gas to millions of customers through our diverse portfolio of retail brands. A Fortune 500 company, operating in the United States and Canada, NRG delivers innovative solutions while advocating for competitive energy markets and customer choice, working towards a sustainable energy future. More information is available at www.nrg.com. Connect with NRG on Facebook, LinkedIn and follow us on Twitter @nrgenergy.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Oversee the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally sound operation of plant equipment.
Maintain, troubleshoot, test, calibrate, repair, and install equipment, specialized sensors, controllers, meters, cable, computers, PLCs, calibration cameras, IR cameras and any device associated with instrumentation and/or control.
Troubleshoot electrical and/or communication systems, subsystems and devices generally accepted methods, use instruction manuals and experience to determine the root cause of malfunctions.  Reports the cause of the malfunction to the appropriate supervisor and takes appropriate corrective actions.
Perform corrective maintenance as directed and/or required.
Test and locate faults on control and power circuits, communication circuits, current transformers and similar devices on AC and DC circuits.
Design, install and test various electrical equipment upgrades, including programming PLC and sensors associated with solar energy.
Work with specialized software to manipulate, troubleshoot, provide maintenance, and return to service, equipment, and sensors within the solar field.
Provide training, when needed, to contracted personnel on site.

Troubleshoot plant equipment to resolve operational problems.
Assist in providing skill enhancement training to other personnel.
Assist maintenance personnel in performance of maintenance activities to include use of tools, equipment and Company vehicles.
Control Lock-out / Tag-out events with a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures to ensure equipment and or systems are safe to be worked utilizing RedTag Pro software.
Operate natural gas pipeline valves to ensure the proper alignment is established and maintained for the safety of the general public and plant personal.
Regularly inspect the integrity of the Natural Gas Pipeline, to include system pressure, unit pressure, liquid level, heater operation, above ground piping, valves, flanges, pigging sending and receiving stations. Wildlife, vegetation and soil condition are also to be closely monitored, as required by DOT Regulations.
Inspect the natural gas cathodic protection system to ensure the pipe insulation maintains its integrity, utilizing a multi-meter, and a RFIT Insulation Tester.  
Perform gas pipeline purging to ensure the safe removal of all gas in the pipeline, rendering it safe for maintenance, modifications or repair.

Qualifications:

Knowledge

Knowledge of the principles of electrical and mechanical theory related to the operation of steam station equipment.
Thoroughly understands station solar fields and how they apply to all unit operations.
Comprehensive understanding of all applicable safety rules, regulations, emergency procedures, environmental regulations and procedures as they apply to the work site.  
Proficient in MS Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Must have an exceptional ability to record and track equipment fault and failure data for historian and warranty purposes.
Ability to use addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to perform flow, pressure, and meter calculations and to solve problems related to control processes.
Knowledge of complex digital communication control systems; proper methods for troubleshooting, repairing control systems; proper and safe methods to clear equipment; safe use of tools; plant safety rules; reporting procedures and practices, maintenance procedures and practices; electrical and mechanical prints.
General understanding of electrical power generation.
Thorough knowledge of electronic, electrical, and mechanical equipment and their maintenance methods and practices.
Thorough understanding of Cathodic protection, to ensure the integrity of the underground piping system remains intact and functioning properly. 

Competencies

Apply theoretical knowledge to practical operating problems.
Lead by example, at all times in complete control of the plant in a safe, environmentally sound, efficient, and professional manner.   
Operation of computers, printers, digital multi-meters, oscilloscopes, and various hand tools. Ability to utilize the personal computer in applications for spreadsheets, database activities, word processing, and troubleshooting the plants solar field control equipment, troubleshooting PLC Systems and network infrastructure.
Ability to operate Company vehicles and equipment and maintain operating licenses and certifications, valid Driver’s License required.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematic diagrams, procedures, and technical manuals.
Communicate conditions of plant system and equipment to others.
Discern and respond to verbal and auditory signals from control panel.

Take, record, and analyze readings of various electrical and mechanical meters. Have a good understanding of operating procedures, environmental and safety rules and regulations, and first aid procedures.
Able to use test equipment for the detection and repair of faulty instrument and control devices.
Able to interpret and follow technical instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic and schedule form.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical diagrams, technical manuals, and logic diagrams.
Apply knowledge of steam power plant operations and basic power plant principles to daily decision-making and work tasks.
Demonstrate the ability to successfully function as a member of a team and to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Education/Experience

Minimum high school diploma.
Demonstrated knowledge of electrical or mechanical fundamentals such as electrical measurements, control circuits, hydraulics and pneumatics.
Basic knowledge of operational characteristics of equipment and associated control devices installed in power facilities.
Three (3) or more years’ experience in a power plant or related industry.

Physical Requirements

Employee may be required to work long periods at a computer terminal.
Employee may be required to work rotating shifts. Employee will be required to work overtime.
Employee will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) which includes but not limited to: fire resistant uniforms, steel-toed EH rated work boots, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, fall protection and other job specific PPE.
Employee may be required to lift up to 35 pounds, climb stairs and ladders, work at high elevations and in extreme weather conditions both hot and cold.

Why NRG is a great place to work:

Great company culture!! Voted as a BEST employer by Forbes
A competitive total compensation package, including annual incentive and/or commission
Stock Purchase Plan 
Benefits on the first day of employment - Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, and Short Term Disability, Wellness program, etc.   
Company-paid life insurance and disability insurance
401 (k) plan to help save for retirement
Generous PTO plan, plus 8 company holidays, and 3 floating holidays
Numerous discounts, including electricity discounts on NRG brands

 

Direct Energy

Houston, TX

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas and home and business energy-related services with a history of impressive growth. Acquired by Centrica plc in 2000, Direct Energy has steadily grown to approximately 4,000 employees serving over 4 million customers in North America. We're backed by and are a wholly owned subsidiary of Centrica plc with over 25 million customer accounts mainly in the UK, Ireland and North America through strong brands such as British Gas, Direct Energy and Bord Gáis Energy. Centrica is financially strong and is traded on the London Stock Exchange under the symbol CNA.

The North American Headquarters are located in Houston, Texas, with regional offices across the U.S. and Canada, Direct Energy operates in 50 US states, the District of Columbia and eight Canadian provinces.

Direct Energy is one of the largest residential energy retailers in North America based on customer numbers.
Direct Energy Business is one of the largest commercial and industrial retail energy providers in North America, serving more than 240,000 business customers.
We provide the insights our customers need to make smarter decisions, be more efficient, reduce their energy use, and potentially save money.

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