Plant Manager en NAES Corporation

The Berkeley Cogeneration Plant is a 1x1 combined cycle facility powered by an LM2500PJ gas turbine, providing 22–25 MW of electricity and steam directly to the University of California, Berkeley campus. The site includes a steam plant in operation since the 1930s and a cogeneration plant originally constructed in the mid-1980s, together supporting the campus heating distribution system. With 95% availability, the CHP plant serves as the primary steam provider, while auxiliary boilers and the steam plant ensure a consistent, year-round supply to meet campus demand.

Opportunity Summary

The Plant Manager provides overall leadership and direction for all aspects of cogeneration plant operations, maintenance, safety, environmental compliance, and administrative programs, ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of power and steam to the University of California, Berkeley campus. Responsibilities include overseeing staffing, training, and personnel development, maintaining employee qualifications and engagement, and providing hands-on technical and operational support as needed.

As the primary liaison with the University, regulatory agencies, and the community, the Plant Manager oversees operating and service agreements, manages budgets and compliance, and upholds the plant’s and University’s reputation for safety, reliability, and environmental excellence.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Provide leadership and direction to all plant personnel, ensuring policies, procedures, and operating practices align with institutional goals and industry standards.
• Foster a safe, compliant working environment by promoting a culture of safety awareness, teamwork, and accountability.
• Administer the plant’s Safety, Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Chemistry, and Training programs to support dependable and efficient CHP operations, applying sound business principles and best practices to sustain reliability and optimize performance.
• Develop and implement staffing, training, and qualification plans that ensure operational continuity and personnel readiness across all plant systems and shifts.
• Identify training objectives and professional development needs, providing coaching and mentoring to maintain a skilled and engaged workforce.
• Plan and manage scheduled and unscheduled outages, coordinating with University stakeholders to minimize impact while maximizing reliability and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide operational and maintenance support as needed, assisting in equipment troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and coordination with service providers.
• Administer project agreements, including O&M, energy supply, service, and interconnection agreements, ensuring alignment with University and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all commercial and administrative functions, including budgeting, procurement, and management of service contracts and vendors.
• Manage expenditures through effective budgeting, forecasting, and cost control, preparing and administering operating and capital budgets consistent with contractual obligations.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental permits and reporting requirements, maintaining strong relationships with regulatory agencies and the surrounding community.
• Serve as the primary contact for the University, local stakeholders, and community representatives, reinforcing the facility’s role as a reliable and responsible energy partner.
• Maintain dependable, reliable attendance.
• Carry out and complete additional special projects and assignments as required.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and 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.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the managers, technicians, and Plant Administrator. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and commercial management of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Plant Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $183,000 to $218,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant industry or military experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience as a Plant Manager or senior operations leader at a natural gas-fired combined cycle or cogeneration facility is strongly preferred, with prior supervisory experience managing technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel in a similar environment required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of operational practices, business principles, and regulatory requirements for institutional or utility-based power and steam generation facilities.
• Strong technical proficiency in plant operations and maintenance, with the ability to provide hands-on leadership, guidance, and effective troubleshooting support.
• Thorough understanding of safety regulations and a demonstrated commitment to fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and accountability.
• Proven expertise in environmental compliance, organizational management, and administration of service and interconnection agreements.
• Solid financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and oversight of operating and capital expenditures.
• Analytical and solutions-oriented problem solver with a record of implementing improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and performance.
• Skilled in managing relationships with institutional partners, community representatives, and regulatory agencies while maintaining strong communication and transparency.
• Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication abilities, both oral and written, with the capacity to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

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

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.