Wind Site O&M Manager

THE COMPANY  

Onward Energy is an independent power platform that owns and operates over 4,000 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.

Bingham is a 185 MW Wind Farm located in Somerset and Piscataquis counties in Maine. The site commercial operation was 2016. The site has 56 Vestas V112 wind turbines rated at 3.3 MW. Oakfield is a 148 MW Wind Farm located in Aroostook County, ME and went into commercial operation in 2016. The site has 48 Vestas V112 wind turbines rated at 3.1MW. Hancock is a 51 MW Wind Farm located in Hancock County, ME and went into commercial operation in 2012.  The site has 17 Vestas V117 wind turbines rated at 3.0 MW. On tower turbine maintenance is contracted to Vestas under a long-term contract.  

THE CHALLENGE  

The Wind Site O&M Manager is responsible for the management of the overall balance of plant Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of Bingham, Oakfield, and Hancock Wind projects. This position reports to the Wind Site Plant Manager. The O&M Manager represents Onward Energy through contractor management, liaison with landowners and other government officials. Position manages contractors to ensure the safe and timely completion of projects to support reliable operations.  

THE RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Ensure the highest level of health and safety practices on the assigned wind farm(s).
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate substation maintenance events. Respond to site outages as required, perform HV switching operations in order to safely return site to production in a timely manner.
• Ensure that all maintenance activities, including those performed during scheduled outages and overhauls, are accurately recorded, and documented to identify the failure history, mean time between failures and root causes.
• Prepare and update multiple monthly reports (i.e.-Monthly Flash Report; Monthly Man-hour Report; Daily Report etc.), and informational spreadsheets to track site performance.
• Assure operations performance targets (availability, dispatch, power vs. wind performance, budgets, etc.) are achieved for the assigned wind farm(s).
• Supervise the activities of the O&M Contractor Vestas and ensure operation and maintenance of the wind farm is in compliance with contracted requirements and performance targets.
• Train and motivate personnel assigned to his/her wind farm.
• Assist in the preparation of the annual site O&M budget and recommend capital improvements and enhancements.
• Manage the spare part inventory for the assigned wind farm.
• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly operations reports are prepared and submitted on time.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Interface with landowners, local and state authorities, and the general public, where required.
• Provide back-up support for work on other wind farms, including required nights and weekend operations coverage on a rotating basis as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

THE PROFILE TO SUCCEED

Associates or Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Physics, Power preferred. Applicable years of experience may substitute for degree.

• Two (2) years of work experience in operations and/or maintenance in power generation, transmission and/or distribution, including at least 2 years in the wind industry, and including at least 1 year in a lead or supervisor position.
• Extensive knowledge of all systems, DVAR units, substations, and transmission lines
• Self-starter with ability to make decisions and take necessary actions without specific direction.
• Analyze conditions and issues; take appropriate actions to achieve results when necessary.
• Exceptional verbal/written communication and presentation skills.
• Effective time management and organizational skill; keen multi-tasking capabilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Valid U.S. Driver license with acceptable MVR history.

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

• Hazardous conditions include working at height up to 300', working in confined spaces, exposure to bloodborne pathogens, exposure to energized electrical equipment, exposure to rotating equipment, and working in extreme hot and cold conditions.
• The work requires climber pass a physical fitness test upon hiring and every 2 years. The work also requires flexibility and full range of movement in confined spaces.
• The work may require providing first aid/CPR. This requires maintenance of First Aid/CPR/AED certification.
• The work will require irregular work hours depending upon the required response of site operations to address the unpredictable needs of the wind farm.
• Ability to travel up to 20%.

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  

The position functions in a smoke and vaping free professional office environment. The role routinely utilizes standard office equipment such as laptop computer, phone, and scanner/photocopier.

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.

Note: 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.