Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical… at North… · Altavista

Instrumentation, Controls and Electrical (IC&E) Technician

Altavista Power Station is a 51-MW biomass-fired renewable energy facility located in the Lynchburg, Virginia metropolitan area near the Blue Ridge Mountains. The station generates electricity from sustainably sourced biomass using two B&W boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator. NAES maintains a long-standing operating partnership with the facility's utility owner, and the station remains an important part of its long-term generation portfolio.

Opportunity Summary

The Instrumentation, Controls, and Electrical (IC&E) Technician at Altavista Power Station supports the safe and reliable operation of the facility's instrumentation, control, and electrical systems. This position performs calibration, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair of equipment associated with biomass fuel handling, boilers, steam turbines, and emissions controls. Working closely with plant personnel, the IC&E Technician supports equipment reliability, operational efficiency, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.

Your scope of responsibility as IC&E Technician includes the following primary functions:

• Perform installation, calibration, testing, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, control valves, dampers, transmitters, analyzers, and biomass fuel handling controls.
• Develop, modify, and optimize PLC and DCS control logic, including ladder logic and control sequences, in coordination with engineering and plant personnel to improve system reliability and performance.
• Execute preventive, predictive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on electrical equipment, including switchgear, motor control centers, transformers, motors, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation systems.
• Calibrate pressure, temperature, flow, and level instrumentation, as well as continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), using appropriate diagnostic and calibration equipment.
• Troubleshoot control and monitoring systems associated with biomass-fired boilers, combustion controls, fuel conveyors, feed systems, steam turbines, and auxiliary equipment.
• Conduct turbine control system inspections, calibration, and functional testing to support reliable start-up, shutdown, and continuous operation.
• Optimize boiler combustion controls, burner management systems, and emissions control equipment, including selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR), lime injection systems, spray dryers, and particulate collection systems.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, and OEM representatives during maintenance projects, equipment repairs, and planned outages to ensure safe, timely, and effective execution.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records, calibration data, equipment modifications, technical drawings, and work orders using the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
• Promote safe work practices through hazard identification, lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety procedures, and compliance with applicable environmental and regulatory requirements.
• Support equipment reliability and continuous improvement through root cause analysis, troubleshooting, procedure updates, and implementation of corrective actions.
• Assist with additional maintenance and operational activities as needed to support safe and reliable plant performance.

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. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The IC&E Technician reports directly to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from plant management. This role involves interfacing with contractors and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) personnel to ensure necessary support and coordination.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance.

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

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 will also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $40 to $46 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Qualifications and Technical Competencies

• An Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation and Control Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical field is preferred. Equivalent technical training, military experience, or relevant industry experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Demonstrated experience in instrumentation, controls, and electrical maintenance within power generation, biomass facilities, or comparable heavy industrial environments is required.
• Hands-on knowledge of electrical equipment, including switchgear, motors, motor control centers, transformers, batteries, inverters, chargers, and generator excitation systems, with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment faults.
• Proven ability to install, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot instrumentation and control systems, including PLCs, DCS, transmitters, control valves, analyzers, and associated field devices.
• Comprehensive understanding of industrial boilers, combustion controls, steam turbine systems, fuel handling equipment, and emissions control technologies, preferably within biomass-fired power generation.
• Familiarity with PLC programming, ladder logic, control sequences, and turbine control systems, including the interpretation and application of control system documentation.
• Skilled in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and OEM technical documentation.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), Microsoft Office, and related digital tools to manage work orders, document maintenance activities, maintain equipment records, and support reporting and communication.
• Effective communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate with operations personnel, maintenance teams, contractors, and vendors.
• 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 serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.