Plant Operations Manager at Spencer Ogden

URGENT NEED: PLANT OPERATIONS MANAGER OPPORTUNITY:

My team is hiring for a Plant Operations Manager with one of our top key clients in the space.

Position: Plant Operations Manager

Start Date: December 2

Type: 6–12-month contract

Travel: Preferred to have candidate in the area, but that can be mobile and travel to multiple sites a week (All expenses - hotel - car rental - flights - meals - mileage)

IV: afternoons Friday, Monday, Tuesday this upcoming week

Summary of projects:

Our key client currently has a portfolio of 5 projects based out of Palmdale, CA (Landcaster). They currently have 5 projects in all different stages of project lifecycle stages, 600+MW.

Qualifications

• Must be able to move project from construction-operational phases
• Must be able to hit the ground running
• Not a traditional Plant Manager - Must be well versed in all EPC parts
• Must be able to coordinate with engineers and field personnel
• Must be able to take orders and tasks from the PMs and CMs
• Must have anywhere between 7-10 year of experience working as a Plant Manager - Operations side and Construction side

Responsibilities

• Stakeholder Communication

  Communicate with various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, utilities, and corporate management. The Plant Manager may also serve as the point of contact for public relations or community outreach efforts, especially when addressing concerns related to plant operations (e.g., noise or environmental impact).

  
  

• Grid Management

  Depending on the plant’s setup, the Operations Manager might also coordinate with grid operators to manage energy distribution, balancing supply with demand, especially during peak periods or when the plant is offline.

  
  

• Permitting and Licensing

  Ensure the plant has the necessary permits and certifications to operate legally. This includes adhering to federal, state, and local regulations concerning energy production, emissions, land use, and wildlife.

  
  

• Reporting

  Complete regulatory reports and documentation required by local or federal energy authorities, ensuring that the plant complies with renewable energy standards.

  
  

• Staff Supervision

  Lead a team of operators, technicians, and maintenance personnel. This includes hiring, training, and developing staff, as well as creating schedules and managing day-to-day operations.

  
  

• Vendor and Contractor Management

  Coordinate with external service providers, equipment suppliers, and contractors to ensure high standards of service and maintenance.

  
  

• Safety Standards

  Enforce safety protocols and ensure that all plant personnel follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. The manager may conduct safety drills and manage compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or similar local/regional regulations.

  
  

• Environmental Compliance

  Ensure the plant operates in accordance with environmental regulations, including emissions limits, land use, and waste management, particularly for wind energy plants where wildlife concerns (e.g., bird strikes) may be a factor.

  
  

• Monitoring Plant Performance

  The Operations Plant Manager ensures that the solar or wind facility is producing energy at optimal levels. They monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), such as energy output, operational efficiency, and equipment performance.

  
  

• Operational Strategy

  Develop and implement operational strategies to improve the performance and reliability of the plant. This includes optimizing energy production schedules based on weather patterns and grid demands.