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Final Filing Date: First review of applications will be on September 22, 2026. NCPA reserves the right to close this posting once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
The selected candidate will be hired as a CT Specialist Level III-V based on qualifications and experience.
Relief Assignment:
This position does not have a permanently assigned crew or regular shift rotation. The Relief Operator provides scheduled coverage for operator absences and may be assigned to day or night shifts on any day of the week, including weekends and holidays. Work schedules and crew assignments will change based on vacation schedules, staffing needs, and operational requirements. When not assigned to shift coverage, the employee will generally work a day-shift schedule and may perform training, preventive maintenance, special projects, and other assigned operations or maintenance duties. The selected employee will receive a 6% relief premium in addition to the applicable base wage rate.
This position is intended to develop the candidate into a qualified Lead Relief Operator. Development will focus on developing proficiency in plant operations, and progressing through the CTS Level Progression program. As qualifications are achieved, the employee will continue developing the leadership and operational skills necessary to assume Lead Relief Operator responsibilities. Advancement is based on demonstrated competency, satisfactory performance, and successful completion of required qualifications.
Job Overview:
The Combustion Turbine Specialist (CTS) position consists of five levels of competency. Individuals can either enter into the classification at the beginning level of the job or somewhere between the entry level and the top step depending on required qualifications brought with them. It is the expectation of NCPA that all employees will progress to the top level. In order to progress to the top level, an employee must complete the necessary competency levels as described in the “Combustion Turbine Administrative Procedure” manual (available upon request for review). This job description does not include the Lead position and does not modify or supersede any policy or procedure related to requirements for qualified electrical workers.
The Combustion Turbine Projects consist of four plants ranging from simple cycle peakers to advanced frame 1x1 combined cycles.
General Scope of the Job
The Operations and Maintenance Supervisor will provide direction and supervision for Combustion Turbine Specialist Levels I-V. The CTS is a broad banded position that consists of four core skillsets: operations, electrician, mechanic and technician. However, this opening focuses on Operator skills. All CTS employees will be expected to broaden their core skillset and develop and work into the other skillsets. The Combustion Turbine Specialist will operate, control, and accurately and reliably maintain mechanical and electrical equipment at the Combustion Turbine Facilities. Experience with computer applications, especially word processing and spreadsheet applications and basic understanding of chemistry, hydraulics, electricity and mathematics is required.
Description of Duties and Responsibilities
The CTS is responsible to operate, control, and accurately and reliably maintain mechanical and electrical equipment at the Combustion Turbine Facilities.
In the course of performing CTS duties, it is expected that the CTS will operate forklifts, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, agency vehicles and other equipment. The CTS is required to have a valid California Driver’s License, Class C issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles.
The CTS duties will be performed by individuals with four key strengths; operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical maintenance and instrumentation and control. The CTS must possess experience with computer applications, especially computerized maintenance management systems, word processing and spreadsheet applications and basic understanding of chemistry, hydraulics, electricity and mathematics as well as all the necessary tools and equipment to carry out the job duties.
The CTS will identify problems or trends with systems and equipment early to prevent problems and failures and will confer with Operations and Maintenance Supervisors to resolve system problems and offers a variety of workable solutions to complex problems and report status of systems and equipment.
The CTS will report to and take direction from the Operations and Maintenance Supervisors and will work efficiently and effectively to operate, control, and maintain turbine generator units and auxiliary equipment, and be accountable for all aspects of the job at all NCPA Combustion Turbine facilities.
The CTS will perform other duties as the Operations and Maintenance Supervisors assign.
Competency Levels
The Combustion Turbine Specialist position consists of five levels of competency. Individuals can enter at any level based on qualifications, skills and experience.
Typical Physical Demands
- Regularly talks and listens to others to exchange and obtain information to direct the operation and control of the combustion turbine facility.
- Regularly required sitting at computer and control center reading displays and inputting data.
- Regularly visually watches and monitors data on computer display requiring close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
- Regularly climb ladders and walks on platforms near high temperature surfaces; works on slippery or uneven surfaces in precarious places.
- Regularly lifts and dumps fifty (50) pound loads of chemicals in chemical tanks.
- Frequently walks, reaches, kneels and crouch using feet, legs, hands and manual strength to access malfunctioning equipment to inspect and make emergency adjustments.
- Ability to work rotating shift schedule.
- Routinely works near heated surfaces; works on slippery or uneven surfaces in precarious places using safety equipment to adjust or operate equipment.
- Routinely listens to operating sounds of equipment to diagnosis equipment malfunctions.
- Work overtime as needed.
- Occasionally operates forklifts, boom truck, and related equipment.
- Frequently operates agency vehicles going to and from job locations.
Job Expectations
Acquisition and Use of Technical Knowledge
- Acquires knowledge needed when a job situation changes, new tasks are introduced to the job, or when improved performance requires acquiring extended or specialized information. Accepts direction or training in areas that require additional skills.
- Possesses or acquires as needed an extensive knowledge of safety, fire, and security rules and procedures. iven the emphasis of safety at the plant, uses knowledge to improve and report plant conditions and the organization’s safety record.
- Acquires knowledge of operations and maintenance procedures on a continuing basis to stay current as a significant contributor to plant solutions, safety performance, and operations and maintenance improvements.
- Passes knowledge on to other employees as a way to contribute to the performance of others, or get a job done.
- Assesses and acknowledges own limitations with the fundamental knowledge needed to perform in the job.
- Confers with Operations and/or Maintenance Supervisor to resolve system problems and offers a variety of workable solutions to complex problems and report status of systems and equipment.
- Identifies problems or trends with systems and equipment early to prevent operator or electrical errors.
Application of Technical and General Job Skills
Technical and general job skills are indicated by demonstrating ability to:
- Efficiently and effectively operate, control, and maintains turbine generator units and auxiliary equipment, and be accountable for all aspects of the job at all NCPA Combustion Turbine facilities.
- Work with management to identify and learn from mistakes made and apply what is learned to future situations or plant conditions.
- Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.
- Ability to lead or participate in identifying and implementing continuous improvement programs and projects.
Educational, Training and Experience Requirements
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills is qualifying for the entry level step.
A typical way to obtain these knowledge, abilities and skills would be: One (1) year experience operating or repairing and maintaining equipment in a Power Generation facility, heavy industrial facility or related military experience or completion of a recognized apprenticeship program or equivalent course work in a related area.
Driver’s License Requirement
Possession of a valid Class “C” license with no limitations issued by the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles. Possess and maintain a good driving record as demonstrated by the absence of multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents within the last three (3) years.
EOE
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