Operations & Maintenance Technician (Mechanical) at Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency – Madisonville, Kentucky

About Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency

The Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency (KYMEA) is a joint-public agency dedicated to serving the energy needs of municipal electric utilities across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Founded to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power, KYMEA provides wholesale power supply, energy market services, and operational support to its member communities.

Our portfolio includes diverse generation resources—from renewable energy projects to traditional power facilities—ensuring resiliency and long-term stability for the communities we serve. At KYMEA, we value collaboration, innovation, and integrity. We are proud to support local growth, provide meaningful career opportunities, and play a vital role in energizing Kentucky’s communities.

As part of a growing organization, we are seeking a detail-oriented and versatile professional to join our team.

About the role

The Operations & Maintenance Technician is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency Energy Center I, in Madisonville, Kentucky. The O&M Technician will be responsible for and/or required to support a range of activities associated with the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Facility, including operating the Facility and maintenance/repair of mechanical, electrical, controls, auxiliary, and monitoring equipment. Responsibilities and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Operate the plant safely and reliably: Control room/field operations, start-up/shutdown, and daily oversight while on shift.
• Perform maintenance and troubleshooting: Mechanical/electrical/instrumentation & controls, inspections, calibration, preventive/predictive maintenance.
• Ensure environmental, regulatory, and security compliance: Permits/reporting, applicable local/state/federal requirements, site security and applicable NERC/gas-pipeline safety practices.
• Monitor performance and complete documentation: Data logging, performance tracking, DCS/SCADA integration, operating procedures, shift turnover.
• Support readiness, emergency response, and teamwork: Fuel/auxiliary systems readiness, drills and contingency planning, warehouse/inventory/work orders, communication with staff and stakeholders, extended hours/outage support.
• General Knowledge: Internal combustion engines
• Experience Maintaining: Centrifugal pumps, plate and frame coolers and cooling systems, and natural gas pipelines and equipment associated with natural gas systems.
• General shop experience: Welders, torches, drill presses, and other shop equipment.

Qualifications

1. Two-year technical degree and a minimum of two (2) years of experience in utility-scale electric power plant or large-scale industrial facility operations and maintenance or a high school diploma (or GED) and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in utility-scale electric power plant or large-scale industrial facility operations and maintenance.
2. Significant knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance regulations and requirements.
3. Formal vocational training in the areas of instrumentation, control, and electrical maintenance.
4. Professional development training experience is desirable. Hazardous materials certifications that may be necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Facility.
5. Valid driver's license.
6. Expected to satisfactorily complete Wartsila engine operations and maintenance training.
7. Expected to satisfactorily complete the required on-site safety training.
8. Expected to satisfactorily complete forklift certified operator training.

Benefits

KYMEA offers a competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional growth. Benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees, with employer-supplemented coverage for qualified family members. Time-off benefits include paid holidays, floating holidays, vacation leave based on years of service, and sick leave. Retirement benefits include participation in 401(a) and 457 plans, with a 14% employer contribution contingent on a 3% employee contribution. Additional benefits include employer-paid life & AD&D insurance and disability coverage. Family and Medical Leave is provided in accordance with federal and state guidelines.

This position is classified as salaried non-exempt, meaning it is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws, with additional overtime opportunities based on operational needs.

KYMEA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable law.