Operations & Maintenance Manager 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 Manager is responsible for supporting the Plant Manager’s responsibilities related to the operation, maintenance, and management of the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency Energy Center I, in Madisonville, Kentucky. The O&M Manager also serves as the warehouse coordinator. He will be required to support the management of a range of activities associated with the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Facility. The O&M Manager will act on behalf of the Plant Manager during periods when the Plant Manager is absent.

Responsibilities and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

Safety and Security:

• Supporting the safe, reliable, and secure operation and maintenance of the Facility.
• Supporting a safe work environment at the Facility, including but not limited to the development, implementation, and enforcement of lockout/tagout and other safety policies and procedures, the implementation of personnel safety training, and the identification and mitigation of potential hazards.
• Supporting Facility site security, including gas pipeline safety and any applicable NERC compliance requirements.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance:

• Completing reports required to maintain compliance with all environmental and operating permit requirements.
• Supporting compliance with all local, state, federal, and other regulations applicable to the Facility, as well as compliance with KYMEA policies and procedures.

Supervision and Management:

• Coordinate Facility warehouse activities, including responsibility for consistent use of the Facility’s asset and inventory management system, proper inventory management, and overall appearance and condition of the warehouse.
• Manage receiving, properly storing, and distributing parts and equipment.
• Assist with the management and supervision of Facility personnel and contractors.
• Assist with the development and evolution of the Facility staffing plan.
• Assist with management of Facility personnel functions, including hiring, evaluation, and training of Facility employees, as well as ongoing employee skill development and succession planning.
• Support implementation of Facility personnel policies as needed, including, but not limited to, employee scheduling, call-ins, work practices, etc.
• Effective communication and reporting with staff, management, and external stakeholders.
• On-site presence at the facility on a routine, daily basis and available to work extended hours (extended daytime shifts, nights, and/or weekends) depending on the facility's needs, including Facility maintenance, outage, and/or emergencies.

Budgeting and Financial Management:

• Assist with the development and management of the capital, inventory, operations, and maintenance (“O&M”) budget of the Facility, including warehouse operations and recommendations for Facility alterations and improvements over time.
• Implementation of the Facility’s asset and inventory management system.
• Responsible for managing and using the KYMEA project (work order) system to plan and document all maintenance activities and interface with the Facility’s inventory management system.

Operations and Maintenance Management:

• Support implementation of maintenance practices in alignment with OEM specifications for reciprocating engine longevity, fuel efficiency, and emissions control.
• Perform routine inspections of Facility buildings, machinery, and equipment, including the overall physical appearance and condition of the Facility’s equipment, buildings, and grounds.
• Support development, evaluation, and implementation of operational control and monitoring procedures and programs, including accurate data logging, performance tracking, and integration with SCADA or plant automation systems.
• Support analysis of Facility performance, including identifying areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance efficiency and productivity.

Emergency Response:

• Support emergency response planning for unplanned outages and natural gas pipeline disruptions.
• Support readiness for weather-related disruptions and development of contingency plans with KYMEA and LGE-KU.
• Support coordination and performance of emergency response drills, including coordination with local emergency response teams.

Qualifications

1. A Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering or related field and experience in utility-scale electrical power plant or large-scale industrial facility operations, maintenance, and warehouse/inventory management or a two (2) year technical degree and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in utility-scale electrical power plant or large-scale industrial facility operations, maintenance, and warehouse/inventory management.
2. Significant knowledge of applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance regulations and requirements.
3. Experience with development, implementation, and documentation of Facility financial policies and procedures.
4. Employee supervision and professional development training experience are desirable.
5. Communication: Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Leadership & Collaboration: Proven leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate at all levels.
7. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with various personnel and technical groups (including Facility employees and contractors, and other KYMEA management and personnel).
8. Ability to read and comprehend technical documents, specifications, and drawings.
9. Ability to read and comprehend process and control drawings, electrical one-line diagrams, and other relevant diagrams.
10. Ability to plan, delegate, direct, and review the work of Facility personnel and other contractors.
11. Proficiency with customary computer programs, including database software, word processing software, spreadsheet software, inventory software, work order processing software, project management software, and other applicable asset management systems and software.
12. Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
13. Prolonged periods of walking and/or standing.
14. Frequent reaching and/or climbing.
15. Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds regularly, frequently lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds.
16. Periodic travel may be required.

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.

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.