Apprentice / Co-Op

Calpine Corporation is America’s largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Our fleet of 78 power plants in operation and under construction represents approximately 26,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and our retail businesses, we serve customers in 23 states, Canada and Mexico.  Our clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner. 

Our company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, our renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth’s surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary(includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

The Power Operations Co Op Development Program is designed to attract and develop talent that will feed into Operations and Maintenance positions in our power plants, and provide participants the opportunity to develop, demonstrate and enhance technical and leadership skills.  It will provide experiential, hands-on learning which will enhance the student’s academic learning. It will provide a structured plan for development of candidates to fill technical and future leadership positions. 

Program Description

• Calpine’s Power Ops Co Op development program consists of a combination of the Los Medanos College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Process Technology (a 60 hour program) and a 14 month on the job training in Operations or Maintenance with one of Calpine’s Plant locations.
• Co Op assignments span a variety of Power Operations and Maintenance activities.
• In all assignments, participants are expected to make material contributions to the success of the company by learning the business, analyzing problems, making recommendations, and/or participating directly in discussions on topics that have a significant impact on the operational performance of the company. 
• Participation in the program also provides access to a variety of training opportunities including monthly meetings and luncheons with senior members of the Calpine team.
• Participants will be evaluated after each rotation.

Relevant Skills and Experience

• Enrolled in Los Medanos College Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Process Technology (a 60 hour program).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Should be able to work autonomously and accept responsibility; able to excel under the pressure of multiple deadlines.
• Team player who is used to diving into issues, brainstorming solutions, and learning new methods and tools.
• Knowledge of the energy industry, specifically the independent power or utility sector, is a plus.

Program Structure and Guidelines

• Student must have continuous enrollment as a full-time/part-time student in one of the approved academic programs during the Summer, Spring and Fall semesters to remain in the program.
• Adherence to the Safety Policies and Code of Ethics

Operations Rotation

The Operations Team and Calpine Corp. is responsible for start, stop and monitoring of equipment including reading gauges and meters and recording activities in operating logs and records. Uses computers and monitoring equipment to measure, record and make adjustments within operating parameters.  Performs a variety of plant maintenance tasks including diagnosis, maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment in a safe, efficient and economical manner. Performs maintenance and system improvement tasks. Performs chemical analysis and chemical control on steam, cooling and condensate systems, and maintains chemistry logs. Incumbents assist in the development of standard operational procedures and provide input to plant betterment items to improve plant efficiency, reliability and safety. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Regularly required to maintain plant security, operate heavy equipment such as manlifts and forklifts, and handle and transfer bulk chemicals.

Maintenance/IC&E Technician Rotation

The Maintenance Team at Calpine Corp. performs maintenance on plant equipment to support optimum efficiency, availability, and plant appearance. Works call-outs as required to maintain plant availability. Performs maintenance activities around the repair, replacement, installation and removal of mechanical and/or electrical equipment and associated structures.  Responsibilities include inspecting and verifying maintenance clearances prior to work, troubleshooting, disassembling, reassembling, and replacing equipment and associated parts, monitoring plant equipment and analyzing operating data.  While the focus of work is primarily on repair and maintenance, may also perform some preventative maintenance activities including troubleshooting and assisting with the development of preventative maintenance procedures and recommended spares list/inventory as required. Assists with planning and spare parts inventory including following procedures around requisitioning of parts and supplies. Prepares all reports as directed by management and plant procedures. Ensures compliance with all local, State and Federal regulations and plant procedures. Maintains safe work environment and contributes to operating procedures to ensure consistent and safe operations.

This position will require the individual to work a normal day shift as well as rotating plant shifts.

During the summer, when the student is not taking classes, there will be the opportunity to work the Operations rotations shifts.  During the fall and spring semesters, the student will work during the day, and attend classes in the evening.

Salary Information

• Hourly Range Rate - $25.67 - $27.00

Additional Calpine Information:

• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here