The Walnut Creek Coal Mine is a prominent surface coal mine featuring state-of-the-art equipment, including an 80-cubic-yard dragline, a 29-cubic-yard mass excavator, a 24-cubic-yard hydraulic backhoe, and a fleet of 150-ton end-dump trucks. The Walnut Creek Mine is a captive lignite operation with an impressive capacity, producing over 2 million tons of lignite annually. Additionally, the mine operates a blending program to ensure consistent quality lignite for fueling a 308-megawatt power plant.

Opportunity Summary

The Mechanical Maintenance Assistant, Heavy Equipment supports the maintenance and repair of heavy equipment used in Mine operations. This position assists with basic diagnostics, routine inspections, and minor repairs under the supervision of qualified technicians. Responsibilities include following all safety procedures, preparing tools and materials, and helping ensure equipment remains in safe working condition.

This is a developmental role designed to build skills and experience needed for full qualification as a Mechanical Maintenance Technician. The Mechanical Maintenance Assistant works closely with the maintenance team, operations personnel, and contractors to contribute to daily work plans and support long-term equipment reliability.

Your scope of responsibility as Mechanical Maintenance Technician, Heavy Equipment includes the following primary functions:

Assist in troubleshooting and basic repair of mechanical and electrical equipment by following established procedures. Support tasks may include drilling, tapping, basic metal cutting/heating, and equipment alignment under the direction of experienced technicians. Help assemble and disassemble equipment and perform routine adjustments on mechanical and electrical systems to support safe and reliable operation. Support qualified technicians in diagnosing electrical control system issues and repairing key components such as engines, transmissions, torque converters, axle assemblies, and differentials on CAT and Komatsu heavy equipment. Participate in the Mine’s preventive maintenance program by performing routine tasks such as inspections, lubrication, and equipment checks. Assist with collecting trend and condition data as directed by the Maintenance Manager. Reference operating manuals, diagrams, and technical resources to complete assigned tasks accurately and build familiarity with systems and procedures. Follow all safety and environmental protocols by practicing safe work habits, recognizing hazards, and reporting issues promptly. Help maintain a clean and orderly work area to support a safe and efficient workplace. Record basic maintenance activities and updates in the Mine’s computer-based maintenance system under supervision. Work cooperatively with Operations team members to support day-to-day mine activities and ensure equipment availability aligns with production needs. Take part in on-the-job training opportunities to build mechanical skills and knowledge in maintenance procedures. Provide assistance to contractors as directed, helping monitor work quality and compliance with site expectations. Communicate observations about equipment performance or improvement opportunities to supervisors or lead technicians for further evaluation. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors to support maintenance and operations throughout the Mine.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Work Relationships

The Mechanical Maintenance Technician reports to the Maintenance Manager and receives general direction from the Mine Manager. Additionally, collaborates with Operations employees on matters related to the daily operations of the Mine.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing and walking for extended periods on uneven, rough, or inclined surfaces; climbing stairs, ladders, and equipment; and working from elevated platforms or confined locations at varying heights. Frequent lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials or tools weighing up to 50 pounds is expected.

Coal mining environment may involve working in underground or surface mine settings, which can include confined spaces, low-clearance areas, or restricted pathways. Tasks may require crawling, kneeling, or stooping in tight quarters. Exposure to coal dust, fumes, vibration, high noise levels, moisture, extreme temperatures, and low-light conditions is common. Work may also occur in remote or outdoor environments subject to changing weather.

Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required and may include hard hats, safety glasses or goggles, steel-toed boots, respiratory protection (air-purifying or supplied-air respirators), hearing protection, gloves (including hot and cut-resistant), flame-resistant clothing (FRC), and fall protection harnesses. Respirator fit testing may be required. Strict no-smoking policies apply in and around the mine site and designated work zones.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

Position requires extended work hours and varied shifts, with the possibility of weekend and holiday work; as required by schedules, workload, and Plant conditions. The ability to be on “On-Call” status may be periodically required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $33 to $37 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions related to mechanical maintenance tasks, typically acquired through completion of high school or equivalent education. Basic mechanical aptitude with some hands-on experience working on equipment in industrial, mining, agricultural, automotive, or related environments. Willingness to learn and apply mechanical principles under supervision. Familiarity with hand and power tools used in maintenance activities, with a desire to develop skills in areas such as welding, rigging, and machine alignment. Interest in learning to troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical systems, with an understanding of the importance of preventive and predictive maintenance. Exposure to diesel engines, emissions systems, or heavy equipment is a plus; willingness to gain experience working on Tier 4 Final systems such as DPF, SCR, EGR, and DEF components. Motivated to develop skills related to CAT and Komatsu equipment maintenance and repair, including electrical system diagnostics and mechanical rebuilds. Able to read basic technical manuals, diagrams, and instructions, with a commitment to improving technical literacy through ongoing training and mentorship. Willing to learn how to use diagnostic tools and software (e.g., CAT SIS, CAT ET, Cummins Insite) to support troubleshooting and maintenance documentation. Comfortable using computers and Windows-based programs for tracking maintenance tasks and recording equipment data. Strong work ethic, reliability, and a willingness to take direction and contribute to a safe, team-oriented environment. Good communication and interpersonal skills; able to collaborate effectively with others to support daily Mine operations and maintenance goals. Committed to progressing toward a fully qualified Maintenance Technician role through on-the-job experience and training opportunities. Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.