Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Altavista, VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Altavista Biomass Power Station. The role performs start-up, shutdown, and routine operations across fuel handling, boiler, and auxiliary systems, conducts equipment inspections and basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and coordinates with the control room to maintain compliant plant operations. The facility is a 51 MW biomass power station in the Lynchburg, Virginia metro region, equipped with two B&W boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator. The operator follows established procedures and safety requirements, maintains operating records, supports maintenance work, and helps ensure environmental and regulatory compliance. The position reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager or Control Room Operator depending on assigned duties. This position works a four-days-on, four-days-off rotation of 12-hour shifts, alternating between daytime and nighttime schedules. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability may be required. Physical work includes prolonged standing, climbing, lifting up to 50 pounds, and working outdoors and in elevated or confined areas, sometimes around dust, fumes, high noise, and extreme temperatures. Required personal protective equipment may include respirators and fall protection. A post-offer physical examination and drug screening, as well as post-employment random drug screening, are part of the Fitness for Duty Program. The base pay rate is $27.88 to $33.48 per hour, with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in power generation or heavy industrial operations or maintenance.
Working knowledge of combustion processes, boiler water and steam cycles, water chemistry, and basic thermodynamic principles.
Knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, hazard identification, confined space entry, fall protection, electrical isolation, and safe work around high-voltage equipment.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, equipment manuals, and operating procedures.
General knowledge of applicable OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, including routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and working in elevated areas, confined spaces, and outdoor conditions.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.
Adherence to NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field.
Experience in biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation.
Experience operating or maintaining fuel handling, combustion, ash handling, compressed air, feedwater, steam turbine, and generator systems.
Experience with Mitsubishi turbines and Alstom generators.
Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR systems.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems according to operating procedures and safety requirements.
Operate and monitor biomass fuel conveyors and feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, emissions control equipment, and other plant auxiliaries.
Conduct equipment rounds, inspections, diagnostics, and performance checks; identify and report abnormal conditions and take corrective action as directed or authorized.
Perform minor repairs, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on assigned equipment and systems as qualified and directed.
Follow Control Room Operator instructions to place equipment in service or remove it from operation, including equipment isolation, Lockout/Tagout, clearances, and safe handover.
Perform routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and operate or support the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS).
Maintain accurate operating logs, shift reports, equipment records, and other documentation; issue and approve Tag Outs when trained and authorized.
Support mechanical and electrical maintenance, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification and isolation, troubleshooting, and maintenance requests.
Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work, track equipment conditions and performance, and assist with work planning and material requisitions.
Follow environmental, safety, regulatory, and company procedures and support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
Perform other duties assigned by the control room or plant management.