Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Plainfield, CT

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) is a 37.5 MW wood biomass gasification power plant in Plainfield, Connecticut. Owned by Greenleaf Power and operated by NAES Corporation, the facility uses a steam turbine and generator to produce renewable energy and employs emissions-control technologies including a baghouse and scrubbing systems. The Auxiliary Operator supports safe, clean, and efficient operation of the facility by participating in start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of plant systems, conducting inspections and tests, and performing minor maintenance. The role works closely with the control room, plant management, and operations and maintenance teams to maintain stable and compliant plant performance. The position reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Power Block Lead, Control Room Operator, and other plant management team members depending on assigned duties. It follows a rotating 12-hour DuPont schedule covering day and night shifts for 24/7 plant operations. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and periodic callouts or on-call status may be required. Compensation is $32.10 to $38.04 per hour, plus an annual performance bonus. Safety is a core employment responsibility. Employees must remain mentally alert, follow NAES safety rules and procedures, and observe posted warnings and signs. Employees participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening. Work conditions include outdoor work in all weather, dust and wood particles, fumes, high noise, and extreme temperatures. Required personal protective equipment may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing, respirators, and fall protection; respirator fit testing is required. Smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in operations or technician roles in power generation or heavy industrial settings; experience with biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation is sought.
Basic understanding of combustion processes, steam systems, and thermodynamic principles in a biomass or similar environment.
Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, confined-space entry, and fall protection.
Understanding of electrical systems and equipment, including electrical isolation procedures and general safety practices in high-voltage environments.
Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment manuals, and operational procedures.
Awareness of applicable safety and environmental requirements, including OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements related to biomass plant operations.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license maintained in good standing.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including extended standing; climbing stairs and ladders over 50 feet; entering and exiting equipment cabs; traversing uneven or elevated surfaces; working in confined spaces; lifting up to 50 pounds; and working on elevated platforms or walkways.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather and in dusty, noisy, fume-filled, and extreme-temperature conditions, and to use required PPE.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field.
Hands-on experience operating or maintaining biomass fuel-handling, combustion, ash-collection, air-compressor, and feedwater systems.
Familiarity with water chemistry, boiler water and steam cycles, and emissions-control technologies such as baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems according to procedures and safety protocols.
Operate and monitor biomass fuel conveyors and feed systems, ash-handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, and emissions-control systems.
Conduct routine inspections, diagnostics, and performance tests; perform minor repairs and adjustments to support reliable operation.
Carry out control-room orders to prepare equipment for service or remove it from operation, including isolation and lockout/tagout, and observe safety protocols during clearances and handovers.
Perform routine water chemistry analysis on boiler feedwater and condensate systems and operate emissions-monitoring equipment.
Maintain accurate operating logs and shift reports in accordance with regulatory and company requirements; issue and approve Tag Outs when authorized.
Identify and report abnormal equipment or process conditions to the Control Room Operator and support or take corrective action as needed.
Assist with mechanical and electrical maintenance, including lockout/tagout support, equipment identification, troubleshooting, and generating maintenance requests.
Use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work, track system performance, assist with work planning, and requisition materials.
Perform other duties assigned by the control room or plant management in support of reliable and efficient plant operations.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs; participate in the Fitness for Duty Program.