Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Altavista, VA

1d•$28 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable operation of the Altavista Biomass Power Station, performing start-up, shutdown, and routine operations across fuel handling, boiler, and auxiliary systems. Responsibilities include equipment inspections, basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and coordination with the control room to maintain efficient and compliant plant operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent is required.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
Mentally alert and work safely at all times.
Adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property.
Follow all NAES safety rules and procedures.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field is preferred.
Experience in power generation or heavy industrial operations or maintenance; biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation experience preferred.
Experience operating or maintaining plant equipment such as fuel handling, combustion, ash handling, compressed air, feedwater, steam turbine, and generator systems preferred; Mitsubishi turbine and Alstom generator experience is a plus.
Working knowledge of combustion processes, boiler water/steam cycles, water chemistry, and basic thermodynamic principles.
Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR systems.
Knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, hazard identification, confined space entry, fall protection, electrical isolation, and safe work practices around high-voltage equipment.
Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, equipment manuals, and operating procedures, with general knowledge of applicable OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems in accordance with established 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 including baghouse and SCR systems, and other plant auxiliaries.
Conduct routine equipment rounds, inspections, diagnostics, and performance checks; identify and report abnormal or off-normal equipment and process conditions to the Control Room Operator and take appropriate corrective action as directed or within assigned authority.
Perform minor repairs, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on assigned equipment and systems as qualified and directed.
Execute Control Room Operator instructions to place equipment in service or safely remove it from operation, including equipment isolation, Lockout/Tagout, clearances, and safe equipment handover.
Perform routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and operate or support the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) to maintain environmental and regulatory compliance.
Maintain accurate and timely operating logs, shift reports, equipment records, and other required documentation; issue and approve Tag Outs when trained and authorized.
Support mechanical and electrical maintenance activities, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification and isolation, troubleshooting, and generation of maintenance requests.
Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work performed, track equipment conditions and performance, and assist with work planning and material requisitions.
Follow all applicable environmental, safety, regulatory, and company procedures and support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
Perform other duties as assigned by the control room or plant management in support of reliable and efficient plant operations.