Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Altavista, VA

4d•$28 - $33•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable operation of the Altavista Biomass Power Station, performing start-up, shutdown, and routine operations across fuel handling, boiler, and auxiliary systems. The role includes equipment inspections, basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and coordination with the control room to maintain efficient and compliant plant operations. The 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 to support plant operations and business needs. The role reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager or Control Room Operator, depending on assigned duties. The position involves demanding physical work and exposure to dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor work in all weather conditions, including high-heat environments, is required. Use of required personal protective equipment is mandatory. Employees participate in a Fitness for Duty Program that includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening. The base pay rate ranges from $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/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, with 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 role’s physical demands, including standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, routinely lifting up to 50 pounds, and working on elevated platforms or in confined spaces.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Availability for rotating 12-hour day and night shifts, extended hours, weekends, holidays, and on-call work as needed.

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.
Mitsubishi turbine and Alstom generator experience.
Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR systems.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems in accordance with 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 equipment rounds, inspections, diagnostics, and performance checks; report abnormal 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.
Follow Control Room Operator instructions to place equipment in service or remove it safely 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).
Maintain 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 applicable environmental, safety, regulatory, and company procedures.
Perform other duties assigned by the control room or plant management to support plant operations.
Remain mentally alert, work safely, and follow safety warnings, posted signs, rules, and procedures.