Auxiliary Operator

NAES•Plainfield, CT

2d•$32 - $38•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 has emissions-control technologies including a high-efficiency baghouse and scrubbing systems. The Auxiliary Operator supports operation of the plant’s biomass power-generation systems, participating in start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of fuel-handling systems, biomass-fired boilers, and auxiliary equipment. The role includes operational testing, system inspections, minor maintenance, water chemistry analysis, emissions monitoring, and operational recordkeeping. The operator works with the control room, plant management, and operations and maintenance teams to support safe, efficient, and compliant plant performance. The position follows a rotating 12-hour DuPont schedule with day and night shifts to provide 24/7 plant coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and periodic callouts or on-call status may be required. Compensation is $32.10–$38.04 per hour, plus an annual performance bonus. Employment includes participation in a Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and random post-employment drug screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Demonstrated experience in operations or technician roles in power generation or heavy industrial settings.
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 regulations, including OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements related to biomass plant operations.
Valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license that remains in good standing.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and environmental demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing stairs and ladders over 50 feet, working in confined spaces, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule covering day and night shifts, with occasional extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callouts or on-call status.
Respirator fit testing is required; use of required personal protective equipment is mandatory.

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 systems.
Hands-on experience operating or maintaining biomass fuel-handling systems, combustion systems, ash collection systems, air compressors, and feedwater systems.
Familiarity with water chemistry, emissions-control technologies such as baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR, and boiler water/steam cycles.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems according to procedures and safety protocols.
Operate and monitor auxiliary systems, including biomass fuel conveyors and feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, and emissions-control systems such as baghouse filters and SCR.
Conduct inspections, diagnostics, and performance tests on assigned systems and components; perform minor repairs and adjustments.
Carry out control room orders to prepare equipment for service or remove it safely from operation, including isolation, lockout/tagout, clearances, and handovers.
Perform routine water chemistry analysis on boiler feedwater and condensate systems and operate emissions-monitoring equipment.
Maintain 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 maintenance request generation.
Use a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work, track system performance, and assist with work planning and material requisition.
Perform other duties assigned by the control room or plant management in support of reliable and efficient operations.
Follow NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs, and remain mentally alert while working safely.