Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•Carnesville, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at the Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, Georgia. The facility generates 55 net megawatts of renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity and uses a Foster Wheeler boiler, hot precipitator, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, and a single turbine generator. The operator monitors and operates biomass fuel handling systems, the boiler, emissions controls, and associated auxiliary equipment, working closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Operations personnel. The role includes equipment inspections, operational testing, water chemistry analysis, basic maintenance support, identifying abnormal conditions, and following established safety and operating procedures. The position reports to the Shift Supervisor and receives direction from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or Control Room Operator, depending on assigned duties. It follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour schedule with day and night shifts and built-in rest days to provide 24/7 coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability may be required. Physical demands include extended periods of 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 from elevated platforms or walkways. Work environments may include dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, extreme temperatures near operating equipment, and outdoor work in all weather, including high heat. Personal protective equipment is mandatory and 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 may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility. Employees participate in a Fitness for Duty Program that includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Relevant experience in power generation, industrial operations, or a comparable heavy industrial environment is required.
Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment manuals, operating procedures, and other technical documentation.
Competence in industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, equipment isolation, confined space entry, and fall protection.
Awareness of applicable workplace safety and environmental requirements, including relevant OSHA, NFPA, and EPA regulations.
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 over 50 feet, working in confined spaces and at heights, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work a rotating 12-hour schedule with day and night shifts and, as needed, extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callouts.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including physical examination and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or relevant certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field.
Experience involving biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation.
Hands-on experience operating or maintaining industrial boilers, biomass fuel handling equipment, ash handling systems, air compressors, or boiler feedwater systems.
Working knowledge of industrial equipment operation, routine inspections, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance practices.
Understanding of basic combustion principles, steam systems, boiler operation, and water chemistry.
Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including precipitators and SCR systems, and emissions monitoring practices.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems, including the Foster Wheeler boiler and auxiliary equipment, following established procedures.
Operate and monitor biomass fuel conveyors and feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, and emissions control equipment, including the hot precipitator and SCR system.
Perform equipment rounds, inspections, operational tests, and basic diagnostics to assess equipment condition, identify deficiencies, and support reliable plant performance.
Follow Control Room Operator instructions to prepare equipment for service or remove it from operation, including authorized equipment isolation, clearance, tagging, and lockout/tagout activities.
Conduct routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and support emissions monitoring in accordance with established procedures and applicable environmental requirements.
Maintain operating logs, shift reports, equipment readings, and other required documentation; prepare and process equipment clearance and tagging documentation when qualified and authorized.
Promptly report abnormal equipment conditions, process deviations, and potential safety concerns to the Control Room Operator or Shift Supervisor and support corrective action as directed.
Support mechanical and electrical maintenance through equipment identification, troubleshooting, safe equipment isolation, and maintenance request preparation.
Document maintenance activities, equipment deficiencies, and work requests in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), as applicable.
Maintain good housekeeping, follow environmental and safety requirements, and communicate effectively with Operations and Maintenance personnel.
Complete other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor or plant management.
Participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.