Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•Carnesville, GA

3d•$28 - $34•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, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. The operator monitors and operates biomass fuel handling systems, the boiler, emissions controls, and auxiliary equipment, working closely with the Control Room Operator and other Operations personnel. The role includes equipment inspections, operational testing, water chemistry analysis, basic maintenance support, and identifying abnormal conditions while 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 of day and night shifts, with built-in rest days to support 24/7 coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and callout availability may be required. Work involves standing for extended periods; 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 performing tasks on elevated platforms or walkways. Conditions may include dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise, extreme temperatures, and outdoor work in all weather, including high-heat environments. Required PPE 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. The role participates 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.
Working knowledge of industrial equipment operation, routine inspections, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance practices.
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 physical demands and working conditions described, including lifting up to 50 pounds, climbing, and working in confined or elevated areas and challenging environmental conditions.

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.
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, according to 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 and identify deficiencies.
Follow Control Room Operator instructions to prepare equipment for service or remove it from operation, including authorized isolation, clearance, tagging, and lockout/tagout activities.
Conduct routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and support emissions monitoring according to procedures and applicable environmental requirements.
Maintain operating logs, shift reports, equipment readings, and 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 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.
Perform other duties assigned by the Shift Supervisor or plant management in support of safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.