Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•Colbert, GA

5d•$28 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at the Madison Biomass Facility in Colbert, Georgia. The facility generates 55 net megawatts of renewable energy by converting responsibly harvested 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 associated auxiliary equipment, working closely with the Control Room Operator and Operations personnel. The role includes equipment inspections and testing, water chemistry analysis, basic diagnostics and maintenance support, operational documentation, and identifying abnormal conditions. The operator follows established operating, safety, and environmental procedures and may prepare equipment clearances and tagging documentation when qualified and authorized. The position reports to the Shift Supervisor and receives direction from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or Control Room Operator, depending on assigned duties. This position works 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 callout availability may be required. Work takes place in industrial conditions that can include dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise, extreme temperatures, and outdoor work in all weather. The role requires required PPE and participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and random post-employment 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 physical demands of the role, including extended 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.
Ability to work in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, extreme temperatures, and outdoor work in all weather, including high heat.
Ability to use mandatory personal protective equipment; respirator fit testing may be required.
Participation in the Fitness for Duty Program, including a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Availability for a rotating 12-hour schedule, including day and night shifts, and extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and potential callouts as needed.

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.
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 in accordance with procedures and environmental requirements.
Maintain operating logs, shift reports, equipment readings, and other required documentation; prepare and process 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.
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.
Complete other duties assigned by the Shift Supervisor or plant management.