Auxiliary Plant Operator

NAES•Colbert, GA

4d•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 auxiliary equipment while working with the Control Room Operator and other Operations personnel. The role includes assisting with plant start-up, shutdown, and routine operations; conducting inspections, operational tests, and water chemistry testing; maintaining operating records; identifying abnormal conditions; and supporting basic diagnostics and maintenance activities. Equipment preparation, isolation, clearance, tagging, and lockout/tagout work is performed as authorized and in accordance with established procedures. The operator also supports emissions monitoring and complies with applicable safety and environmental requirements. The position reports to the Shift Supervisor and may receive 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, providing 24/7 coverage. Extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability may be required. The role is based at the facility and involves physically demanding work in industrial conditions, including outdoor work in all weather and exposure to dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise, and extreme temperatures. Personal protective equipment is mandatory.

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 stated physical demands, including standing for extended periods; climbing stairs and ladders over 50 feet; traversing uneven or elevated surfaces; working in confined spaces; and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
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 with day and night shifts and, as needed, extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and possible callout availability.
Compliance with NAES safety rules, procedures, warnings, and posted signs.

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 with emissions monitoring practices.

Responsibilities

Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems, including the Foster Wheeler boiler and associated 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, 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 procedures and 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 equipment isolation, and maintenance request preparation.
Document maintenance-related 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 in support of safe, reliable, and efficient operations.