Biochar Reactor Operator

Robinson Lumber Company • New Albany, IN

4h • Onsite

About The Position

Robinson Carbon is commissioning its first biochar reactor in New Albany, Indiana and is hiring operators who want to be part of bringing it online from day one.
Robinson Carbon is the industrial biochar platform of Robinson Lumber Company, a fifth-generation family business operating since 1893. Built on over a century of operational discipline, Robinson Carbon brings secured wood residuals and existing industrial infrastructure to one of the fastest-growing segments in carbon removal. Biochar production converts sawmill residues into a stable, high-carbon material that stores carbon for centuries while creating valuable inputs for agriculture, filtration, and building material markets.
As we bring the equipment online, we are hiring up to three Reactor Operators to sustain Monday through Friday operations across day and night shifts. Operators who join now will work alongside the commissioning team, gaining hands-on knowledge of the system as it comes to life. That early experience sets these individuals apart: they understand why the system is designed the way it is, how it behaves under varying conditions, and how to solve problems before they become downtime. As Robinson Carbon grows, those operators are the first in line for senior roles and opportunities at future facilities.
This is a ground-floor role with real growth attached to it.
The Reactor Operator is the foundation of production on site. Each shift you work directly influences:
Reliability of carbon removal output and delivery to buyers
Quality and consistency of biochar product across every batch
Safety and integrity of the facility and its people
Accuracy of the operational data used for carbon accounting and credit verification
This role connects day-to-day operations directly to Robinson Carbon's ability to deliver on its commitments and grow.

Requirements

• Availability to work day or night shifts, Monday through Friday, as assigned by the production schedule
• Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort operating digital control interfaces; previous experience with high-temperature industrial equipment such as boilers, industrial dryers, or kilns is preferred
• Proficiency or willingness to become certified in forklift and loader operation
• Ability to work reliably in an industrial environment that includes heat, dust, and physical demands including lifting up to 50 lbs and climbing ladders
• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certifications or vocational training in industrial operations, HVAC, or a related field are a plus

Responsibilities

• Operate the pyrolysis reactor using the Human Machine Interface (HMI), monitoring and adjusting temperatures, feedstock feed rates, and biochar output to maintain continuous production within defined process parameters
• Manage feedstock buffer bins to ensure uninterrupted reactor feed; coordinate movement and storage of finished biochar using forklifts and loaders
• Maintain accurate operational logs and clear shift handoff documentation; communicate effectively with the incoming shift and operations leadership
• Collect feedstock and biochar samples at defined intervals; perform basic lab preparation.
• Record all data accurately to support carbon accounting and credit verification under applicable registry standards
• Manage off-spec batches per established protocols; direct material to alternative disposition as directed
• Perform preventive maintenance tasks including lubrication of chains and bearings, filter cleaning, and routine equipment inspections
• Diagnose and resolve light to moderate mechanical issues including feedstock jams, conveyor faults, and filter blockages
• Escalate equipment issues requiring outside expertise promptly and with clear documentation
• Follow all safety protocols and wear required PPE at all times; contribute actively to a zero-incident culture on site
• Identify and report potential hazards promptly; participate in safety reviews and incident reporting
• Operate forklifts and bucket loaders safely in accordance with certification requirements and site rules

Benefits

• Comprehensive training on pyrolysis technology, HMI systems, safety protocols, and carbon accounting procedures
• Commissioning participation: operators hired now will be part of bringing the equipment commissioning, gaining system-level knowledge that sets them apart as our operations grow
• A stable Monday through Friday schedule with defined shift structure as production reaches steady state
• Real career growth potential as Robinson Carbon expands; operators who come in at startup are naturally positioned for senior roles at future facilities
• The backing of a 130-year-old family business with the operational depth and stability of an established lumber and wood products company

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED