Fuel Handler Operator

NAES•South Boston, VA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The Fuel Handler Operator at the Halifax County Biomass Facility plays a vital role in supporting renewable energy production through the safe and efficient handling of woody biomass fuel operations. This position offers the opportunity to operate advanced heavy equipment, maintain critical fuel handling systems, and contribute directly to plant reliability, environmental stewardship, and workplace safety. Team members will work in a fast-paced industrial environment while developing valuable operational, maintenance, and problem-solving skills within the growing renewable energy industry.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required, with the ability to read, understand, and follow detailed operating procedures, safety policies, and work instructions applicable to fuel handling and plant operations
Demonstrated experience safely operating heavy equipment such as loaders, dozers, skid steers, tractors, telehandlers, or similar mobile equipment used in industrial, biomass, forestry, or fuel handling operations.
Working knowledge of plant systems and basic control room operations, including monitoring equipment conditions, inspecting plant parameters, following operating procedures, and supporting Control Room Operators and Shift Supervisors.
Basic mechanical aptitude with experience performing routine inspections, preventive maintenance activities, oil level checks, lubrication, equipment cleaning, fuel transfer operations, and minor mechanical troubleshooting.
Strong understanding of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), hazard recognition, hazardous waste management, equipment isolation, and compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Detail-oriented with strong troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify abnormal equipment conditions, maintain organized work areas, and accurately document operational data.
Effective communication and teamwork skills, including proficiency with radio communications, coordinating daily operations, and collaborating with maintenance personnel and contractors to maintain quality and safety standards.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

a technical degree or a minimum of two years of power generation or industrial operations experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform daily biomass fuel receiving, unloading, conveying, reclaiming, stacking, and storage operations to ensure continuous and reliable fuel supply to the generating facility.
Safely operate and maintain heavy equipment including Caterpillar D8T dozers, John Deere 9RX 590 track machines, Cat 950 loaders, tractors, telehandlers, and additional fuel yard support equipment.
Coordinate fuel supply deliveries with scale house operations and plant personnel to maintain adequate fuel inventory levels and support uninterrupted plant generation requirements.
Monitor, inspect, and manage biomass fuel quality by ensuring proper fuel blending, sizing, moisture content, and material consistency for efficient combustion performance.
Inspect fuel yard conditions routinely to identify and mitigate risks associated with fuel degradation, excessive heat buildup, spontaneous combustion, dust accumulation, or unsafe storage conditions.
Conduct operational checks and inspections on conveyors, reclaimers, hoggers, dust control systems, loaders, tractors, dozers, and telehandlers to verify safe and reliable equipment operation.
Complete and verify the accuracy of equipment inspection checklists, operating logs, fuel inventory records, and equipment usage documentation in accordance with plant procedures.
Perform preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance support, lubrication activities, and scheduled weekly deep-cleaning cycles on fuel handling equipment and associated systems.
Troubleshoot mechanical, operational, and process-related issues involving fuel handling systems and mobile equipment to minimize downtime and improve operational reliability.
Ensure fire suppression systems, fire prevention equipment, and related safety devices are operational, inspected each shift, and fully compliant with plant safety requirements.
Follow all company safety policies, environmental procedures, permit requirements, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) practices while performing operational and maintenance activities.
Participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), safety meetings, operational briefings, emergency response activities, and plant operations meetings to promote safe and effective plant operations.
Communicate effectively with Operations Management, maintenance personnel, scale house staff, fuel suppliers, and plant operators regarding fuel quality concerns, delivery issues, emergency maintenance activities, equipment downtime, preventive maintenance schedules, fuel inventory status, and overall fuel handling operations.