Operations Manager

The Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, GA, generates 55 net megawatts of renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity. The facility uses a Foster Wheeler boiler, hot precipitator, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to support efficient combustion and reduced emissions. With a single turbine generator, the plant reliably supplies power to the local grid while supporting sustainable energy practices and long-term environmental stewardship.

The Operations Manager leads daily operations at Franklin Biomass Facility, overseeing plant performance, personnel, staffing, fuel handling, and regulatory compliance to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electricity generation. This position manages operational budgets, develops personnel, monitors equipment performance, and drives continuous improvement. Working closely with Maintenance, Engineering, and Compliance personnel, the Operations Manager supports plant reliability, cost-effective operations, and environmental performance.

• Direct daily plant operations and supervise Operations personnel to ensure safe, reliable, efficient, and environmentally compliant electricity generation.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, controlling expenditures while supporting production, reliability, and cost objectives.
• Establish operator schedules, staffing coverage, and on-call arrangements to maintain continuous plant operations and emergency response readiness.
• Coordinate biomass fuel deliveries, handling, storage, quality testing, and inventory to support combustion efficiency, fuel availability, and emissions compliance.
• Evaluate boiler, turbine, generator, and auxiliary equipment performance using operational data to identify trends, improve efficiency, and address reliability concerns.
• Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering personnel to prioritize equipment repairs, coordinate outages, and support preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance activities.
• Administer plant water chemistry and treatment programs, including sampling, testing, chemical inventory, and operating practices that support reliable steam generation.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures, environmental permits, regulatory requirements, and company policies, addressing deficiencies and implementing corrective actions.
• Lead operator training, qualification, performance evaluations, and employee development initiatives to strengthen technical capabilities and operational performance.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, procedures, controlled documents, compliance records, and reports required for plant management and regulatory oversight.
• Implement emergency preparedness and response procedures, including readiness for equipment failures, fires, environmental incidents, and other operational emergencies.
• Interface with grid operators, utility dispatch, and other stakeholders to coordinate generation schedules, operational requirements, and power delivery.
• Supervise contractors and assigned operational projects, supporting equipment improvements, inspections, audits, and long-term asset reliability initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Plant Manager in support of safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.