Auxiliary Operator

• Pay or shift range: $27.88 USD to $33.48 USD The estimated range is the budgeted amount for this position. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, location, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

The Altavista Biomass Power Station is a renewable energy facility located within the Lynchburg, Virginia metro region, in the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility has a capacity of 51 MW and is equipped with two B&W boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator working in synergy to generate electricity from biomass feed stocks. NAES has a long-standing operating history with the regulated electric utility that owns the station.

The plant’s electrical generation is included as a valuable resource in the utility’s long-range plans.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports the safe, reliable operation of the Altavista Biomass Power Station, performing start-up, shutdown, and routine operations across fuel handling, boiler, and auxiliary systems. Responsibilities include equipment inspections, basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and coordination with the control room to maintain efficient and compliant plant operations.

Your scope of responsibility as Auxiliary Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems in accordance with established operating procedures and safety requirements.
• Operate and monitor biomass fuel conveyors and feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, emissions control equipment including baghouse and SCR systems, and other plant auxiliaries.
• Conduct routine equipment rounds, inspections, diagnostics, and performance checks; identify and report abnormal or off-normal equipment and process conditions to the Control Room Operator and take appropriate corrective action as directed or within assigned authority.
• Perform minor repairs, adjustments, and operational troubleshooting on assigned equipment and systems as qualified and directed.
• Execute Control Room Operator instructions to place equipment in service or safely remove it from operation, including equipment isolation, Lockout/Tagout, clearances, and safe equipment handover.
• Perform routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and operate or support the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) to maintain environmental and regulatory compliance.
• Maintain accurate and timely operating logs, shift reports, equipment records, and other required documentation; issue and approve Tag Outs when trained and authorized.
• Support mechanical and electrical maintenance activities, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment identification and isolation, troubleshooting, and generation of maintenance requests.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work performed, track equipment conditions and performance, and assist with work planning and material requisitions.
• Follow all applicable environmental, safety, regulatory, and company procedures and support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the control room or plant management in support of reliable and efficient plant operations.

NAES Safe

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. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Auxiliary Plant Operator reports to the Operations Manager and takes direction from the Plant Manager or Control Room Operator depending on assigned duties.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, entering, and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces. The role requires routinely…