Plant Operator, Fairfax, SC

Reports to: Operations Manager

Location: Allendale Facility

The Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient management of the fuel supply at the Allendale biomass facility, a 20 MW plant.

With safety as the highest priority, the Plant Operator is expected to:

• Operate, maintain, and repair equipment such as fluidized bubbling bed combustors, steam generators, turbines, electrical generators, air compressors, motors, pumps, switch gear, loaders, ash and fuel handling systems, bulldozers, and small utility equipment.
• Work rotating shifts, overtime, and irregular hours as needed to support reliable operation.
• Record data including temperature, hours of operation, fuel consumption, pressure, water levels, flue gases analysis, voltage load, and generator balance.
• Use prescribed procedures to manually adjust controls or override automatic systems to maintain equipment within operational ranges.
• Operate plant equipment safely following operational procedures as directed by the Shift Supervisor.
• Perform routine rounds and record keeping; assist with scheduled, unscheduled, and preventive maintenance tasks.
• Conduct water tests and treatments.
• Comply with safety and regulatory procedures.
• Communicate effectively both audibly and visually for safety reasons.
• Understand plant systems, including hydraulic theory.
• Interpret drawings, blueprints, schematics, and diagrams.
• Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, dozers, and forklifts.
• Weld and fabricate basic assemblies.
• Install, align, dismantle, and move machinery and mechanical equipment like pumps, fans, and conveyors.
• Inspect machinery to detect issues and interpret lube oil analysis results.
• Possess computer skills and proficient technical report writing abilities.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Valid driver’s license and 2-4 years’ experience in a biomass or similar industrial environment.

• Conduct oneself professionally and courteously, showing respect to colleagues, contractors, and guests.
• Collaborate positively with team members and communicate issues and solutions professionally.
• Adapt to changing work routines and be prepared for shifts.
• Follow company policies and procedures.

• Perform manual tasks, operate hand and power tools, and lift at least 80 lbs.
• Work in hot, noisy, dark environments, at heights, and in cramped quarters.
• Use respiratory protection and manipulate tools and parts repetitively.
• Communicate clearly and read gauges, labels, and instructions in English.
• Be available for call-outs and planned outages outside normal shifts.