Auxiliary Operator

Pay or shift range: $27.88 USD to $48.88 USD.

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 daily operations at the Altavista Biomass Power Station, including start‑up, shutdown, and routine tasks across fuel handling, boilers, and auxiliary systems. The plant features two Babcock & Wilcox boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator converting biomass into renewable power. Duties include system inspections, basic maintenance, and coordination with the control room to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.

Operated by NAES, Altavista is a key resource in the long‑term energy plan of the regulated utility that owns the facility.

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

• Assist with start‑up, shutdown, and routine operations of biomass plant systems in accordance with established procedures and safety protocols.
• Operate and monitor key auxiliary systems such as biomass fuel conveyors, feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, and emissions control systems (e.g., baghouse filters, SCR).
• Monitor plant operations involving two Babcock & Wilcox (B&W) boilers, a Mitsubishi steam turbine, and an Alstom generator, ensuring these components work in synergy to generate electricity from biomass feed stocks.
• Conduct routine inspections, diagnostics, and performance tests on assigned systems and components, and perform minor repairs or adjustments to ensure reliable operation.
• Carry out control room orders to prepare equipment for service or safely remove it from operation. Tasks include isolation, lockout/tagout, and ensuring all safety protocols are observed during clearances and handovers.
• Perform routine water chemistry analysis on boiler feedwater and condensate systems; operate the Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS) to ensure compliance with environmental and regulatory standards.
• Maintain accurate and timely operating logs and shift reports in accordance with regulatory and company requirements; issue and approve Tag Outs when authorized.
• Identify and report abnormal or off‑normal equipment or process conditions to the Control Room Operator (CRO), and support or take corrective actions as needed.
• Assist with mechanical and electrical maintenance activities including Lockout/Tagout support, equipment identification, troubleshooting, and maintenance request generation.
• Utilize a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to document work performed, track system performance, and assist with work planning and material requisition.
• Support NAES’s continued partnership with the plant’s regulated utility owner by upholding high operational standards for a facility considered a long‑term strategic resource in the utility’s planning portfolio.
• 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…