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 feedstocks. 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 lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms, walkways, or in confined spaces.
Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.
The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance.
Fitness for Duty
All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post-offer physical examination, drug screening, and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
The Auxiliary Operator follows a four-days-on, four-days-off rotation of 12-hour shifts, alternating between daytime and nighttime schedules. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call availability as needed to support plant operations and business needs.
Compensation
This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $27.88 to $33.48per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Core Qualifications and Skills
- High school diploma or equivalent is required. An associate degree or certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience in power generation or heavy industrial operations or maintenance; biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation experience preferred.
- Experience operating or maintaining plant equipment such as fuel handling, combustion, ash handling, compressed air, feedwater, steam turbine, and generator systems preferred; Mitsubishi turbine and Alstom generator experience is a plus.
- Working knowledge of combustion processes, boiler water/steam cycles, water chemistry, and basic thermodynamic principles.
- Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including baghouses, scrubbers, and SCR systems.
- Knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout, hazard identification, confined space entry, fall protection, electrical isolation, and safe work practices around high-voltage equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret P&IDs, equipment manuals, and operating procedures, with general knowledge of applicable OSHA, NFPA, and EPA requirements.
- Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
