Auxiliary Plant Operator

Located in Colbert, Georgia, the Madison Biomass Facility generates 55 net megawatts of renewable energy by converting responsibly harvested wood biomass into electricity. The plant features advanced emissions control technologies, including a Foster Wheeler boiler, hot precipitator, and SCR system, supporting efficient operations and environmental compliance. By delivering reliable, low-carbon power, Madison contributes to cleaner air and the long-term sustainability of Georgia’s energy infrastructure.

Opportunity Summary

The Auxiliary Plant Operator supports safe, reliable, and efficient operations at the Madison Biomass Facility by monitoring and operating biomass fuel handling systems, the boiler, emissions controls, and associated auxiliary equipment. Working closely with the Control Room Operator (CRO) and Operations personnel, this position performs equipment inspections, operational testing, water chemistry analysis, and basic maintenance while identifying abnormal conditions and following established safety and operating procedures.

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

• Assist with start-up, shutdown, and routine operation of biomass plant systems in accordance with established procedures, including the facility’s Foster Wheeler boiler and associated auxiliary equipment.
• Operate and monitor biomass fuel conveyors, feed systems, ash handling equipment, air compressors, boiler feedwater systems, and emissions control equipment, including the hot precipitator and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system.
• Perform equipment rounds, inspections, operational tests, and basic diagnostics to assess equipment condition, identify deficiencies, and support reliable plant performance.
• Follow Control Room Operator instructions to prepare equipment for service or remove it from operation, including equipment isolation, clearance, tagging, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) activities as authorized.
• Conduct routine boiler feedwater and condensate chemistry testing and support emissions monitoring activities in accordance with established procedures and applicable environmental requirements.
• Maintain accurate operating logs, shift reports, equipment readings, and other required documentation; prepare and process equipment clearance and tagging documentation when qualified and authorized.
• Report abnormal equipment conditions, process deviations, and potential safety concerns promptly to the Control Room Operator or Shift Supervisor, supporting corrective action as directed.
• Support mechanical and electrical maintenance activities through equipment identification, troubleshooting, safe equipment isolation, and maintenance request preparation.
• Document maintenance-related activities, equipment deficiencies, and work requests in the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), as applicable.
• Contribute to safe and efficient plant operations by maintaining good housekeeping, following environmental and safety requirements, and communicating effectively with Operations and Maintenance personnel.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Shift Supervisor or plant management in support of safe, 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 Shift Supervisor and receives direction from the Operations Manager, Plant Manager, or Control Room Operator, depending on assigned duties.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

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 Plant Operator follows a modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, ensuring 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts that includes built-in rest days. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $28 to $37 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; an associate degree or relevant certification in Power Plant Technology, Process Operations, or a related field is preferred.
• Relevant experience in power generation, industrial operations, or a comparable heavy industrial environment is required, preferably involving biomass, waste-to-energy, or boiler-based steam generation.
• Hands-on experience operating or maintaining industrial boilers, biomass fuel handling equipment, ash handling systems, air compressors, or boiler feedwater systems is preferred.
• Working knowledge of industrial equipment operation, routine inspections, basic troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance practices is expected.
• Understanding of basic combustion principles, steam systems, boiler operation, and water chemistry is beneficial.
• Familiarity with emissions control equipment, including precipitators and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, as well as emissions monitoring practices, is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), equipment manuals, operating procedures, and other technical documentation is required.
• Competence in industrial safety practices, including hazard identification, lockout/tagout, equipment isolation, confined space entry, and fall protection, is required.
• Awareness of applicable workplace safety and environmental requirements, including relevant OSHA, NFPA, and EPA regulations, is expected.
• 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.