Biomass Plant Technicians

Also called: Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician, Central Heating Plant Operator

Biomass Plant Technicians

Varies

estimated salary

Biomass plant technicians control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

  • Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
  • Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
  • Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
  • Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
  • Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
  • Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
  • Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
  • Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
  • Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
  • Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
  • Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
  • Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
  • Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
  • Assess quality of biomass feedstock.
  • Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.
  • Operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and front-end loaders.
  • Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.
  • Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.
Work Context

Work Context information for this career will be available soon.

Work Activities
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Measure stock or liquid levels in sustainable fuel production systems.
  • Operate pumping systems or equipment.
  • Operate biomass or biofuel production equipment.
  • Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
  • Evaluate quality of materials or products.
  • Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
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Knowledge

Mechanical
  • Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry
  • Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
  • Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Skills

Operation Monitoring
  • Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
  • Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
  • Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Judgment and Decision Making
  • Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
  • The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Control Precision
  • The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Information Ordering
  • The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Spreadsheet software
  • Microsoft Excel Hot Technology
Office suite software
  • Microsoft Office Hot Technology
Electronic mail software
  • Microsoft Outlook Hot Technology
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Education

Get started on your career:

Job Outlook

New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
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