Occupation

Biomass Plant Technicians

Human Advantage 64%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10

Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.

Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

Also Known As: Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician, Central Heating Plant Operator, Centrifugal Chiller Technician, Chiller Operator, Chiller Technician +8 more

Video

Core Tasks

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

Supplemental Tasks (2)

  1. Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.
  2. Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.

Education & Training

Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
47%
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
22%
Bachelor's Degree
10%
Some College Courses
10%
Less than a High School Diploma
7%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
6%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Software (8)

  • Distributed control system DCS
  • Energy analysis software
  • Inventory control software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW

Tools & Equipment (23)

  • Belt conveyor systems
  • Biomass boilers
  • Biomass dryers
  • Biomass screeners
  • Bubbling fluidized bed boilers
  • Circulating fluidized bed boilers
  • Desktop computers
  • Disc screeners
  • Drive-on scales
  • Dump trucks
  • Fuel metering conveyors
  • Grinders
  • Hammer hogs
  • Heat recovery steam generators
  • Laptop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Radial stackers
  • Reclaim feeders
  • Steam boilers
  • Steam turbines
  • Tub grinders
  • Water samplers
  • Wheeled front end loaders

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Clean & Alternative Energy Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Biomass Plant Technicians You are here

Utilities Advanced Manufacturing

Zone 2
Biomass Plant Technicians You are here

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Real Talk

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