What are the responsibilities and job description for the Inside Plant Operator position at West Biofuels, LLC?
Company Overview
West Biofuels, LLC is a leader in the bioenergy industry that developed, constructed, and now operates the Hat Creek Bioenergy power plant in Burney, California. The fully operational, state-of-the-art facility utilizes advanced technology to produce renewable, reliable power while supporting local forest health and enhancing community safety through sustainable biomass utilization. We are currently hiring Plant Operators to support ongoing operations, optimize plant performance, and continue developing expertise in our modern control systems. Both experienced and apprentice operators are encouraged to apply. Join a dedicated team committed to clean energy, environmental stewardship, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Job Summary
The Inside Plant Operator (trainees also welcome) is responsible for supervising the operation of a biomass power system involving a thermal oil heater and generator system; operating a biomass feeding system, gasifier, combustor, thermal oil heater system and turbine generator; supporting the maintenance and repair of the heat exchangers, generators, motors, pumps, valves, dampers, compressors, electrical switch gear, conveyors, ash and fuel handling systems, and other plant associated sensors and controls; performing daily and weekly maintenance checks; supporting scheduled and unscheduled maintenance shutdowns.
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the bioenergy plant while on assigned shifts.
- Reading, understanding, and ensuring compliance with plant safety and regulatory procedures.
- Responsible for logbook entries and record keeping on assigned shifts.
- Monitoring the plant operations using a computerized SCADA system and camera system.
- Communicating with technology partners who provide remote support for troubleshooting.
- Identifying equipment issues and performing preventative maintenance and repairs.
- Supervising lock-out/tag-out, work permits, hot work permits, and confined space entry permits.
- Complying with all safety procedures identified in the company SOPs and safety documents.
- Preparing, reviewing, and implementing work requests for preventative and corrective maintenance.
- Supervising biomass fuel handling operations including truck unloading, storage and feeding.
- Providing mentorship and training on plant operations to junior personnel and outside operators.
- Keeping plant manager/supervisors informed of operational issues through weekly operations reports and other standard forms of communication.
- Conducting self in a professional manner with all company personnel, vendors and visitors.
- Maintaining a safe work environment.
Qualifications
- Qualifications and Skills
- Former experience as a plant operator or mechanic or millwright or electrician.
- At least 1 year of experience in an industrial setting.
- Must be familiar with the basic tools related to mechanical maintenance.
- Experience operating a forklift, man lift, or loader or willingness to be trained and certified.
- Basic knowledge of sensor systems, electric motors, and control switches.
- Demonstrated writing skills in English.
- Basic ability to read and interpret documentation such as technical manuals, piping and instrumentation diagrams, electrical one-line diagrams, operating and maintenance manuals, and operations procedures manuals.
- Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals.
- Ability to use MS Office suite software.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a team to execute projects.
- Strong interest in innovation in renewable energy systems.
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and sit and stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to listen to and follow instructions and safe practices.
- Valid driver’s license.
Pay: $23.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $23 - $35