What You'll Do

  • Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
  • Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
  • Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
  • Assess quality of biomass feedstock.
  • Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
  • Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
  • Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
  • Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
  • 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.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Operation and Control 3.88/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Critical Thinking 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5
Reading Comprehension 3.0/5
Active Listening 3.0/5
Writing 3.0/5
Speaking 3.0/5
Active Learning 3.0/5
Learning Strategies 3.0/5
Coordination 3.0/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Dependability, Attention to Detail, Cooperation, Stress Tolerance, Adaptability/Flexibility

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Near Vision 3.88/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.75/5
Control Precision 3.75/5
Information Ordering 3.38/5
Written Comprehension 3.25/5
Deductive Reasoning 3.25/5
Perceptual Speed 3.25/5
Multilimb Coordination 3.25/5

Technologies & Tools

Distributed control system DCS Energy analysis software Inventory control software Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word National Instruments LabVIEW

Work Environment & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.11/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.0/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 3.99/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 3.87/5)
  • Adaptability/Flexibility (High importance: 3.59/5)

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How to Become One

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful but is usually not required. Training is often provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Auxiliary Operator Biomass Boiler Operator Biomass Plant Operator Biomass Plant Technician Central Heating Plant Operator Centrifugal Chiller Technician Chiller Operator Chiller Technician Fuel Handler Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech) Heating Plant Operator Operations Technician (Operations Tech) Plant Operator Plant Technician Steam Plant Operator Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Technician