Control Room Operator (CRO)

The Halifax County Biomass (HCB) Project is a woody biomass-fueled electric generation facility located in South Boston, Virginia, encompassing a 104acre site. The plant, with a nameplate capacity of 49.9MW, began commercial operation in late 2013. It utilizes sustainably sourced wood materials to generate renewable electricity, supporting both regional power needs and local forest-based economies.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator is responsible for continuously monitoring the status of all plant systems at Halifax County Biomass Facility. This position ensures that alarms and upset conditions are addressed promptly by taking appropriate corrective actions. The CRO also executes plant shutdown and start-up procedures as needed and ensures the plant meets its generating requirements while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Additionally, the CRO ensures that all equipment functions properly by adhering to approved procedures, guidelines, equipment technical manuals, and operating directives from plant management.

Your scope of responsibility as Control Room Operator will include the following primary functions:

• Perform start-up, operation, and shutdown of all plant equipment, including the boiler, steam turbine, and generator, in compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Efficiently operate the distributed control system (DCS) to control the biomass boiler, steam turbine, and ancillary systems.
• Operate various programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to manage wood yard operations, wood drying equipment, and boiler ancillary systems specific to biomass processing.
• Evaluate and maintain proper operation of all machinery by referring to operation and service manuals and established procedures.
• Operate and monitor plant equipment and auxiliary systems, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient performance in the biomass gasification facility.
• Monitor and record critical operational parameters such as pressures, temperatures, fuel consumption, electrical output, steam generation, emissions, and heat rates to ensure equipment runs within prescribed limits.
• Monitor emissions control systems, including the high-efficiency baghouse and scrubbing systems for NOx and sulfur dioxide, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Identify and promptly inform appropriate personnel of any equipment symptoms requiring maintenance or corrective action.
• Report plant abnormalities immediately and coordinate resolution efforts with maintenance and operations teams.
• Review logs and operational data regularly to verify equipment status and ensure compliance with tag-out and administrative procedures.
• Complete and maintain accurate daily logs and plant records, including electrical output, steam generation, emissions, fuel and water consumption, and heat rates.
• Maintain up-to-date plant operating manuals, technical references, and maintenance records aligned with biomass plant requirements.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving equipment issues with the technical team.
• Assist in controlling plant upset conditions and executing corrective actions as necessary to maintain biomass gasification process stability.
• Support maintenance activities during normal operations and planned outages, including Lockout/Tagout procedures and equipment troubleshooting.
• Support staff training and development initiatives focused on biomass power plant operations, safety, and environmental compliance.
• Actively participate in NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs, supporting a strong safety culture aligned with sustainable biomass energy practices.
• Execute assigned tasks from the Operations Manager, contributing to the reliable operation and environmental stewardship goals of Plainfield Renewable Energy.

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 CRO reports directly to the Operations Manager and follows directives from plant management. The CRO provides direction to plant personnel to ensure the reliable operation of the facility.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, entering, and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces. The role requires routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

Operators must be prepared to work in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor work in all weather conditions is 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 Control Room Operator follows a Modified DuPont rotating 12-hour shift schedule, which provides 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts to ensure continuous and reliable plant operation.

This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $36 to $42 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are looking for a skilled Operator with power generation operations experience, coupled with a proven ability to contribute effectively to team success and consistently meet performance standards.

• Ability to understand procedures and instructions specific to the area of assignment as would be acquired in four years of high school.
• Prior experience in biomass and steam turbine power plant operations, including control room management and system monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of boilers, steam turbines, emissions control systems such as SCR and hot precipitators, and associated auxiliary equipment, with a practical understanding of biomass combustion, steam generation, and heat transfer theory in power plants.
• Skilled in water chemistry control, including water treatment processes and chemical handling procedures specific to biomass plant operations, with experience in monitoring and recording operational data.
• Proficient in reading and interpreting blueprints, schematics, manuals, and procedures, with experience interpreting and responding to alarm management systems.
• Familiar with human machine interfaces (HMIs) and distributed control systems (DCS), including boiler/turbine control.
• Knowledgeable in safe use of hand tools and power equipment.
• Trained in continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS), emissions control, and preventative maintenance best practices.
• Proven leadership in training and supervising operations personnel within a biomass energy environment.
• Committed to safety and environmental compliance, promoting a strong safety culture and regulatory adherence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication of technical and operational information.
• 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.