All careers

Biomass Plant Technicians

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

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Critical Thinking
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Learning

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Auxiliary Operator
  • Fuel Handler
  • Operations Technician (Operations Tech)
  • Plant Operator
  • Central Heating Plant Operator
  • Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech)

Related careers

See all careers

  • Biomass Power Plant Managers

    Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and…

    Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

  • Biofuels Processing Technicians

    Calculate, measure, load, mix, and process refined feedstock with additives in fermentation or reaction process vessels and monitor…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Power Plant Operators

    Control, operate, or maintain machinery to generate electric power. Includes auxiliary equipment operators.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators

    Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes.

    Medium preparation: usually vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree

  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators

    Operate or control an entire process or system of machines, often through the use of control boards, to transfer or treat water or…

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

  • Gas Plant Operators

    Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

    Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one