Biomass Plant Technicians
What is a Biomass Plant Technician?
A Biomass Plant Technician is a specialized technician responsible for the operation and maintenance of biomass power generation facilities. These facilities convert organic materials such as plant waste, wood pellets, and other biodegradable substances into energy through processes like combustion, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that biomass plants run efficiently and safely, monitoring equipment performance, performing regular inspections, and troubleshooting any issues that may arise during the energy conversion process. They also work to optimize fuel use and reduce emissions, contributing to the facility's environmental sustainability goals. The role often requires collaboration with engineers, environmental scientists, and other technicians to enhance plant performance and compliance with regulatory standards. Furthermore, biomass plant technicians may engage in routine maintenance tasks, including cleaning, repairing machinery, and managing inventory for spare parts and supplies. As renewable energy becomes increasingly important in the global energy landscape, biomass plant technicians are essential in advancing green technologies and promoting the use of sustainable energy sources.
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
-
Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
-
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
-
Development environment software
- National Instruments LabVIEW
-
Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
-
Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Fire tube boilers
- Grinding mills
- Intake structures
- Front end loaders
- Steam generators
Knowledge
-
Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
-
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Skills
-
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
-
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
-
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
-
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
-
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
-
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
-
Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
-
Some college, no degree
Work Activities
-
Controlling Machines and Processes
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
-
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
-
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Detailed Work Activities
- Operate biomass or biofuel production equipment.
- Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
- Test materials, solutions, or samples.
- Record operational or production data.
- Inspect sustainable energy production facilities or equipment.
Work Interests
-
Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
-
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$54080.0 - $123120.0
New job opportunities are less likely in the future. : Below Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.