Biomass Plant Technician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era of sustainable energy, the focus on biomass plant technicians has never been stronger.
As environmental consciousness grows, so does the demand for skilled technicians who can operate, maintain, and protect our biomass power plants.
But let’s dig deeper: What’s really expected from a biomass plant technician?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of renewable energy technology,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we introduce a customizable biomass plant technician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right into it.
Biomass Plant Technician Duties and Responsibilities
Biomass Plant Technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of equipment that produces energy from biomass.
These professionals also conduct inspections, perform tests, and implement safety procedures.
Their duties and responsibilities include:
- Operating and maintaining the machinery used in biomass power plants
- Inspecting equipment and machinery for issues or defects
- Performing tests to ensure the equipment is working correctly
- Implementing and maintaining safety procedures to protect workers and the environment
- Adjusting and repairing equipment, replacing parts as necessary
- Logging daily operations and maintenance activities
- Monitoring and maintaining levels of fuel supply
- Communicating with other team members and management about plant operations
- Assisting in the training of new personnel
- Participating in emergency drills and responding to plant emergencies as directed
Biomass Plant Technician Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking an experienced Biomass Plant Technician to join our team.
The candidate will be responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing biomass plant machinery and equipment.
The role involves handling a variety of tasks, from troubleshooting mechanical issues to ensuring the smooth operation of the biomass plant.
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of biomass plant operations, excellent troubleshooting skills, and a commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain biomass plant systems, including boilers, turbines, generators, and material handling systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment and system malfunctions.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance checks on all plant equipment and machinery.
- Monitor and adjust plant operations in accordance with production guidelines.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
- Document operational data, maintenance work performed, and any issues encountered.
- Collaborate with other team members to improve operations and efficiency.
- Participate in training and professional development opportunities.
- Keep a clean and safe working environment.
Qualifications
- Proven work experience as a Biomass Plant Technician or similar role.
- Knowledge of biomass plant operations and maintenance procedures.
- Good mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to read and interpret technical manuals and schematics.
- Physical stamina and strength to perform manual tasks.
- Attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and team working skills.
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional certification from a vocational school or completion of apprenticeship is preferred.
Benefits
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Professional development opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Biomass Plant Technician
- Work Environment: This role involves working in a plant environment, which may include exposure to loud noises, dust, and adverse weather conditions. Safety gear will be provided.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Biomass Plant Manager or Supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $75,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Biomass Plant Technician Do?
Biomass Plant Technicians work in biomass power plants where they monitor and maintain the plant’s equipment and control systems.
They are responsible for ensuring the plant’s machinery is operating correctly and safely.
These technicians are often tasked with observing and interpreting readings from gauges, dials, and other instruments to ensure that equipment is functioning properly.
They also adjust equipment controls to generate specified amounts of electrical power and regulate biomass fuel levels in the plant.
As a Biomass Plant Technician, they are responsible for cleaning, maintaining, and repairing machinery to ensure it is in good working order.
They follow safety procedures and use protective equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.
Biomass Plant Technicians also assist in the startup or shutdown of biomass power plants or power generation equipment in the event of emergencies, power failures or fluctuations.
They may also be involved in the installation of new equipment or systems.
Additionally, part of their role includes the preparation of reports detailing plant operation and production levels.
They may also be involved in training other staff on equipment operations and safety protocols.
Their role is crucial in ensuring that the biomass power plant operates efficiently and safely.
Biomass Plant Technician Qualifications and Skills
A proficient Biomass Plant Technician should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Technical knowledge of biomass plant operations and maintenance to ensure the smooth running of the plant.
- Physical abilities to handle heavy equipment and perform physically demanding tasks during plant operations and maintenance.
- Time management skills to complete assigned tasks in a timely and efficient manner, considering the continuous nature of plant operations.
- Problem-solving skills to identify, troubleshoot, and resolve technical issues that may arise in the plant operations.
- Understanding of safety protocols and regulations in biomass plant operations to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
- Communication skills to collaborate effectively with other technicians, engineers, and plant staff and to report plant operations status.
- Attention to detail to monitor and control plant operations, ensure quality standards, and identify any deviations or anomalies.
- Ability to use computer systems and software for controlling plant operations, inputting data, and generating reports.
Biomass Plant Technician Experience Requirements
Biomass Plant Technicians usually require a high school diploma or equivalent, and are often preferred to have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology, chemistry, or environmental science.
Entry-level Biomass Plant Technicians typically need at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a related role, such as a lab assistant or plant operator, often gained through internships, part-time roles, or on-the-job training.
It can also be beneficial to have experience in the operation and maintenance of industrial equipment.
Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have often developed their skills further, gaining a deep understanding of the biomass production process.
They should have a good knowledge of biomass plant operations, including both mechanical and chemical processes, and be able to troubleshoot and solve problems that may arise.
Those with more than 5 years of experience may have had some managerial experience and might be ready for a supervisory or plant manager role.
They will need to have demonstrated their ability to lead teams, manage plant operations, and ensure safety and compliance standards are met.
Continuing education and keeping up to date with advances in biomass technology and regulations is also important for career progression in this field.
Biomass Plant Technician Education and Training Requirements
Biomass Plant Technicians typically require a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.
Some of them may have completed postsecondary education in areas like renewable energy, industrial maintenance, or a related field.
Training in mechanical or electrical systems, engineering, or industrial technology can be beneficial, as these areas are highly relevant to the role of a Biomass Plant Technician.
On-the-job training is also common in this role, where new technicians work under the guidance of experienced ones to understand the complex operations of a biomass plant.
In addition to the initial training, technicians may also need to undertake ongoing education and training to stay updated with the latest technology and safety protocols in the biomass industry.
Certifications, although not always necessary, can demonstrate a technician’s competence and dedication to the field.
For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers a variety of safety training courses that could be beneficial for technicians in this role.
Technicians must also have the physical stamina to handle the demands of the job, and be comfortable working in a variety of weather conditions.
Some roles may require a commercial driver’s license if the technician is responsible for transporting biomass materials.
Biomass Plant Technician Salary Expectations
The average salary for a Biomass Plant Technician is $52,910 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, certifications, the size of the plant, and the geographical location.
Biomass Plant Technician Job Description FAQs
What skills does a Biomass Plant Technician need?
A Biomass Plant Technician should possess strong mechanical skills to maintain and repair plant equipment.
They need to have a good understanding of combustion, electricity, and the science behind biomass energy.
They should also have problem-solving skills to find and fix issues that might arise during operations.
Knowledge of safety protocols and strong physical stamina are also crucial in this role.
Do Biomass Plant Technicians need a degree?
While a degree is not strictly required, many Biomass Plant Technicians have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as mechanical, electrical or chemical engineering.
Technical and vocational programs with a focus on power plant technology can also provide the necessary training.
All technicians should have a strong background in mathematics and science.
What should you look for in a Biomass Plant Technician resume?
A good Biomass Plant Technician’s resume should demonstrate experience with the operation and maintenance of power plant systems.
Knowledge of biomass processing equipment and control systems is beneficial.
Additionally, certifications or training in safety protocols and the ability to work under physically demanding conditions are valuable.
What qualities make a good Biomass Plant Technician?
A good Biomass Plant Technician is committed to safety, is meticulous and has a strong attention to detail.
They should be able to work well as part of a team, and also possess the initiative to work independently.
Good communication skills are important as they will need to report on system operations and collaborate with other technicians.
Finally, they must be physically fit to handle the demands of the job, which may include lifting heavy equipment and working in challenging conditions.
What are the daily duties of a Biomass Plant Technician?
A typical day for a Biomass Plant Technician might include inspecting the plant equipment, making necessary repairs, and ensuring safety protocols are being followed.
They may also be responsible for monitoring the plant’s output and making adjustments to optimize efficiency.
Other duties may include recording data, maintaining inventories, and working with other technicians to resolve operational issues.
Is it difficult to hire Biomass Plant Technicians?
Finding qualified Biomass Plant Technicians can be challenging due to the specialized skills and physical demands of the role.
The pool of candidates with the necessary technical expertise and physical endurance may be limited.
Therefore, offering competitive salaries and benefits, along with a safe and supportive work environment, can help attract and retain skilled technicians.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we delved into the core duties and responsibilities of a biomass plant technician.
Surprise!
It’s not just about feeding the boiler.
It’s about fostering a sustainable future, one biomass fuel load at a time.
Armed with our ready-to-use biomass plant technician job description template and real-world examples, you’re now prepared to make your mark.
But why stop here?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to generating laser-accurate job listings or fine-tuning your resume to absolute perfection.
Remember:
Every biomass load contributes to a greener tomorrow.
Let’s nurture that future. Together.
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