Assistant Plant Manager

eastenergyllc-com; Farmville (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

eastenergyllc-com is seeking an Assistant Plant Manager to lead plant personnel, ensure safety, environmental and production goals at a biomass/biomass-fired power plant. You will oversee operation, maintenance, and coordination with the Plant Manager to optimize boiler and turbine performance.

The role requires hands-on experience with biomass boilers, DCS/HMI control systems, and a strong safety mindset. You may work flexible shifts and overtime in a field environment that includes outdoor

Qualifications

• BS degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering OR 7+ years in a biomass/solid-fueled plant.
• Extensive hands-on operation and maintenance of biomass/solid-fueled boilers.
• Valid driver license.
• Ability to read blueprints, schematics, manuals and drawings.
• Certificate to wear a full-face respirator (or ability to obtain).
• Experience with alarm management, DCS/HMI, and control systems.
• Willingness to work various shifts, overtime, nights and holidays.
• Strong focus on safety practices and LOTO compliance.

Responsibilities

• Communicate status of plant and personnel with management, frequently and clearly.
• Collaborate closely with Plant Manager.
• Input data into plant controls and logbooks (CMMs, Fix, Ignition).
• Evaluate and maintain proper operation of machinery.
• Direct coordination of maintenance activities.
• Mentor and coach junior subordinates; perform training.
• Promote safe operation and follow LOTO procedures; report unsafe conditions.
• Operate DCS to control boilers, turbines and auxiliary equipment.
• Operate PLC systems and monitor plant parameters.
• Identify symptoms requiring maintenance action and notify responsible personnel.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Communication

DCS/HMI operation

MS Office (Excel/Word/Teams)

Safety compliance

Education

BS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

DCS

HMI

MS Office

Job description

Assistant Plant Manager (APM)

The APM is under the general direction of the Plant Manager. The APM manages all plant personnel, meeting all safety, environmental and production goals of a poultry litter/biomass fired power generating plant. They have extensive knowledge of the operation and maintenance required for a biomass fired boiler and related balance of its equipment as well as the associated turbine generator set.

Work Environment

Typically spends 50% of time in an operations field environmental. May need to work outside occasionally in inclement weather conditions.

Possible Work Hazards

• Allergens, dust, fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, rotating machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work temperatures, slippery surfaces, water and electrical hazards.

Physical Demands

Standing 25%, Sitting 50%, Walking 25%

Scope & Responsibilities

• Ability to communicate (verbally, electronically, and in writing) frequently and clearly with junior and senior personnel on the status of the plant and plant personnel
• Ability to work closely with the Plant Manger
• Ability to input data into plant CMMs (Fix) and Ignition systems
• Ability to evaluate and maintain proper operation of all machinery
• Ability to direct coordinate maintenance activities
• Evaluate junior subordinates and able to successfully act as a trainer, mentor and coach
• Complete knowledge/demonstrated ability of Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) program and is willing to follow program without exception
• Follows and promotes standard and established practices, refers to operation and service manuals to evaluate and maintain proper operation of all machinery.
• Ability to efficiently operate distributed control systems (DCS) to control boilers, steam turbines, and their ancillary equipment.
• Ability to efficiently operate various PLC systems.
• Ability to solve complex problems in a timely manner pertaining to the operation of the power plant equipment
• Monitors and records pressures, temperatures, and fuel consumption on the operating equipment.
• Identifies and informs appropriate individuals of symptoms requiring maintenance action.
• Has knowledge to ensure the safe operating condition of machinery and takes immediate corrective action should unsafe conditions exist.
• May be required to obtain a certification to wear a full-face respirator
• Performs and promotes work in a safe manner according to established safety procedures and reports or rectifies any unsafe conditions.
• Displays willingness to work in a team environment and follow directions and instructions from members of management.
• Must be present and ready to begin working at the designated time.
• Must be available to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime, as required.
• Must be willing and able to work holidays, nights and weekends.
• Must have ability to interface diplomatically with other employees and the public.
• Ability to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of rotating equipment and portable radio communication

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• BS Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering OR 7 plus years’ experience in a solid fueled or biomass power generating plant displaying increasing levels of responsibility.
• Extensive hands-on experience in the operation and maintenance of steam generators, specifically solid fuel boilers.
• Valid driver license.
• You must possess or can obtain a certificate to wear a full-faced respirator.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, manuals and drawings, and procedures
• Ability to interpret and react to alarm management systems
• Working knowledge of the maintenance of daily plant logs
• Familiar with distributed control systems (DCS) and human machine interfaces (HMI’s) controlling complex systems
• Familiar with/demonstrated ability to use MS Office, MS Teams, MS Word, and MS Excel
• Must have experience with sound safety practices using hand tools and power equipment related to job assignments
• Able to work various shift assignments to support plant operations
• Ability to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of rotating equipment and portable radio communication
• The ability to lift heavy equipment (up to 50 lbs.) and carry materials up and downstairs.

Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Training on the operation of boiler/turbine DCS controls,
• General power plant heat transfer theory and Fluid Flow or related training
• Training in preventative maintenance and best practices