Biochar Reactor Operator

Robinson Lumber Company, Inc.; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-the-job training

Green energy tech exposure

First-of-its-kind facility

Job summary

Robinson Carbon in Alexandria, LA is seeking a Biochar Reactor Operator to run the BET PRD1000 pyrolysis reactor at our facility. This hands-on role supports frontline production and equipment operation with a focus on safety and quality.

The successful candidate will monitor temperatures and feed rates via an HMI, perform basic lab testing, maintain feedstock buffers, and assist with preventative maintenance. Prior experience with high-temp industrial equipment is preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience operating high-temperature industrial equipment such as boilers, dryers or ovens.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work in heat and dust.

Responsibilities

• Operate the pyrolysis reactor via HMI and monitor process parameters
• Collect feedstock samples and test product quality, recording data
• Maintain feedstock buffers and move finished biochar to storage
• Perform routine maintenance including lubrication of moving parts
• Troubleshoot and repair light to moderate mechanical issues
• Safely operate forklifts and bucket loaders
• Follow safety protocols and use PPE to maintain a zero-incident environment

Skills

HMI operation

Mechanical aptitude

Safety compliance

Industrial equipment operation

Lift 50 lbs

Tools

Forklift operation

Loader operation

Job description

Location: Alexandria, Louisiana

Department: Robinson Carbon — Biochar Production

Employment Type: Full-time

Reports To: Production Lead

Pay Range: Commensurate with experience

Summary

Robinson Carbon is hiring a Biochar Reactor Operator to run our BET PRD1000 pyrolysis reactor at our Alexandria, Louisiana facility. This is a hands-on role at the front edge of what we're building: real production, real equipment, real stakes. We're a lumber company that got into biochar because we know wood, know biomass, and know how to operate — what we're looking for now is someone who wants to learn the production side of this industry from the ground up, with a team that's serious about doing it right.

Key Responsibilities

• System Operation: Operate the pyrolysis reactor using a Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen; monitor and set critical process parameters including temperatures, feedstock input rates, and biochar output collection
• Quality Control & Testing: Perform regular sample collection of feedstock and finished biochar; conduct basic sample preparation and lab testing to confirm product quality meets specifications, and record data accurately
• Material Management: Maintain feedstock input buffer bins at optimal levels for continuous operation; coordinate collection and movement of finished biochar to designated storage areas
• Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts such as chains and bearings, to keep the system running smoothly
• Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and fix light to moderate mechanical issues, including clearing feedstock jams and cleaning system filters
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate forklifts and bucket loaders to move feedstock and finished biochar
• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintain a zero-incident environment

Requirements & Qualifications

• Shift Flexibility: Available to work, day or night shifts as required by the production schedule
• Technical Aptitude: Comfortable using digital interfaces (HMI) with a strong mechanical aptitude for fixing equipment
• Experience: Previous experience operating high-temperature industrial equipment — boilers, industrial dryers, or high-temp ovens — preferred
• Forklift and Loader Skills: Proficiency operating a forklift and loader preferred
• Education: To be determined based on candidate background
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work in an industrial environment that may involve heat and dust

What We Offer

• Comprehensive on-the-job training on our proprietary pyrolysis technology and HMI systems
• A chance to work at the forefront of green energy and carbon sequestration technology
• The opportunity to help stand up production at a first-of-its-kind facility