Biomass Plant Operations Lead

Ryegate-Associates; Ryegate (VT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid vacation, holidays, and training

Job summary

Ryegate-Associates seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily biomass plant operations in Vermont. You will supervise control room and steam plant operators, optimize fuel use, and ensure safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities include coordinating fuel supply, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvements while maintaining a safe work culture and regulatory adherence.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, or related technical field preferred; equivalent operational experience accepted.
• 5+ years of experience in biomass, power generation, or industrial plant operations.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude with hands-on plant experience.
• Project planning, scheduling, and execution within budget and timeline.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, resources, and contractors effectively.
• Risk management and problem-solving for plant improvement projects.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams for operational projects.
• Monitoring project progress and reporting to management.
• Proficient in biomass or solid-fuel boiler and steam turbine operations.
• Working knowledge of plant control systems, instrumentation, and CMMS.
• Strong leadership and communication skills in a small team environment.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make real-time process adjustments.
• Commitment to safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation of the plant and operation personnel including control room operators and steam plant operators.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for shift operators, providing direction and technical support.
• Monitor plant performance metrics and troubleshoot operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Manage fuel receiving, handling, and inventory to ensure consistent wood supply and quality.
• Adjust operating parameters to maintain efficiency, output, and environmental compliance.
• Work alongside operators as needed to support startup, shutdown, and maintenance activities.
• Train and develop operators in safe work practices and plant procedures.
• Support cross-training and scheduling of the 5 shift rotation of operations manpower to ensure coverage of employees' PTO usage.
• Foster a collaborative work environment emphasizing safety, accountability, and teamwork.

Skills

Leadership

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Operations management

Team coordination

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, or related technical field

Tools

CMMS

Plant control systems

Job description

Ryegate-Associates seeks an Operations Manager to oversee daily biomass plant operations in Vermont. You will supervise control room and steam plant operators, optimize fuel use, and ensure safety, reliability, and environmental compliance.

Responsibilities include coordinating fuel supply, monitoring performance, and driving continuous improvements while maintaining a safe work culture and regulatory adherence.