Control Room Operator

NextGenEnergyJobs; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Enviva is seeking a Plant Operator to oversee daily plant functions from the control room, manage feed systems, furnace and dryer operations, and ensure continuous production.

Candidates need basic math and computer skills, the ability to read procedures, and experience with hand tools and HMIs. Prior control room experience is a plus; high attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure. Must lift up to 50 lbs and work 12‑hour shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in wood products, furnace/dryer operations, or similar manufacturing environment preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions.
• Must be able to use basic hand tools.
• Must possess basic computer & math skills.
• Able to learn how to operate HMI touch screens.
• Prior experience in a Control Room is a plus.
• Be able to lift up to 50 lbs and work up to 12 hours daily.
• Be comfortable working around moving equipment and machinery.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant functions from the control room.
• Manage chip feed system, fuel feed system, furnace, dryer system, primary and secondary sizing and pellet presses.
• Act as overall contact for plant operations.
• Monitor indicator screens, signal lights, production rates and system statuses; monitor spark detection equipment.
• Translate signals into production actions and adjust production line processes; operate computers and monitors.
• Maintain working schedules, equipment temperature, and safety standards.
• Assess and resolve issues based on criticality of malfunctions and equipment failures.
• Communicate with team members and respond to calls for assistance; multitask with alarms and radio commands.
• Perform flow, pressure, performance and meter calculations using math.
• Work independently or in a team; apply knowledge of generating unit operation, engineering, or maintenance practices.

Skills

Math aptitude

Independent work

Basic computer skills

Read & follow instructions

Hand tools

HMI operation basics

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

HMI touch screens

Job description

The Enviva team is driven by our shared vision for a renewable energy future.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate plant functions from the control room.
• Manage chip feed system, fuel feed system, furnace, dryer system, primary and secondary sizing and pellet presses.
• Act as overall contact for plant operations.
• Monitoring: Checking indicator screens and signal lights, and monitoring production rates and system statuses. Monitor spark detection equipment. Manage and monitor various levels and feed rated to ensure continuous plant operation.
• Adjusting: Translating signals into production realities and adjusting production line processes. Operate computers, monitors and corrects operational values.
• Maintaining: Maintaining working schedules, equipment temperature, and safety standards
• Resolving issues: Assess and adjust accordingly to criticality of potential malfunctions and equipment failures, and using technical skills to resolve problems
• Communicating: Communicating with team members and responding to calls for assistance. Multi-task with equipment alarms and radio commands/communication.
• Strong aptitude in math; ability to use addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to perform flow, pressure, performance and meter calculations
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment
• Knowledge of generating unit operation, engineering, or maintenance practices

Requirements

• Ability to understand and follow written and verbal job instructions.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and written procedures.
• Be able to use basic hand tools.
• Must possess basic computer & math skills.
• Able to learn how to operate HMI touch screens.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in wood products, furnace/dryer operations, or similar manufacturing environment
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions.
• Prior experience working in a Control Room
• Willing and able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing and/or pulling for up to twelve (12) hours a day
• Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery
• Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs.
• Be comfortable climbing ladders, conveyors, working at heights and on steel grating.
• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• This position is not eligible for visa support.