Fuel Yard Operator

NAES; Plainfield (CT); On-site; USD 37,195 - 46,838; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Job summary

NAES is seeking a Fuel Yard Operator for Plainfield Renewable Energy in Connecticut. This role operates heavy equipment, monitors plant systems, performs light maintenance, and supports safe, efficient biomass facility operations.

You will work with loaders and skid steers, coordinating with the Control Room Operator and Fuel Yard Lead to ensure smooth daily operations. The 12‑hour rotating shift covers 24/7 with possible weekend work, plus a base pay of $27.00–$34.48/hour and an annual bonus.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with safety protocol training.
• Experience operating heavy equipment and assisting with maintenance.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy plant equipment safely and follow plant procedures.
• Supply fuel to the boiler using front-end loader and manage material handling with skid steer.
• Inspect equipment, perform light maintenance, and support Preventive Maintenance.
• Monitor plant systems, report abnormalities, and assist Control Room Operators.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety compliance

Team collaboration

Plant operations monitoring

Lockout/Tagout safety

Radio communication

Maintenance support

Problem solving

Effective reporting

Valid driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree in related field

Job description

Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) is a 37.5 MW wood biomass gasification power plant located in Plainfield, CT. Owned by Greenleaf Power and operated by NAES Corporation, the facility uses a single steam turbine and generator to produce renewable energy. PRE is equipped with advanced emissions control technologies, including a high‑efficiency baghouse, and scrubbing systems to reduce NOx and sulfur dioxide.

Opportunity Summary

The Fuel Yard Operator at Plainfield Renewable Energy plays a vital role in supporting daily plant operations by operating heavy equipment, monitoring systems, performing light maintenance, and ensuring safe and efficient plant performance. This position collaborates closely with the Control Room Operator and Fuel Yard Lead to inspect plant systems, respond to operational needs, and provide training on routine procedures. It offers valuable hands‑on experience across equipment operation, maintenance, and safety functions, while fostering skill development essential for career advancement within the facility.

Your scope of responsibility as Fuel Yard Operator includes the following primary functions

• Demonstrate a high‑performance, safety‑conscious, disciplined, accountable, and achievement‑oriented work ethic.
• Safely and responsibly use all plant equipment, following the guidance and prescribed limits of the Fuel Yard Lead.
• Utilize a front‑end loader to supply fuel to the boiler, ensuring a consistent and safe fuel feed for plant operation.
• Operate a skid steer to perform cleaning and material handling duties around the plant, maintaining safe and organized work areas.
• Conduct daily plant equipment checks and perform light maintenance. Support operational requirements of the Preventive Maintenance Program.
• Monitor plant systems and equipment through regular visual inspections, quickly detecting and communicating any abnormalities. Maintain consistent oil levels to uphold equipment reliability.
• Isolate equipment for maintenance; tag components, inspect and report status, and activate remote control mechanisms as required.
• Assist the Control Room Operator and Fuel Yard Lead through onsite system operation and inspection; support plant performance while developing skills for advancement.
• Support Mechanical Maintenance, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C), and other Operations personnel as needed.
• Train drivers on proper procedures for offloading trucks onto tippers and provide training and technical instruction to other shift members as needed.
• Use Three‑Way radio communication to ensure clear and effective information exchange. Handle incoming plant communications and monitor the front gate.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring assigned tools, equipment, and workspaces are properly maintained and secured.
• Complete additional tasks as assigned by Control Room Operators and Plant Management, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to plant operations. Perform miscellaneous duties as directed by the Fuel Yard Lead.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Fuel Yard Operator reports directly to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from plant management. The Fuel Yard Operator also coordinates with all other plant personnel to ensure the safe and efficient daily operation of the biomass facility.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are required, including in high‑heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high‑visibility clothing, steel‑toe boots, flame‑resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance.

Fitness for Duty

All personnel will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program, which includes a post‑offer physical examination, drug screening, and post‑employment random drug screening.

Work Schedule

The Fuel Yard Operator follows the DuPont rotating 12‑hour shift schedule, providing 24/7 coverage through a structured rotation of day and night shifts to ensure consistent and reliable plant operation. This position will occasionally necessitate extended working hours and flexible shifts as needed, including weekends and holidays, in response to schedules, workload demands, and plant conditions. Periodic callouts or “On call” status may also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $27.00 to $34.48 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications And Skills

We are seeking a skilled Fuel Yard Operator with experience supporting operations and maintenance in fuel handling and storage, a strong commitment to safety compliance, and a proven track record of contributing to team objectives while consistently achieving performance and quality standards.

• High school diploma or equivalent, with a solid foundation in following procedures, safety protocols, and work instructions. Technical training in heavy equipment operation, industrial maintenance, or biomass systems is desirable. An Associate Degree in a related field—such as Power Plant Technology or Mechanical Systems—is a plus, or equivalent work experience.
• Basic knowledge of control room operations and plant systems, including monitoring equipment, following operational procedures, and assisting Control Room Operators and Fuel Yard Lead effectively.
• Skilled in using precision measuring tools, diagnostic equipment, and performing light mechanical maintenance such as routine inspections, oil level checks, equipment cleaning, and fuel transfer.
• Experience operating heavy equipment, such as 950 loaders skid steers, with demonstrated proficiency in safe and efficient machine handling.
• Proficient in safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, to safely isolate equipment and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Proficient in radio communication and operational coordination, with a strong team focus demonstrated by collaborating on maintenance tasks, supervising contractors, and maintaining quality and safety standards during plant operations.
• Detail‑oriented with strong problem‑solving skills to identify abnormalities, maintain organized work areas, and adhere to operational limits.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills for clear coordination with team members, management, and accurate reporting of maintenance activities.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.