Operations Specialist

Bluewater Energy, Inc.; Michigan; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluewater Energy, Inc. is seeking Operations Specialists for their biomass project in Michigan. The role involves monitoring plant operations, performing equipment rounds, and supporting fuel handling operations, all within a safety-first mindset.

Ideal candidates should have 3-5 years of experience in power generation, and solid knowledge of equipment operations. A collaborative approach with various teams in an industrial environment is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience as an Operator at a biomass, coal, gas, or comparable thermal power generation facility.
• Solid knowledge of plant equipment operation including pumps, valves, fans, conveyors, and auxiliary systems.
• Familiarity with traveling grate boiler field operations and wood chip/biomass fuel handling systems.

Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled equipment rounds throughout the plant.
• Operate, align, and lineup field equipment as directed.
• Support fuel handling operations including biomass receiving and storage.
• Assist with lockout/tagout activities and permit-to-work compliance.
• Maintain field logs and communicate equipment status clearly.

Skills

Plant equipment operation

Field lineups and alignments

Lockout/tagout and permit-to-work procedures

Strong communication skills

Safety-first mindset

Job description

Bluewater is seeking two Operations Specialists to assist with a biomass project in Michigan. This is a wood burning biomass power plant they have a ZURN traveling grate boiler and a Siemens steam turbine and a Schneider Electric control system. They typically run at 14 MW but if they receive notification they will run at 34 MW. So this person needs to have experience ramping unit up and down.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform scheduled equipment rounds throughout the plant, monitoring operating parameters, identifying abnormal conditions, and reporting findings to the control room
• Operate, align, and lineup field equipment including pumps, valves, fans, conveyors, and other auxiliary systems as directed by the control room operator
• Support fuel handling operations including biomass receiving, storage, and feed system monitoring
• Assist with lockout/tagout activities, permit-to-work compliance, and equipment isolations in the field as directed
• Maintain field logs and communicate equipment status, readings, and issues clearly during shift turnover
• Adhere to all plant safety programs, environmental compliance requirements, and site-specific operating policies
• Work closely with control room operators, maintenance technicians, and plant supervision to support safe and efficient plant operations
• Respond to equipment alarms and abnormal field conditions in a timely manner; elevate issues to control room personnel as appropriate
• Perform minor field maintenance tasks and support scheduled maintenance outage activities as directed by plant supervision

Ideal Candidate Profile

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience as an Operator at a biomass, coal, gas, or comparable thermal power generation facility
• Solid knowledge of plant equipment operation including pumps, valves, fans, conveyors, and auxiliary systems; ability to perform field lineups and alignments accurately
• Familiarity with traveling grate boiler field operations and wood chip/biomass fuel handling systems; experience with Zurn or similar grate‑fired boiler designs and steam turbine auxiliaries a plus
• Working knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO) and permit‑to‑work procedures; ability to safely isolate and de‑isolate equipment in the field
• Comfortable working rotating day/night shifts outdoors in an industrial environment; strong communication skills and a safety‑first mindset