Control Room Operator (CRO)

The Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, GA, generates 55 net megawatts of renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity. The facility uses a Foster Wheeler boiler, hot precipitator, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to support efficient combustion and reduced emissions. With a single turbine generator, the plant reliably supplies power to the local grid while supporting sustainable energy practices and long-term environmental stewardship.

Opportunity Summary

The Control Room Operator (CRO) supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Franklin Biomass Facility by continuously monitoring and controlling plant systems. This position responds to alarms and upset conditions, takes appropriate corrective action, and performs plant start-up and shutdown activities as required. The CRO operates the Foster Wheeler boiler, steam turbine generator, biomass fuel systems, and associated auxiliary equipment in accordance with approved procedures, technical manuals, environmental requirements, and plant management directives.

Your scope of responsibility as CRO will include the following primary functions:

• Conduct start-up, operation, and shutdown of plant equipment, including the Foster Wheeler boiler, steam turbine generator, and associated auxiliary systems, in accordance with established safety and operating procedures.


• Utilize the distributed control system (DCS) and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to monitor and control the boiler, steam turbine generator, biomass fuel handling, wood yard, and associated balance-of-plant systems.


• Respond to plant alarms, abnormal operating conditions, and system upsets by taking appropriate corrective action to maintain safe, reliable, and efficient generation.


• Track and record critical operating parameters, including pressures, temperatures, fuel consumption, electrical output, steam generation, emissions, water consumption, and overall plant performance.


• Oversee emissions control equipment, including the hot precipitator and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, to support environmental compliance.


• Evaluate equipment performance using operating procedures, technical manuals, system documentation, and established plant practices.


• Identify equipment conditions requiring maintenance attention, report plant abnormalities, and coordinate corrective actions with Operations, Maintenance, and technical personnel.


• Review operating logs, alarms, and plant data while maintaining accurate records related to generation, steam production, emissions, fuel and water consumption, and equipment status.


• Assist with troubleshooting and resolution of equipment and process issues to support plant reliability and performance.


• Provide operational support during maintenance activities and outages, including Lockout/Tagout, equipment isolation, testing, and troubleshooting.


• Maintain familiarity with plant operating manuals, technical references, procedures, and equipment documentation while participating in training related to biomass operations, equipment, procedures, and safety.


• Contribute to NAES Safety, Environmental, and Regulatory Compliance Programs and support a strong culture of safety and environmental compliance.


• Complete other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager in support of safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations.

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 CRO reports directly to the Operations Manager and follows directives from the Plant Manager. The CRO also provides direction to personnel to ensure the reliable operation of the 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 CRO works a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, alternating between days and nights to support continuous 24/7 operations. This position will require extended hours, flexible shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed to support plant operations and business needs and may also require callout availability. Depending on the position, on-call status may or may not apply.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $35 to $40 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Operations Experience and Technical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent, with the ability to understand and apply operating procedures, technical instructions, and plant documentation.


• Demonstrated experience in biomass, steam generation, or comparable power plant operations, including control room operations, start-up, shutdown, and response to abnormal conditions.


• Strong knowledge of biomass-fired boilers, steam turbines, generators, and auxiliary equipment; Foster Wheeler boiler experience preferred.


• Practical understanding of biomass combustion, steam generation, heat transfer, and steam power generation principles.


• Familiarity with emissions control and monitoring systems, including SCR, hot precipitators, and continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS).


• Knowledge of plant water chemistry, water treatment, and safe chemical handling practices.


• Proficiency in reading and interpreting operating procedures, technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and system documentation.


• Hands-on experience with human-machine interfaces (HMIs), distributed control systems (DCS), and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) used to control boilers, turbines, fuel handling, and auxiliary systems.


• Understanding of Lockout/Tagout, equipment isolation, troubleshooting practices, and the safe use of hand and power tools.


• Capability to support operations training by sharing technical knowledge, plant procedures, and safe operating practices.


• Commitment to safety, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements, with effective verbal and written communication skills.


• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We serve clients across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors throughout North America and internationally, supporting the full life cycle of power generation and other industrial facilities.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on merit and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, USERRA-protected status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.