Tipper Operator

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 Tipper Operator at the Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, GA, supports the safe and efficient handling of wood biomass fuel used to generate approximately 55 MW of renewable energy. This position operates truck tipper and unloading equipment, inspects incoming fuel deliveries, monitors fuel quality and material flow, and maintains accurate delivery records. The Tipper Operator works closely with plant personnel to help maintain a reliable fuel supply while following established safety, environmental, and operating procedures.

Your scope of responsibility as Tipper Operator includes the following primary functions:

Fuel Unloading and Material Handling

• Operate truck tipper and related unloading equipment to safely and efficiently receive biomass fuel deliveries.


• Inspect incoming trailers and biomass material for acceptable condition and fuel quality before unloading.


• Coordinate truck movements and unloading sequences to maintain efficient traffic flow and minimize delivery turnaround time.


• Monitor unloading activities based on fuel characteristics, weather conditions, and available fuel-handling capacity.


• Track supplier deliveries and help prevent blockages, spills, or unnecessary material loss.

Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

• Perform daily pre-use inspections of tipper and unloading equipment and identify hydraulic, mechanical, or safety concerns.


• Report equipment abnormalities, malfunctions, and unsafe conditions to appropriate plant or maintenance personnel.


• Complete minor routine maintenance such as lubrication, tightening fittings, cleaning, and basic equipment care.


• Keep tipper and unloading equipment clean, functional, and ready for operation.


• Assist maintenance personnel with troubleshooting and related equipment support as needed.

Safety, Compliance, and Recordkeeping

• Follow all plant safety, environmental, and operating procedures, including proper use of required PPE.


• Promptly report hazards, near misses, spills, equipment failures, and other abnormal conditions.


• Participate in safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), emergency response activities, and other required safety programs.


• Maintain accurate records of biomass deliveries, including truck identification, delivery volumes, fuel quality observations, and supplier information.


• Document equipment inspections, operating issues, and service activities and communicate significant conditions to plant supervision.

General Plant Support and Housekeeping

• Maintain the tipping station, unloading area, and surrounding work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition.


• Assist with fuel-yard activities and coordinate with plant personnel to support continuous biomass handling and plant operations.


• Support planned outages, special projects, fuel inventory activities, and other assigned plant work.


• Respond to changing operational priorities and assist other team members as needed.


• Perform additional duties as assigned to support 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 Tipper Operator reports to the Operations Manager and takes general direction from the Plant Manager. This position works closely with other plant personnel to support safe and efficient operations.

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 Tipper Operator’s works a Monday to Friday schedule. 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 $18.62 to $22.33 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required; vocational or technical training in industrial operations, equipment handling, or a related field is preferred.


• Prior experience operating truck tipper, material-handling, or similar industrial equipment in a biomass, power generation, manufacturing, or related environment.


• Knowledge of safe truck tipping practices, equipment positioning, and biomass or bulk-material unloading procedures.


• Basic mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform routine equipment inspections, identify mechanical issues, and assist with minor maintenance or repairs.


• Familiarity with industrial safety practices, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), hazard recognition, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Strong attention to detail with a focus on safety, fuel quality, equipment condition, and operational requirements.


• Effective communication and teamwork skills with the ability to coordinate with drivers, plant personnel, and maintenance staff.


• Ability to work independently, follow established procedures, and respond to changing priorities in a fast-paced industrial environment.


• 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.