Fuel Handler Operator

The Halifax County Biomass (HCB) Project is a woody biomass-fueled electric generation facility located in South Boston, Virginia, encompassing a 104‑acre site. The plant, with a nameplate capacity of 49.9 MW, began commercial operation in late 2013. It utilizes sustainably sourced wood materials to generate renewable electricity, supporting both regional power needs and local forest-based economies. Opportunity Summary The Fuel Handler Operator at the Halifax County Biomass Facility plays a vital role in supporting renewable energy production through the safe and efficient handling of woody biomass fuel operations. This position offers the opportunity to operate advanced heavy equipment, maintain critical fuel handling systems, and contribute directly to plant reliability, environmental stewardship, and workplace safety. Team members will work in a fast-paced industrial environment while developing valuable operational, maintenance, and problem-solving skills within the growing renewable energy industry. Your scope of responsibility as Fuel Handler Operator includes the following primary functions: Perform daily biomass fuel receiving, unloading, conveying, reclaiming, stacking, and storage operations to ensure continuous and reliable fuel supply to the generating facility. Safely operate and maintain heavy equipment including Caterpillar D8T dozers, John Deere 9RX 590 track machines, Cat 950 loaders, tractors, telehandlers, and additional fuel yard support equipment. Coordinate fuel supply deliveries with scale house operations and plant personnel to maintain adequate fuel inventory levels and support uninterrupted plant generation requirements. Monitor, inspect, and manage biomass fuel quality by ensuring proper fuel blending, sizing, moisture content, and material consistency for efficient combustion performance. Inspect fuel yard conditions routinely to identify and mitigate risks associated with fuel degradation, excessive heat buildup, spontaneous combustion, dust accumulation, or unsafe storage conditions. Conduct operational checks and inspections on conveyors, reclaimers, hoggers, dust control systems, loaders, tractors, dozers, and telehandlers to verify safe and reliable equipment operation. Complete and verify the accuracy of equipment inspection checklists, operating logs, fuel inventory records, and equipment usage documentation in accordance with plant procedures. Perform preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance support, lubrication activities, and scheduled weekly deep-cleaning cycles on fuel handling equipment and associated systems. Troubleshoot mechanical, operational, and process-related issues involving fuel handling systems and mobile equipment to minimize downtime and improve operational reliability. Ensure fire suppression systems, fire prevention equipment, and related safety devices are operational, inspected each shift, and fully compliant with plant safety requirements. Follow all company safety policies, environmental procedures, permit requirements, and Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) practices while performing operational and maintenance activities. Participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), safety meetings, operational briefings, emergency response activities, and plant operations meetings to promote safe and effective plant operations. Communicate effectively with Operations Management, maintenance personnel, scale house staff, fuel suppliers, and plant operators regarding fuel quality concerns, delivery issues, emergency maintenance activities, equipment downtime, preventive maintenance schedules, fuel inventory status, and overall fuel handling 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 Fuel Handler Operator reports directly to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from plant management. The Fuel Handler 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 stairs and ladders, entering and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces. The role requires routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways. Operators must be prepared to work in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor work in all weather conditions is 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 Handler Operator's schedule is based on a rotating 12-hour modified DuPont shift pattern. 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 $25 to $29 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Core Qualifications and Skills We are seeking a skilled Fuel Handler 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 required, with the ability to read, understand, and follow detailed operating procedures, safety policies, and work instructions applicable to fuel handling and plant operations; a technical degree or a minimum of two years of power generation or industrial operations experience is preferred. Demonstrated experience safely operating heavy equipment such as loaders, dozers, skid steers, tractors, telehandlers, or similar mobile equipment used in industrial, biomass, forestry, or fuel handling operations. Working knowledge of plant systems and basic control room operations, including monitoring equipment conditions, inspecting plant parameters, following operating procedures, and supporting Control Room Operators and Shift Supervisors. Basic mechanical aptitude with experience performing routine inspections, preventive maintenance activities, oil level checks, lubrication, equipment cleaning, fuel transfer operations, and minor mechanical troubleshooting. Strong understanding of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), hazard recognition, hazardous waste management, equipment isolation, and compliance with safety and environmental standards. Detail-oriented with strong troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify abnormal equipment conditions, maintain organized work areas, and accurately document operational data. Effective communication and teamwork skills, including proficiency with radio communications, coordinating daily operations, and collaborating with maintenance personnel and contractors to maintain quality and safety standards. 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants. 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.