Biomass Plant Technicians

What the job really is

Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

At a glance

• Sector: Production
• O*NET-SOC code: 51-8013
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
• Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
• Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
• Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
• Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
• Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
• Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
• Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
• Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
• Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
• Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Belt conveyor systems, Biomass boilers, Biomass dryers, Biomass screeners, Bubbling fluidized bed boilers, Circulating fluidized bed boilers, Desktop computers, Disc screeners

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Biomass Power Plant Managers
• Biofuels Processing Technicians
• Power Plant Operators
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
• Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
• Gas Plant Operators
• Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
• Chemical Plant and System Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Biomass Plant Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.