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Biomass Plant Technicians

The occupation Biomass Plant Technicians covers people who control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on operations monitoring, operation and control, and monitoring. One core duty is to operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions. On the six-type interest model it reads RCI, meaning hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world comes first, followed by orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. People who want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

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

Main tasks

  • 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.

Skills

  • Operations Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Monitoring
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on operations monitoring and operation and control.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Auxiliary Operator
  • Central Heating Plant Operator
  • Fuel Handler
  • Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech)
  • Heating Plant Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.