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 supports renewable energy production through the safe and efficient handling of woody biomass fuel. This role operates heavy equipment, maintains fuel handling systems, and helps ensure reliable plant operations. Working in a fast-paced industrial environment, you'll contribute to plant reliability, environmental stewardship, and workplace safety while building valuable skills in heavy equipment operation, maintenance, and renewable power generation.

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

• Perform biomass fuel receiving, unloading, conveying, reclaiming, stacking, storage, and transfer operations to maintain a continuous and reliable fuel supply.
• Safely operate and inspect heavy equipment, including dozers, loaders, track machines, telehandlers, tractors, and other fuel yard support equipment.
• Coordinate fuel deliveries with scale house personnel and plant staff to maintain fuel inventory and support uninterrupted plant operations.
• Monitor biomass fuel quality, including blending, sizing, moisture content, and storage conditions to promote efficient combustion and prevent degradation or fire hazards.
• Inspect, monitor, and perform routine operational checks on conveyors, reclaimers, hoggers, dust control systems, and mobile equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Perform preventive maintenance, lubrication, housekeeping, and minor corrective maintenance while identifying and reporting equipment deficiencies.
• Troubleshoot fuel handling equipment and operational issues to minimize downtime and improve plant reliability.
• Maintain accurate inspection reports, operating logs, equipment records, and fuel inventory documentation in accordance with plant procedures.
• Follow all company safety policies, environmental requirements, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures, and participate in Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), safety meetings, and emergency response activities.
• Communicate effectively with operations, maintenance, scale house personnel, fuel suppliers, contractors, and plant management regarding fuel quality, equipment status, maintenance activities, and daily operations.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the facility.

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.

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

• High school diploma or equivalent required. A technical degree or at least two years of power generation, industrial operations, biomass, forestry, or related heavy industrial experience is preferred.
• Experience safely operating heavy equipment such as loaders, dozers, skid steers, tractors, telehandlers, or similar mobile equipment.
• Working knowledge of industrial or power plant operations, including equipment inspections, operating procedures, and supporting plant operations.
• Mechanical aptitude with experience performing inspections, preventive maintenance, lubrication, equipment cleaning, and minor mechanical troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of industrial safety practices, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), hazard recognition, equipment isolation, and environmental compliance.
• Strong troubleshooting, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize abnormal equipment conditions and accurately document operational information.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, including coordinating daily activities with operations, maintenance personnel, contractors, and fuel suppliers.
• 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.