Fuel Handler Operator

About the role

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Working Conditions

• Physical demands include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, entering and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces.
• Routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.
• Work in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment.
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions, including high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems.
• 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.

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.

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.

Pay

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $25 to $29 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

About the Company

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.