Photo courtesy of David Parsons|National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
The job of plant operator is an entry-level position in bioenergy, in the infrastructure career sub-sector. Job seekers with infrastructure backgrounds or students in trade or vocational school could consider this type of entry-level bioenergy job.
Plant operators work under supervision with equipment—including heavy construction, maintenance, and industrial machines—to control chemical reactions, process intermediate products, and move feedstock through a plant smoothly. People in these positions may hold internships or entry-level jobs in bioenergy plant operation.
Plant Operator
| Alternate Title(s) | Engineering Equipment Operator; Chemical Equipment Operator; Construction Equipment Operator; Farm Machinery Operator; Storage Facility Operator |
| Education & Training Level Description | High school diploma and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. On-the job training, apprenticeship, associate’s degree, or trade school preferred. |
| Experience | 0–3 years |
| Job Skills |
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| Job Profile | Biorefineries are a key component of the bioenergy supply chain in converting aquatic and terrestrial biomass into an intermediate substance that can be turned into fuels, chemicals, or other bioproducts. Biorefinery employees work to keep the plant operational and efficient, in order to maximize outputs for distribution to upgrading facilities and end consumers. Industrial plant activities generally revolve around keeping the plant operational and can include working with heavy industrial equipment, fixing any worn or broken machinery parts, and testing the quality of the end products. Within the bioenergy sector, plant workers can also be engaged with combining chemicals and testing fuel and chemical end product quality. At the entry level, plant operators work under supervision with equipment, including heavy construction, maintenance, and industrial machines, to control chemical reactions, process intermediate products, and move feedstock through the plant smoothly. A high school diploma is required. On-the-job training, apprenticeship, or trade school experience is highly preferred. Employers value relevant experience gained through part-time employment, internships, or volunteer work. |
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