Operations Manager

Title: Operations Manager

Position Type: Contract

Location: California

Reports to: Assistant Plant Manager

Status: Exempt or Non-Exempt

Key Project Requirements

- Prior hands-on experience with solid fuel power plants

- Wood fired boiler and Steam Turbine Generator operating experience.

- Management experience at an Operations level

Job Summary

NAES has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Operations Manager to support a 45MW biomass facility in northern California. The Operations Manager reports directly to the Assistant Plant Manager and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and management of staff at the generating plant. The Operations Manager provides direct supervision and leadership to the operations group ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the facility.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

- Directs operations staff to meet generation, efficiency, safety, and environmental standards.

- Develops and manages plant operating philosophies, ensuring maximum availability, productivity, and compliance with procedures.

- Oversees fuel yard operations, including safe storage, mixing, supplier relations, and fuel quality control.

- Manages safety and environmental compliance, including reporting to regulatory authorities.

- Investigates equipment and operational issues to improve performance, minimize downtime, and support maintenance troubleshooting.

- Prepares operating reports, investigates outages, and provides input on budgets to optimize cost, quality, and outage planning.

- Establishes performance goals, conducts reviews, and ensures employee training, staffing, scheduling, and compliance with company policies.

- Provides operational input for maintenance, budgets, and capital planning, maintaining strong communication with plant leadership and staff.

Job Requirements

- Strong knowledge of power plant operations, biomass-fired boilers, steam turbines, and water treatment systems.

- Demonstrated ability to plan, direct, and improve operations processes, with working knowledge of engineering, maintenance, and accounting systems.

- Experience analyzing costs, budgets, and market dynamics to drive efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

- Skilled in troubleshooting, risk-based asset management (RBAM), and performance improvement.

- Proficient in MS Office and computer-based maintenance management systems.

- Strong oral and written communication skills, with proven leadership and team management experience.

- Ability to work shifts, irregular hours, and under conditions typical of a biomass facility.

Physical Requirements

- Ability Ability to stand, walk, and climb ladders frequently.

- Lift up to 50 lbs as needed.

- Tolerate noise and environmental conditions typical of a power plant environment.

- Consistent use of PPE required.

Education / Experience

- High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 6+ years supervisory experience in a solid-fuel power plant, OR - Associate degree or industry-recognized certificate with 4+ years supervisory experience, OR - Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline with 3+ years supervisory experience.

- Advanced consideration will be given to applicants who have with wood fired boiler and steam turbine generator operating experience.