The Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, GA, and the Madison Biomass Facility in Colbert, GA, each produce 55 net megawatts of clean, renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity. Utilizing advanced Foster Wheeler boilers with vibrating grate stokers, along with hot precipitators and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems, both facilities are designed for high efficiency and reduced emissions. With one turbine generator at each site, these plants play a vital role in supporting local energy needs while promoting environmental stewardship in their communities.
Opportunity Summary
The Plant Manager will lead the operations of the Franklin Biomass and Madison Biomass facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable performance across all plant functions, including safety, compliance, maintenance, and training. This role is crucial in optimizing plant operations, managing outages, and ensuring full compliance with environmental and regulatory standards while maximizing profitability. The Plant Manager will foster a culture of continuous improvement, providing hands-on support to the team and enhancing the facilities’ positions as sustainable, community-focused energy providers.
Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:
•The Plant Manager will administer the safety, operations, maintenance, training, administrative, chemistry, and environmental compliance programs for the Franklin Biomass and Madison Biomass facilities, ensuring their safe, efficient, and reliable operation.
•Apply sound business principles, best-in-class operational techniques, and utility-grade practices to support long-term plant performance and profitability.
•Manage and oversee planned and unplanned outages, coordinating closely with wood fuel supply chains and contractors to optimize outage schedules. Ensure the availability, readiness, and operational integrity of all critical plant systems to support safe, efficient, and timely return to service.
•Oversee compliance with project agreements including the O&M agreement, wood biomass fuel supply contracts, service agreements, and interconnection agreements. Ensure that all technical, commercial, and environmental obligations are fully met.
•Develop and execute staffing plans, training programs, and operator qualification processes aligned with the operational needs of wood-fired biomass systems and high-efficiency steam cycle equipment.
•Promote a strong safety culture, maintaining procedures tailored to risks associated with biomass fuel handling, combustion processes, high-temperature steam systems, and air emissions controls.
•Ensure full compliance with all environmental permits, with particular attention to emissions regulations related to wood combustion and the proper operation of the SCR and hot precipitator. Manage ash byproducts responsibly and ensure timely submission of environmental reports.
•Control and monitor plant expenditures using budgeting and cost control tools, with an emphasis on optimizing fuel procurement, maintenance cycles, and overall operating cost per megawatt-hour.
•Act as the primary liaison to regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and local officials, positioning the plant as a responsible, sustainable, and community-focused energy provider.
•Provide technical support to Operations and Maintenance personnel, assisting with troubleshooting and root cause analysis related to fuel feed systems, boiler combustion stability, stoker performance, SCR operation, and turbine generator reliability.
•Lead the plant team by example, conducting periodic reviews of operating procedures, safety protocols, and maintenance practices to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with plant objectives.
•Complete special assignments from senior leadership, including strategic planning initiatives, performance improvement projects, and long-term capital planning.
•Maintain dependable, consistent attendance to ensure operational continuity and provide visible, engaged leadership.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:
•Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly).
•Address safety in all group meetings.
•Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work.
•Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division.
•Involve all NAES teammates in these activities.
•Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements.
•Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations.
•Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors.
•Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.
Working Relationships
The Plant Manager reports to the Operations Director and supervises the managers, technicians, and Plant Administrator. The Plant Manager is the single point of contact between NAES and the Owner on all matters pertaining to the operation, maintenance, and commercial management of the plant.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
The power plant environment may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and working in close proximity to moving machinery, fuel feed systems, and combustion equipment. Personnel may be exposed to dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, high noise levels, and varying outdoor weather conditions.
Some duties may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include hard hats, safety glasses and goggles, air masks or respirators, hearing protection, chemical-resistant clothing, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required due to potential exposure to combustion byproducts or fine particulates. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.
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 regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours. 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.
Some travel will be involved to provide operational support at both the Franklin Biomass and Madison Biomass facilities, as well as to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary of $138,400 to $193,700, plus eligibility for an annual performance bonus. The salary range accommodates candidates at varying levels of experience and qualifications.
Job Qualifications
We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
•A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
•Prior experience as a Plant Manager at a biomass, solid-fuel, or steam turbine-based power generation facility is strongly preferred. Experience with independent power producers is highly desirable.
•Extensive experience in the business principles and operational practices of power generating facilities, particularly within the independent power sector.
•Demonstrated technical proficiency in plant operations and maintenance with the ability to provide hands-on support and effective troubleshooting assistance to operations and maintenance personnel.
•Proven ability to supervise and lead technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel in a team-oriented and safety-focused environment.
•Demonstrated expertise in environmental compliance including air, water, and waste regulations, as well as budget development, organizational development, and contract administration.
•Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting methods for monitoring and controlling plant expenditures.
•Thorough understanding of safety regulations and experience in promoting a culture of safety awareness among plant personnel.
•Exceptional leadership, motivational, and communication (oral and written) skills are essential, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of the organization.
•Results-driven problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a track record of successfully leading change initiatives to enhance technical, human resources, business, and financial performance.
•Excellent community relations skills with the ability to act as a liaison to regulatory agencies and engage with the local community.
•Must possess a valid and unrestricted 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 have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
Experience
Preferred
•We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.
•A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
•Prior experience as a Plant Manager at a biomass, solid-fuel, or steam turbine-based power generation facility is strongly preferred. Experience with independent power producers is highly desirable.
•Extensive experience in the business principles and operational practices of power generating facilities, particularly within the independent power sector.
•Demonstrated technical proficiency in plant operations and maintenance with the ability to provide hands-on support and effective troubleshooting assistance to operations and maintenance personnel.
•Proven ability to supervise and lead technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel in a team-oriented and safety-focused environment.
•Demonstrated expertise in environmental compliance including air, water, and waste regulations, as well as budget development, organizational development, and contract administration.
•Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost accounting methods for monitoring and controlling plant expenditures.
•Thorough understanding of safety regulations and experience in promoting a culture of safety awareness among plant personnel.
•Exceptional leadership, motivational, and communication (oral and written) skills are essential, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of the organization.
•Results-driven problem solver, motivator, and team builder with a track record of successfully leading change initiatives to enhance technical, human resources, business, and financial performance.
•Excellent community relations skills with the ability to act as a liaison to regulatory agencies and engage with the local community.
Education
Preferred
•Bachelors or better in Engineering or related field
Licenses & Certifications
Required
Skills
Preferred
•Safety Statutes and Regulations
•Safety Policies and Procedures
•Safety Plan Creation/Maintenance
•O&M - Operations & Maintenance
•Power Plant Fundamentals
•Key Performance Indicators
•Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
Preferred
•Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
•Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
•Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
•Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Carnesville, GA
Full-time
$138,400-$193,700
