Biomass Power Plant Managers

Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Education

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Job Training

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Examples

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.

Manage operations at biomass power generation facilities. Direct work activities at plant, including supervision of operations and maintenance staff.

Salary Salary

Salary at 10th Percentile: $67K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $84K
Median Salary: $108K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $141K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $181K

Demand
Career Demand by State Career Demand by State Legend
Core Tasks

Manage safety programs at power generation facilities.

Review biomass operations performance specifications to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Review logs, datasheets, or reports to ensure adequate production levels and safe production environments or to identify abnormalities with power production equipment or processes.

Shut down and restart biomass power plants or equipment in emergency situations or for equipment maintenance, repairs, or replacements.

Supervise biomass plant or substation operations, maintenance, repair, or testing activities.

Supervise operations or maintenance employees in the production of power from biomass, such as wood, coal, paper sludge, or other waste or refuse.

Compile and record operational data on forms or in log books.

Conduct field inspections of biomass plants, stations, or substations to ensure normal and safe operating conditions.

Plan and schedule plant activities, such as wood, waste, or refuse fuel deliveries, ash removal, and regular maintenance.

Adjust equipment controls to generate specified amounts of electrical power.

Monitor the operating status of biomass plants by observing control system parameters, distributed control systems, switchboard gauges, dials, or other indicators.

Prepare and manage biomass plant budgets.

Test, maintain, or repair electrical power distribution machinery or equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and testing devices.

Evaluate power production or demand trends to identify opportunities for improved operations.

Inspect biomass gasification processes, equipment, and facilities for ways to maximize capacity and minimize operating costs.

Operate controls to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.

Prepare reports on biomass plant operations, status, maintenance, and other information.

Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.

Monitor and operate communications systems, such as mobile radios.

Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Calendar and scheduling software
Employee scheduling software
Computer aided design CAD software
Computer aided design CAD software
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
Facilities management software
Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
Industrial control software
Distributed control system DCS
Inventory management software
Inventory control software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Batteries and generators and kinetic power transmission
Heat recovery steam generators
Computer Equipment and Accessories
Desktop computers
Heating and ventilation and air circulation
Biomass boilers
Heavy construction machinery and equipment
Wood feed systems
Laboratory and scientific equipment
Water samplers
Material handling machinery and equipment
Radial stackers
Power sources
Steam turbines
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
86%
Importance

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Engineering and Technology
82%
Importance

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Production and Processing
82%
Importance

Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Administration and Management
81%
Importance

Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Personnel and Human Resources
78%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Public Safety and Security
74%
Importance

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

Clerical
73%
Importance

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Education and Training
72%
Importance

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Mathematics
71%
Importance

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Computers and Electronics
70%
Importance

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
80%
Importance

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking
80%
Importance

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening
78%
Importance

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Monitoring
78%
Importance

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Reading Comprehension
78%
Importance

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Complex Problem Solving
75%
Importance

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Coordination
75%
Importance

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Judgment and Decision Making
75%
Importance

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Management of Personnel Resources
75%
Importance

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Time Management
73%
Importance

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
80%
Importance

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Oral Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Oral Expression
80%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Problem Sensitivity
80%
Importance

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Written Comprehension
80%
Importance

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Inductive Reasoning
78%
Importance

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Written Expression
75%
Importance

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Information Ordering
73%
Importance

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Near Vision
73%
Importance

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Speech Clarity
73%
Importance

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
91%
Importance

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
89%
Importance

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
87%
Importance

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
87%
Importance

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Processing Information
87%
Importance

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Coaching and Developing Others
86%
Importance

Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
86%
Importance

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Getting Information
86%
Importance

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Scheduling Work and Activities
85%
Importance

Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
84%
Importance

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Detailed Work Activities

Monitor environment to ensure safety.

Enforce rules or regulations.

Evaluate green operations or programs for compliance with standards or regulations.

Monitor green energy equipment, systems, or facilities.

Review documents or materials for compliance with policies or regulations.

Supervise workers performing environmentally sustainable activities.

Direct green energy production operations.

Direct maintenance and repair activities in green energy production facilities.

Inspect operations of green energy facilities.

Schedule activities or facility use.

Schedule product or material transportation.

Prepare operational budgets for green energy or other green operations.

Analyze market research data.

Evaluate energy production data.

Communicate green energy production information.

Manage inventories of products or organizational resources.

Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.

Operate communications equipment or systems.

Operate green energy production equipment.

Compile operational data.

Maintain operational records.

Test green technologies or processes.

Maintain green energy production plant equipment.

Perform manual service or maintenance tasks.

Work Context
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?

Face-to-Face Discussions

How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?

Electronic Mail

How often do you use electronic mail in this job?

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in non-controlled environmental conditions (e.g., warehouse without heat)?

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

Telephone

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

Education
Majors   based on the broader career Industrial Production Managers
Major
Industrial Engineering
Engineering-Related Fields
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
Business/Commerce, General
Business Administration, Management and Operations
Interests
Enterprising
100%
Importance

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional
81%
Importance

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Realistic
72%
Importance

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative
43%
Importance

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Social
29%
Importance

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Artistic
19%
Importance

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Top 10 Work Styles
Stress Tolerance
93%
Importance

Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.

Integrity
90%
Importance

Job requires being honest and ethical.

Dependability
88%
Importance

Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.

Cooperation
87%
Importance

Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

Initiative
87%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.

Achievement/Effort
84%
Importance

Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.

Leadership
84%
Importance

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Concern for Others
83%
Importance

Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.

Analytical Thinking
82%
Importance

Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.

Attention to Detail
82%
Importance

Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.

Work Values
Working Conditions
86%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Achievement
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Recognition
81%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

Independence
77%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

Relationships
62%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

Support
58%
Importance

Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.