Biomass Plant Technicians
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Overview
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
Education
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $48K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $65K
Median Salary: $84K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $99K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $111K
Demand
Core Tasks
Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.
Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.
Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.
Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.
Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.
Assess quality of biomass feedstock.
Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.
Operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and front-end loaders.
Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Mechanical
79%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry
69%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
English Language
66%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
66%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology
63%
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.
Education and Training
62%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Computers and Electronics
61%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mathematics
58%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
57%
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.
Administration and Management
54%
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.
Top 10 Skills
Operations Monitoring
80%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Operation and Control
78%
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Monitoring
68%
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking
63%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making
63%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning
60%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening
60%
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.
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination
60%
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Equipment Maintenance
60%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Top 10 Abilities
Near Vision
78%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Control Precision
75%
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Problem Sensitivity
75%
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.
Information Ordering
68%
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).
Deductive Reasoning
65%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Multilimb Coordination
65%
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Perceptual Speed
65%
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Reaction Time
65%
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Written Comprehension
65%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
63%
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Top 10 Work Activities
Controlling Machines and Processes
87%
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
85%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
85%
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Documenting/Recording Information
82%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
81%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
81%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
80%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Analyzing Data or Information
76%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
76%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Detailed Work Activities
Operate biomass or biofuel production equipment.
Test materials, solutions, or samples.
Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
Inspect sustainable energy production facilities or equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
Operate pumping systems or equipment.
Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
Load materials into production equipment.
Clean work areas.
Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
Measure stock or liquid levels in sustainable fuel production systems.
Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
Evaluate quality of materials or products.
Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
Prepare biological feedstock for physical, chemical, or biological processing.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Work Context
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?
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?
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?
Frequency of Decision Making
How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
Exposed to Contaminants
How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?
Exposed to High Places
How often does this job require exposure to high places?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Power Plant Operators
Major
Interests
Realistic
86%
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.
Conventional
58%
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.
Investigative
43%
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.
Enterprising
29%
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.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Artistic
15%
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
Dependability
83%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Attention to Detail
80%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Cooperation
80%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Stress Tolerance
78%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Adaptability/Flexibility
72%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Initiative
72%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control
72%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Independence
71%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Integrity
71%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
71%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Work Values
Support
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Working Conditions
58%
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
53%
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.
Independence
43%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
43%
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.
Relationships
39%
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.
