Biomass Plant Technician

Your Fit

Income

$100K

Preparation

Some

Growth

-12.5%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Biomass Plant Technician?

A Biomass Plant Technician is responsible for operating and maintaining biomass power plants or systems that convert biomass into energy or useful forms. They play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and safe production of energy from organic materials like wood, crop waste, and garbage.

Sample job titles:

Auxiliary Operator, Fuel Handler, Operations Technician (Operations Tech), Plant Operator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Biomass Plant Technician.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Biomass Plant Technician earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$60K per year	$77K per year	$100K per year	$112K per year	$129K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $50K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Biomass Plant Technician do?

Work environment

These technicians typically work in biomass power generation plants. The environment can involve exposure to high temperatures, noise, and the handling of organic materials. Safety protocols are strictly adhered to due to potential hazards like machinery and combustible materials.

Quick task list

Monitors and adjusts equipment to optimize energy production.
Performs routine maintenance and repairs on plant equipment.
Ensures compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
Collects and tests biomass feedstock.
Records operational data for analysis.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Feedstock Processing: Specializing in the preparation and handling of biomass materials.
Equipment Maintenance: Focusing on the upkeep and repair of biomass processing equipment.
Environmental Compliance: Ensuring operations meet environmental standards and regulations.
Energy Efficiency Optimization: Working on improving the efficiency of biomass energy conversion.
Safety Management: Specializing in maintaining safe working conditions and adherence to safety protocols.

Description

Biomass Plant Technicians are vital to the renewable energy sector, particularly in the operation of plants that convert organic materials into usable energy. They are tasked with monitoring the plant operations, ensuring that machinery runs efficiently and safely. This role requires a blend of mechanical aptitude, understanding of energy systems, and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

The technician's daily activities often include inspecting biomass feedstock, ensuring it meets the required specifications for energy production, and conducting maintenance on complex machinery. They must also be vigilant about safety, as working with biomass involves handling potentially hazardous materials and operating heavy machinery.

The job also entails data collection and analysis to optimize plant performance. Biomass technicians must understand the intricacies of converting organic material into energy and be capable of troubleshooting issues that may arise during this process.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to sustainable energy production and environmental protection.
Engaging in a technically challenging and evolving field.
Opportunities for career growth in a sector that's vital for future energy solutions.
Job stability and satisfaction from working in a field with a positive environmental impact.

You might make a good Biomass Plant Technician if you are...

Passionate about renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
Skilled in mechanical and technical troubleshooting.
Detail-oriented with a keen interest in operational efficiency.
Comfortable working in industrial environments.
A problem-solver who enjoys hands-on work.

Pros:

Involvement in the growing field of renewable energy.
Opportunities for advancement and specialization.
Diverse work tasks and continual learning experiences.

Cons:

Possible exposure to hazardous materials and conditions.
Physical demands and potential for working in challenging environments.
The requirement for shift work, including nights and weekends in some facilities.

How to become a Biomass Plant Technician

Typical education

Most positions require at least a high school diploma with additional on-the-job training. However, an associate degree or vocational training in fields such as renewable energy technology or power plant operations can be advantageous.

High school preparation

Courses:

Science courses, particularly biology and environmental science.
Technical education in mechanical and electrical systems.
Mathematics for technical problem-solving skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participation in environment-focused clubs or projects.
Internships or volunteer opportunities in renewable energy or related fields.

Preparation after high school

Technical or vocational training in renewable energy technology or power plant operations.
Associate degree programs in fields like renewable energy or mechanical engineering.
Certifications in areas like biomass operations or environmental compliance.
On-the-job training and apprenticeships in biomass plants.

More resources

Biomass Power Association - Offers information and resources on biomass energy.
Renewable Energy World - A platform for the latest news and information in renewable energy.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Resources on safety standards and practices.
Energy.gov – Bioenergy Technologies Office - Information on bioenergy technologies and career opportunities.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.