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Methane/Landfill Gas Generation System Technician

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AVG. SALARY

$83,570

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EDUCATION

High school preferred +

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JOB OUTLOOK

Decreasing

What They Do

Biomass Plant Technicians Career Video

About This Career

Controls and monitors biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Production pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Operates biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
  • Performs tests of water chemistry in boilers.
  • Operates high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
  • Operates equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
  • Operates equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
  • Inspects biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
  • Records or reports operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.
  • Operates valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.
  • Calculates, measures, loads, or mixes biomass feedstock for power generation.
  • Cleans work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
  • Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
  • Lighting is either extremely bright or inadequate
  • Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
  • Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
  • Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
  • Work at heights above 8 feet more than once a month on structures such as ladders, poles, scaffolding, and catwalks

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Picking out a particular sound in the presence of other sounds
  • Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Detecting sounds and hearing the differences between sounds of different pitch and loudness
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Steam Plant Operator
  • Auxiliary Operator
  • Central Heating Plant Operator
  • Fuel Handler
  • Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech)
  • Heating Plant Operator
  • Operations Technician (Operations Tech)
  • Plant Operator
  • Plant Technician