Yard Technician, Heavy Equipment

NAES•Carnesville, GA

2d•$22 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

The Franklin Biomass Facility, located in Carnesville, GA, generates 55 net megawatts of clean, renewable energy by converting sustainably sourced wood biomass into electricity. The facility utilizes an advanced Foster Wheeler boiler, along with a hot precipitator and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, to ensure efficient combustion and reduced emissions. With a single turbine generator, the plant reliably supplies power to the local grid while promoting sustainable energy practices and supporting long-term environmental stewardship in the region. Opportunity Summary The Yard Technician at the Franklin Biomass Facility plays a vital role in supporting daily plant operations by operating heavy equipment, monitoring systems, performing light maintenance, and ensuring safe and efficient plant performance. This position collaborates closely with the Control Room Operator and Shift Supervisor to inspect plant systems, respond to operational needs, and provide training on routine procedures. It offers valuable hands-on experience across equipment operation, maintenance, and safety functions, while fostering skill development essential for career advancement within the facility. Your scope of responsibility as Yard Technician includes the following primary functions: Demonstrate a high-performance, safety-conscious, disciplined, accountable, and achievement-oriented work ethic. Safely and responsibly use all plant equipment, following the guidance and prescribed limits of the Shift Supervisor. Utilize a front-end loader to supply fuel to the boiler, ensuring a consistent and safe fuel feed for plant operation. Operate a skid steer to perform cleaning and material handling duties around the plant, maintaining safe and organized work areas. Conduct daily plant equipment checks and perform light maintenance. Support operational requirements of the Preventive Maintenance Program. Monitor plant systems and equipment through regular visual inspections, quickly detecting and communicating any abnormalities. Maintain consistent oil levels to uphold equipment reliability. Isolate equipment for maintenance; tag components, inspect and report status, and activate remote control mechanisms as required. Assist Heavy Equipment Operators with machine operation, inspection, cleaning, and fuel transfer to the reclaimer. Assist the Control Room Operator and Shift Supervisor through onsite system operation and inspection; support plant performance while developing skills for advancement. Support Mechanical Maintenance, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C), and other Operations personnel as needed. Train drivers on proper procedures for offloading trucks onto tippers and provide training and technical instruction to other shift members as needed. Use Three-Way radio communication to ensure clear and effective information exchange. Handle incoming plant communications and monitor the front gate. Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring assigned tools, equipment, and workspaces are properly maintained and secured. Complete additional tasks as assigned by Control Room Operators and Plant Management, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to plant operations. Perform miscellaneous duties as directed by the Shift Supervisor. NAES Safe Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance. Working Relationships The Yard Technician reports directly to the Shift Supervisor and receives general direction from plant management. The Yard Technician also coordinates with all other plant personnel to ensure the safe and efficient daily operation of the biomass facility. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, entering and exiting equipment cabs, and traversing uneven or elevated surfaces. The role requires routinely lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways. Operators must be prepared to work in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor work in all weather conditions is required, including in high-heat environments adjacent to biomass processing systems. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory and may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, high-visibility clothing, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), respirators, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions are enforced in and around the facility to ensure plant safety and environmental compliance. 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 Yard Technician’s schedule is based on a rotating 12-hour modified DuPont shift pattern. 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. Compensation This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $21.65 to $24.81 per hour, along with eligibility for an annual performance bonus. Core Qualifications and Skills We are seeking a skilled Yard Technician with experience supporting operations and maintenance in fuel handling and storage, a strong commitment to safety compliance, and a proven track record of contributing to team objectives while consistently achieving performance and quality standards.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent, with a solid foundation in following procedures, safety protocols, and work instructions.
Skilled in using precision measuring tools, diagnostic equipment, and performing light mechanical maintenance such as routine inspections, oil level checks, equipment cleaning, and fuel transfer.
Experience operating heavy equipment, such as 950 loaders, D6 and 834-wheel dozers, and skid steers, with demonstrated proficiency in safe and efficient machine handling.
Proficient in safety protocols, including lockout/tagout procedures, to safely isolate equipment and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
Proficient in radio communication and operational coordination, with a strong team focus demonstrated by collaborating on maintenance tasks, supervising contractors, and maintaining quality and safety standards during plant operations.
Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills to identify abnormalities, maintain organized work areas, and adhere to operational limits.
Excellent oral and written communication skills for clear coordination with team members, management, and accurate reporting of maintenance activities.
Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

Nice To Haves

Technical training in heavy equipment operation, industrial maintenance, or biomass systems is desirable.
An Associate Degree in a related field—such as Power Plant Technology or Mechanical Systems—is a plus.
Basic knowledge of control room operations and plant systems, including monitoring equipment, following operational procedures, and assisting Control Room Operators and Shift Supervisors effectively.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate a high-performance, safety-conscious, disciplined, accountable, and achievement-oriented work ethic.
Safely and responsibly use all plant equipment, following the guidance and prescribed limits of the Shift Supervisor.
Utilize a front-end loader to supply fuel to the boiler, ensuring a consistent and safe fuel feed for plant operation.
Operate a skid steer to perform cleaning and material handling duties around the plant, maintaining safe and organized work areas.
Conduct daily plant equipment checks and perform light maintenance.
Support operational requirements of the Preventive Maintenance Program.
Monitor plant systems and equipment through regular visual inspections, quickly detecting and communicating any abnormalities.
Maintain consistent oil levels to uphold equipment reliability.
Isolate equipment for maintenance; tag components, inspect and report status, and activate remote control mechanisms as required.
Assist Heavy Equipment Operators with machine operation, inspection, cleaning, and fuel transfer to the reclaimer.
Assist the Control Room Operator and Shift Supervisor through onsite system operation and inspection; support plant performance while developing skills for advancement.
Support Mechanical Maintenance, Instrumentation and Controls (I&C), and other Operations personnel as needed.
Train drivers on proper procedures for offloading trucks onto tippers and provide training and technical instruction to other shift members as needed.
Use Three-Way radio communication to ensure clear and effective information exchange.
Handle incoming plant communications and monitor the front gate.
Maintain a clean and organized work area, ensuring assigned tools, equipment, and workspaces are properly maintained and secured.
Complete additional tasks as assigned by Control Room Operators and Plant Management, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to plant operations.
Perform miscellaneous duties as directed by the Shift Supervisor.