Operations Manager

Power Industry Support, LLC is actively recruiting an Operations Manager for the Buena Vista Biomass Power Plant located in Ione, CA. The facility is an 18 MW CFB Biomass fueled power plant.

We are looking for an experienced Operations and Maintenance Manager with a solid background in power generation with strong O&M background and organization skills. Solid fuel (Coal, Biomass, WTE) experience is a plus.

Salary Range: $110K – $135K + Benefits

The hiring company does not provide sponsorship at this time.

A Biomass Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the complete operation of facilities that converts organic materials—such as wood, agricultural waste, or refuse—into renewable energy. This position balances technical oversight of complex machinery with strategic operational management, personnel leadership, and strict regulatory compliance. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Operational Oversight: oversee 24/7 plant operations to ensure efficient energy production. This includes monitoring Distributed Control Systems (DCS), adjusting controls to meet electrical power demand, and overseeing the startup or shutdown of boilers and generators.
• Scheduling: The operations manager is responsible for scheduling all shifts to ensure adequate coverage of all operations roles. The operations manager may be required to cover shifts in an emergency. You will be responsible for scheduling training and performance reviews of the operations team.
• Maintenance & Reliability: Work closely with maintenance team to ensure a 90% or great reliability.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce safety protocols, including Lock Out Tag Out (LOTO) programs, and ensure the plant meets all federal and state environmental permits (e.g., EPA, OSHA, NERC).
• Financial Performance: Work with the Plant Manager to Develop and manage O&M budget. Operations Managers analyze production data and cost trends to identify opportunities for improved profitability and efficiency.
• Personnel Leadership: Hire, train, and mentor a cross-functional workforce of Control Operators, Plant Operators and Fuel Yard/ Loader operators to balance employee satisfaction and plant performance.
• Monitor KPI’s: the operations manager will be responsible to report KPI’s such as forced outage rate, generation reports, capacity factor, start up time and planned vs unplanned maintenance ratio.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Life Sciences, or Business Administration or equivalent work experience.
• Experience: Often requires 7 to 10+ years of experience in power plant operations or maintenance, with significant time in a supervisory role.
• Technical Proficiency: Extensive knowledge of steam generators, solid fuel boilers, SCADA systems, and mechanical/electrical troubleshooting.
• Certifications: Candidates may need a valid driver’s license and the ability to obtain certifications for full-face respirator use or specialized safety standards. Possibly other licenses or certification as required by the plant.

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents. Benefits include Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, PTO, Sick Time, Bereavement and 401k.