Operations Manager chez NAES Corporation

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 Operations Manager oversees the Franklin Biomass Facility in Carnesville, Georgia, ensuring its safe, reliable, and efficient conversion of sustainably sourced wood fuel into clean, renewable energy. This role maintains strict compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards while managing budgets, optimizing staffing, and scheduling, and driving continuous improvement through performance analysis and operational excellence. The position is instrumental in sustaining reliability, efficiency, and environmental stewardship at the facility.

Your scope of responsibility as Operations Manager includes the following primary functions:

• Direct the Operations Team at the Franklin Biomass Facility to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient biomass plant operations aligned with safety, environmental, and performance goals.
• Develop and manage operations budgets, aligning expenditures with production, reliability, and cost objectives.
• Oversee operator scheduling to ensure adequate coverage for continuous, compliant operation, including on-call support for reliability and emergencies.
• Coordinate and monitor fuel handling—deliveries, storage, quality testing, and inventory—to maintain consistent combustion efficiency and emissions compliance.
• Optimize plant performance by analyzing operational data and equipment reliability to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with Maintenance Managers and technical staff to assess equipment condition, prioritize work, and support maintenance planning.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and controlled documents to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
• Lead training, development, and safety initiatives to strengthen team performance and sustain a safety-focused culture.
• Oversee the water chemistry program, ensuring proper sampling, testing, and chemical inventory for reliable steam generation.
• Coordinate environmental compliance activities, ensuring adherence to permits, air quality standards, and company policies.
• Manage emergency preparedness and response programs to ensure readiness for operational, fire, or environmental incidents.
• Interface with grid operations and utility dispatch to ensure compliance with generation schedules and power delivery requirements.
• Manage contractors and work scopes to ensure projects meet safety, efficiency, and performance expectations.
• Support asset management and reliability planning through long-term equipment improvement strategies.
• Prepare operational and compliance reports for ownership, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the facility in audits, inspections, and community or sustainability initiatives to support transparency and engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Franklin Biomass Facility.

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. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance.

Working Relationships

The Operations Manager reports to the Plant Manager and supervises subordinate operations personnel. The Operations Manager coordinates with the Maintenance Manager, Compliance Coordinator, Plant Engineer, and Plant Administrator as needed in the daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

Power plant environment that may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and handling hazardous materials, with exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and noise. Work may include high heat near equipment and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of protective equipment, which can include hard hats, safety glasses, and eye protection, air masks/respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

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 Operations Manager works a standard Monday to Friday day shift schedule, ensuring consistent plant operation and support during regular business hours. This position will also 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.

Some travel may be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $128,000 to $160,000 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Professional Expertise & Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

• A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent discipline is preferred, providing a solid foundation in biomass power generation and plant operations. Equivalent industry or military experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis.
• Supervisory or management experience in power plant operations is required, preferably in biomass, with demonstrated success leading teams in a safe, reliable, and performance-driven environment.
• Strong technical knowledge of power plant systems, including solid-fuel combustion, steam generation, turbines, generators, fuel handling, water treatment, and emissions control.
• Proven ability to analyze operations and equipment performance to improve efficiency, optimize output, and implement cost-effective solutions.
• Thorough understanding of environmental regulations and permit compliance, including air quality, waste management, water discharge, and chemical handling, with experience overseeing monitoring, reporting, and corrective actions.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments to achieve plant performance, safety, and compliance objectives.
• Experience managing contractors and ensuring adherence to safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, enforcing compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Skilled in managing multiple priorities, adapting to changing conditions, and making sound decisions under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) and plant data historians preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for reporting plant conditions and conveying technical information to management, staff, and regulators.
• Must possess a valid, unrestricted U.S. driver’s license and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.

About NAES

NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.

NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.