Fuel Yard Lead na NAES Corporation

Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) is a 37.5 MW wood biomass gasification power plant located in Plainfield, CT. Owned by Greenleaf Power and operated by NAES Corporation, the facility uses a single steam turbine and generator to produce renewable energy. PRE is equipped with advanced emissions control technologies, including a high-efficiency baghouse, and scrubbing systems to reduce NOx and sulfur dioxide.

Opportunity Summary

The Fuel Yard Lead opportunity offers a key leadership role responsible for overseeing day-to-day fuel yard operations, ensuring safe, reliable, and efficient biomass handling and feed performance. This position drives workforce development through comprehensive training, cross-training, and continuous improvement of Fuel Handler skills and procedures. The Lead also plays a central role in operational coordination, safety compliance, equipment oversight, vendor communication, and outage support to maintain consistent 24/7 plant readiness.

Your scope of responsibility as Fuel Yard Lead includes the following primary functions:

Leadership, Training, and Operational Support

• Assume operational command of the fuel yard during assigned shifts to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient day-to-day operations.
• Work with the Operations Manager to maintain and continuously improve the Fuel Yard Training Program, ensuring it includes job-specific and cross-training content along with equipment- and task-specific procedures.
• Conduct all Fuel Handler training, including onboarding, refresher, and progression programs.
• Identify and coordinate cross-training opportunities within and between departments.
• Stay current with industry practices and technologies and apply improvements to internal procedures and training materials.
• Develop and communicate back-shift (nights and weekends) work plans to ensure consistent operations.
• Provide off-shift support and shift coverage as needed to ensure continuous 24/7 operational support for Fuel Handlers.
• Delegate responsibilities during planned absences and assume additional duties during management or peer absences.

Operations, Safety, and Coordination

• Review Fuel Handler rounds and mobile equipment inspections and coordinate required maintenance or service with appropriate personnel or vendors.
• Collaborate with the Operations Team to maintain an optimal biomass fuel blend, supply, storage, and handling.
• Conduct regular fuel yard walkdowns to identify safety hazards, operational issues, and areas for upgrade.
• Ensure that Daily As-Fired (DAF) fuel samples are collected, documented, and compliant with plant requirements, and train employees in sampling procedures while conducting periodic audits.
• Support Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) functions, including safety compliance, hazard identification, and participation in EHS-related activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vendors and service providers, ensuring effective communication and coordination with outside parties.
• Participate in outage planning, logic modifications, fuel supply strategy development, and contractor coordination.
• Support operations during equipment outages and assist in identifying and implementing operational workarounds.

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 Fuel Yard Lead reports directly to the Operations Manager and receives general direction from plant management. The Fuel Yard Lead will coordinate with Operations Manager, Power Block Lead, and all other plant personnel as it pertains to the safe and reliable daily operation of the plant.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical demands include standing for extended periods of time, climbing multiple levels of stairs, climbing ladders over 50 feet in height, entering and exiting equipment cabs, traversing uneven or elevated surfaces, and working inside confined spaces. The role routinely requires lifting up to 50 pounds and performing tasks from elevated platforms or walkways.

Work may be performed in conditions involving dust, wood particles, fumes, high noise levels, and extreme temperatures near operating equipment. Outdoor tasks in all weather conditions are 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 Fuel Yard Lead 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 will also be required.

Compensation

This position offers a base pay rate ranging from $39.07 to $51.57 per hour, along with an annual performance bonus.

Core Qualifications and Skills

We are seeking a skilled Fuel Yard Lead with proven leadership in biomass fuel handling, operational oversight, and team development. The ideal candidate effectively manages daily fuel yard operations, works closely with operations and maintenance teams, and ensures reliable, high-quality fuel feed performance.

• High school diploma or equivalent required; advanced technical training in biomass systems, industrial operations, or heavy equipment is desirable. An Associate Degree in Power Plant Technology, Mechanical Systems, or a related field is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of fuel yard operations, biomass handling, and plant support functions, including equipment oversight, rounds review, and coordination with Control Room Operators and the Operations Manager.
• Skilled in evaluating mobile equipment condition, reviewing Fuel Handler rounds, and coordinating maintenance or service with internal teams or vendors.
• Experience leading or mentoring fuel handling personnel, delivering structured training, and supporting cross-training and progression within the department.
• Proficient in heavy equipment operation and able to ensure safe, efficient handling practices across all fuel yard machinery, including loaders, dozers, and skid steers.
• Strong commitment to safety, including proficiency in lockout/tagout, hazard identification, and support of EHS initiatives.
• Effective in coordinating fuel yard activities, communicating priorities, supporting outage planning, and acting as a primary point of contact for contractors and service providers.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify issues, implement corrective actions, and maintain consistent fuel blend and storage quality.
• Excellent communication skills for coordinating with team members, leadership, vendors, and documenting operational or training activities.
• 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.