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Supply Chain & ProductionDeclining

Biomass Plant Technician

Operational-level

Also known as: Auxiliary Operator, Biomass Boiler Operator, Biomass Plant Operator, Biomass Plant Technician

Supply Chain & ProductionBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Biomass Plant Technician, you control and monitor the operations of a plant that turns organic matter into energy. You'll perform maintenance on machinery, ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely. This job involves working in a noisy industrial setting, often around hazardous conditions, wearing protective gear like hard hats and safety glasses. You'll work closely with a team, discussing issues and making important decisions that impact worker safety. This role suits individuals who are detail-oriented, good at problem-solving, and committed to active learning and safety.
Biomass EnergyRenewable EnergyPlant OperationsIndustrial MaintenanceEngineeringEnvironmental ScienceOperations ManagementSkilled TradeProductionTechnical

A Day in the Life

Your 7 AM shift at the Cedar Creek Biomass Plant in rural Ohio begins with the familiar hum of machinery even before you step inside. You pull on your steel-toed boots, snap your hard hat into place, don safety glasses and hearing protection. After grabbing your two-way radio, you head straight to the control room. The previous shift technician, Mark, gives you a quick rundown: all systems are green, but the wood chip feeder for Boiler 3 had a slight pressure dip overnight. You acknowledge, taking your seat in front of the flickering Distributed Control System (DCS) monitors.

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

-5.1%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,300

per year (US)

Jobs today

29,800

in 2025 → 28,300 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Moderate
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
High
Time pressure
Moderate
Time spent sitting
Moderate
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
High
Dealing with customers
Moderate
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Declining Job Market

The outlook for Biomass Plant Technicians is projected to decline by about 5.1% through 2035, but there will still be around 2,300 job openings each year. The median annual wage is high at $102,040. You can advance to roles like Senior Biomass Plant Technician or Plant Operations Supervisor.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Production Operator
  • Maintenance Assistant
  • Power Plant Worker

Where it can lead

  • Senior Biomass Plant Technician
  • Plant Operations Supervisor
  • Renewable Energy Engineer

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will significantly impact biomass plant technicians by automating routine monitoring and optimizing plant processes through predictive analytics. Technicians will increasingly utilize AI-powered tools for predictive maintenance, resource allocation, and identifying operational inefficiencies, shifting their focus towards managing sophisticated systems and complex problem-solving rather than manual oversight.