Operations Manager

At PIC Group, Inc., our emphasis is on excellence. We recruit the strongest candidates in the power generation industry. As a global service provider, we continually seek talented individuals.

Title: Operations Manager

Position Type: Contract

Location: California

Reports to: Assistant Plant Manager

Status: Non-Exempt

Key Project Requirements

• Biomass Power Plant Operations – Extensive experience managing biomass-fired boilers, steam turbines, and water treatment systems.
• Leadership & Staff Management – Proven ability to supervise, train, and develop operations personnel to ensure safe and efficient plant performance.
• Safety & Compliance Oversight – Strong knowledge of OSHA regulations, environmental compliance, and fuel yard management.
• Operational Efficiency & Budgeting – Experience in optimizing plant availability, cost control, and outage planning to improve overall performance.
  
  

Job Summary

PIC Group is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to oversee the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a 45MW biomass power plant in Northern California. Reporting to the Assistant Plant Manager, the Operations Manager is responsible for managing plant operations personnel, optimizing plant performance, and ensuring compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements. This role requires a hands-on leader with expertise in biomass-fired boilers, steam turbines, fuel yard management, and plant operations. The Operations Manager will develop and implement best practices, drive operational improvements, and collaborate closely with maintenance and engineering teams to enhance plant efficiency and reliability.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Oversee plant operations and personnel to ensure efficiency, compliance with safety standards, and adherence to environmental regulations.
• Implement and manage best practices to maximize plant availability, efficiency, and productivity.
• Supervise fuel yard operations, ensuring safe storage, proper biomass fuel mixing, and quality control.
• Manage safety and environmental compliance, including reporting to federal, state, and local authorities.
• Investigate operating abnormalities and incidents, implementing corrective actions to improve equipment reliability.
• Develop and monitor operating budgets, optimizing costs while maintaining high work quality and minimal outage time.
• Collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to troubleshoot and improve plant performance.
• Recruit, train, and manage operations staff, ensuring proper staffing, scheduling, and adherence to company policies.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Strong understanding of plant operations, generating equipment, biomass-fired boilers, and water treatment processes.
• Ability to analyze and improve operational and maintenance processes, leveraging market data and industry best practices.
• Knowledge of operations, engineering, and maintenance functions and their impact on plant performance.
• Experience with budgeting, cost analysis, and accounting systems related to work orders and plant maintenance.
• Strong planning, coordination, and leadership skills to direct plant programs and optimize performance.
• Proficiency in Risk-Based Asset Management (RBAM) and plant reliability strategies.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CMMS programs for maintenance management.
• Ability to work shifts, irregular hours, and at times in challenging plant conditions
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate the plant for extended periods, including frequent climbing of ladders and stairs.
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 lbs. and work in a high-noise, industrial environment.
• Required to wear PPE at all times, including respirators, safety glasses, hearing protection, and other protective gear as needed.
  
  

Education / Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent with 6 years of supervisory experience in a solid fuel-fired power plant, OR
• Associate degree or industry-recognized certification (preferred) with 4 years of supervisory experience in a solid fuel-fired power plant, OR
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field with 3 years of supervisory experience in a solid fuel-fired power plant.
• Preferred: Experience with wood-fired boilers and steam turbine generators is highly desirable.
  
  

The hourly rate for this position generally ranges between $70-$75.

We take pride in offering a wide range of exceptional benefits to our valued team members. When you join our team, you'll gain access to top-notch medical, vision, and dental insurance plans, ensuring you and your loved ones receive the healthcare you deserve. Your future matters to us, which is why we provide a robust 401(k) plan, helping you secure financial stability for the years ahead. Embrace a fulfilling career with a company that prioritizes your health, happiness, and growth.