Steam Plant Operator

Owned by our parent company, Hartree Partners, NE Renewable Power is made up of 7 Biomass electric generating power stations located in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. These stations play a crucial role in supplying locally sourced renewable energy to the people of New England.

Starting in April, Sprague will be bringing its over 150 years of energy operating experience to the operations of these facilities, and we’re hiring a Boiler Operator for the Westminster, MA location.

Who we are: 

Sprague takes a collaborative, customer-centric approach to providing best-in-class energy products and related services throughout the Northeast. Founded in 1870, we pride ourselves on offering customers the expert solutions and high-quality service that help their businesses thrive in any market landscape. Sprague values innovation, safety, integrity and people. We know that our people are what set us apart from our competition, and we work hard to make sure each employee across our 20 locations knows how important they are to our community. 

We offer great benefits! Medical benefits and retirement contributions start on your first day!

• 401(k) Traditional and Roth plans with employer match of 100% of the first 6% of the employee’s contribution
• Defined Contribution Plan with an automatic contribution from Sprague
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible Working Policy
• Choice of high deductible and PPO Health Plans to fit your individual needs
• Wellness Program

Job Summary / General Purpose: 

The Boiler plant equipment operator assists the shift Unit Supervisor at our 18 MW wood-fired biomass power plant in Westminster, MA. Operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the steam boiler and auxiliary steam equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines, and generators. Overtime is often required, but not guaranteed.

Major Duties / Responsibilities:

• Report equipment problems that jeopardize plant operations or safety to the unit supervisor.
• Ensure that plant operating logs are kept current; inform plant management of equipment in need of repair, or conditions out of normal.
• Operate auxiliary equipment; start/stop equipment; open/close valves; clean/operate demineralizers; test/treat boiler and cooling tower water as directed.
• Perform maintenance tasks as directed.
• Operate wood yard equipment and computer system as needed.
• Clean designated work areas utilizing brooms, mops, and buffers.
• Act as a team member with all employees; comply with all NE Renewable Power policies and procedures.
• Carry out other duties as assigned

Education / Experience / Skill Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Massachusetts 2nd Class Fireman's License or willing to obtain license within 6 months of start date
• Valid driver's license
• Basic computer skills
• Successful completion of applicable Pre-Employment drug testing and formal background checks

Work Environment: Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.
• 80% of work is performed indoors, 20% outdoors.
• Noise in the work environment is moderate to high.
• Required to work overtime and night shift.
• Required to work vacation/emergency relief as defined by shift rotation schedule.
• Respond to plant emergencies/call-ins (day or night) on holidays or weekends as applicable.

Physical requirements: commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Ability to hear and understand audible alarms, detect changes in noise levels of equipment.
• Capable of frequently standing, walking, balancing, sitting, climbing (ladders, stairs, ramps, catwalks), kneeling, reaching, grasping, pushing, pulling, lifting (min. 50lbs), feeling, talking, and hearing
• Perform repetitive motions as required.
• Have eyesight corrected at 20/40 to accurately read and interpret instruments, gauges, manuals, etc.
• Must be physically capable of performing demanding work at various heights and in adverse conditions during operations, shutdowns, and in fire/emergency activities.
• Must be physically capable of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to half and full-face respirators, fall protection equipment, hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, etc.
• Ability to pass a respirator physical and respirator fit test (if applicable).
• There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
• Ability to meet the highest attendance requirements.
• All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.