BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasBiomass Plant Technicians

O*NET · 51-8013.03

Biomass Plant Technicians

Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.

Also called Auxiliary Operator · Biomass Boiler Operator · Biomass Plant Operator · Biomass Plant Technician · Central Heating Plant Operator · Centrifugal Chiller Technician · Chiller Operator · Chiller Technician
10 more

Fuel Handler · Fuel Quality Tech · Fuel Quality Technician (Fuel Quality Tech) · Heating Plant Operator · Operations Tech · Operations Technician (Operations Tech) · Plant Operator · Plant Technician · Steam Plant Operator · Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Technician

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Gas Plant Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic6.97
  • C Conventional4.82
  • I Investigative3.12
  • E Enterprising1.75
  • S Social1.22
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma7%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent47%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate22%
  • Some College Courses10%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%
  • Bachelor's Degree10%
Related work experience
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years (26%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years (39%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operations Monitoring4.03.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.93.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Equipment Maintenance3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Active Listeningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Coordination3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Repairing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Troubleshooting2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Instructing2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Mathematicsbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Selection2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Negotiation2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Sciencebasic2.31.6Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Operations Analysis2.11.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Technology Design1.90.9
  • Programming1.80.8
  • Installation1.1—

Tasks

16 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.4.7
  2. Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.4.6
  3. Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.4.6
  4. Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.4.5
  5. Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.4.5
  6. Operate valves, pumps, engines, or generators to control and adjust production of biofuels or biomass-fueled power.4.4
  7. Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.4.4
  8. Record or report operational data, such as readings on meters, instruments, and gauges.4.4
  9. Calculate, measure, load, or mix biomass feedstock for power generation.4.3
  10. Clean work areas to ensure compliance with safety regulations.4.2
  11. Perform routine maintenance or make minor repairs to mechanical, electrical, or electronic equipment in biomass plants.4.1
  12. Measure and monitor raw biomass feedstock, including wood, waste, or refuse materials.3.9
Show the other 6
  1. Calibrate liquid flow devices or meters, including fuel, chemical, and water meters.3.9
  2. Assess quality of biomass feedstock.3.7
  3. Read and interpret instruction manuals or technical drawings related to biomass-fueled power or biofuels production equipment or processes.3.7
  4. Operate heavy equipment, such as bulldozers and front-end loaders.3.6
  5. Preprocess feedstock to prepare for biochemical or thermochemical production processes.3.9
  6. Manage parts and supply inventories for biomass plants.3.5

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Chemistry3.44.4Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • English Language3.32.7
  • Production and Processing3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Education and Training3.14.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Engineering and Technology3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Computers and Electronics3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Mathematics2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
Show all 33
  • Public Safety and Security2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Administration and Management2.72.9
  • Physics2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Administrative2.52.3Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Law and Government2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Building and Construction2.42.7
  • Design2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Telecommunications2.31.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Transportation2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Customer and Personal Service2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Biology1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Communications and Media1.91.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Psychology1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Geography1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Philosophy and Theology1.5—
  • Sales and Marketing1.4—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.40.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision3.93.9
  • Control Precision3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Problem Sensitivity3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Information Ordering3.43.4Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Perceptual Speed3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Reaction Time3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
Show all 52
  • Written Comprehension3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Inductive Reasoning3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Rate Control3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Selective Attention3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Visualization3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention3.02.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Manual Dexterity3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.6Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Time Sharing3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Flexibility of Closure2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Speech Recognition2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Depth Perception2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Originality2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Response Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Speed of Closure2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Static Strength2.82.6
  • Memorization2.52.8
  • Trunk Strength2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Extent Flexibility2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.6Level 3 looks like: Carve roast beef in a cafeteria
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.32.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Gross Body Coordination2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Sound Localization2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Glare Sensitivity2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Peripheral Vision2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Explosive Strength1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.35.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Documenting/Recording Information4.14.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.03.7Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.84.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Processing Information3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.44.6Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Working with Computers3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.34.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.24.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.03.5Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.92.9
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.93.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Scheduling Work and Activities2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Developing and Building Teams2.82.9
  • Thinking Creatively2.83.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.73.3Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.62.9
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.52.9
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.52.8
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.8
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.7
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.7
  • Exposed to Hazardous Conditions4.6
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.5
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.5
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Exposed to High Places4.4

Technology

8 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (4)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (4)
  • Distributed control system DCS
  • Energy analysis software
  • Inventory control software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Biomass Power Plant Managers
  2. Biofuels Processing Technicians
  3. Power Plant Operators
  4. Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
  5. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators
  6. Gas Plant Operators
  7. Hydroelectric Plant Technicians
  8. Chemical Plant and System Operators
  9. Geothermal Technicians
  10. Biofuels Production Managers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.