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 Plant Manager will lead the operations of the Plainfield Renewable Energy (PRE) facility in Plainfield, CT—a wood biomass gasification power plant owned and operated by Greenleaf Power. This role is central to ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable performance of all plant functions, including safety, compliance, maintenance, and training. The Plant Manager will optimize plant operations, manage outages, and ensure full compliance with environmental and regulatory requirements while enhancing plant profitability. A key leadership role, the Plant Manager will foster a culture of continuous improvement, support team development, and maintain PRE’s standing as a sustainable, community-focused energy provider.

Your scope of responsibility as Plant Manager includes the following primary functions:

Leadership and Management

Provide overall leadership for operations, maintenance, business, and administrative functions, ensuring the facility’s safe, efficient, reliable, and compliant operation. Foster a collaborative team environment through proactive communication, accountability, and strong leadership presence. Lead, develop, and maintain a well-trained, high-performing team by overseeing staffing plans, training programs, qualification standards, performance evaluations, and coaching. Serve as the primary representative in regulatory, corporate, and community communications, aligning local activities with organizational goals and stakeholder expectations. Support strategic planning, continuous improvement efforts, and capital planning initiatives. Perform other duties as assigned, including emergency decision-making, regulatory interaction, or special projects necessary to sustain and improve plant performance.

Operational and Technical

Administer safety, environmental, training, operations, maintenance, chemistry, and administrative programs in alignment with utility-grade standards and industry best practices. Promote a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement, with procedures addressing biomass fuel handling, gasification systems, high-temperature steam equipment, and emissions controls. Ensure full compliance with all environmental permits and regulatory obligations, including air emissions limits (NOₓ, SO₂, particulates), and maintain proper operation of the baghouse, scrubbers, and other environmental systems. Apply sound business practices and technical expertise in gasification and high-efficiency steam cycle operations to support long-term performance, reliability, and financial viability. Oversee all aspects of plant performance, including equipment reliability, outage execution, supply chain coordination, and contract compliance (O&M, fuel supply, interconnection, and services). Manage all planned and unplanned outages, coordinating with suppliers and contractors to optimize scheduling, reduce downtime, and maintain system readiness across gasification, steam turbine, and emissions control equipment. Provide hands-on technical support for troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and incident response related to gasification systems, fuel feed, steam cycle performance, and generator reliability. Develop and manage long- and short-term budgets, maintenance plans, and operational schedules to meet production, safety, and environmental goals while controlling costs and maximizing fuel efficiency. Monitor plant performance metrics, report to senior management, and develop corrective actions as needed to support operational excellence and strategic objectives. Support knowledge transfer and the adoption of best practices and technologies across all plant functions.

NAES Safe

Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. All NAES managers and supervisors have a direct and important role in ensuring that all work is performed in a healthy and safe manner. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each Supervisor’s performance. This includes, but is not limited to, the following functions:

Conduct and support regular safety meetings (at least monthly). Address safety in all group meetings. Conduct inspections and observations by establishing a regular inspection process for the work area and a safety observation process for ongoing work. Lead these activities in accordance with any rules, requirements, or guidance established within your business unit, group, or division. Involve all NAES teammates in these activities. Analyze results, write work orders, and provide training and education to eliminate hazards, address at-risk behavior, and meet company regulatory requirements. Conduct safety observation tours of high-risk activities (e.g., confined space) to verify that employees are following safe practices, company procedures, and OSHA regulations. Hold one-on-one sessions with direct reports to discuss safety issues, communicate expectations, and coach safe behaviors. Respond to all safety-related incidents, including injuries, incidents, and near misses; write a report explaining what happened, identify the cause, and recommend corrective actions based on established business unit or division practices. Follow up as necessary to ensure corrective actions are taken.

Working Relationships

The Plant Manager reports directly to the Operations Director and oversees the managers, technicians, and Plant Administrator. Serving as the primary liaison between NAES and the Owner, the Plant Manager is responsible for all aspects of the plant’s operation, maintenance, and commercial management.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at varying heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.

The power plant environment may involve entering confined spaces, crawling through narrow areas, and working in close proximity to moving machinery, fuel feed systems, and combustion equipment. Personnel may be exposed to dust, fumes, extreme temperatures, high noise levels, and varying outdoor weather conditions.

Some duties may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include hard hats, safety glasses and goggles, air masks or respirators, hearing protection, chemical-resistant clothing, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Fit testing for respirators may be required due to potential exposure to combustion byproducts or fine particulates. Strict smoking restrictions apply in and around the facility.

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 regular work schedule follows a Monday through Friday workweek during standard day shift hours. This position will 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 may also be required.

Some travel will be involved to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.

Compensation

This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $181,900 to $192,600 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.

Job Qualifications

We are seeking an accomplished leader with extensive experience in the operations and maintenance of power generating facilities, paired with a strong history of career growth and a track record of excellence in achieving results.

A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or a related technical field is preferred, providing a solid foundation for understanding gasification and steam cycle systems. Relevant experience may substitute on a year-for-year basis. Prior experience as a Plant Manager at a biomass, solid-fuel, or gasification-based power plant is strongly preferred. Experience with independent power producers is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of business principles and operational practices in independent power generation, including biomass fuel logistics, emissions control, and outage planning. Demonstrated technical proficiency in plant operations and maintenance, with the ability to provide hands-on support and troubleshoot biomass gasification, boiler, and steam turbine systems. Proven ability to lead technical, supervisory, and hourly personnel in a team-oriented, safety-conscious environment. Expertise in environmental compliance, including air emissions, water discharge, and ash handling. Familiarity with baghouse, scrubber, and emissions control systems is essential. Strong financial skills with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control to manage expenditures and optimize cost per megawatt-hour. Deep understanding of power plant safety regulations and experience fostering a proactive safety culture around biomass handling, steam systems, and confined spaces. Excellent leadership, motivational, and communication (oral and written) skills, with the ability to engage across all levels of the organization. Results-driven problem solver with a record of leading change to improve operational and financial performance. Effective community relations skills, with the ability to represent the facility to regulators, stakeholders, and local groups. Must possess a valid and unrestricted 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.