Occupations/51-8013.03
Biomass Plant Technicians
Control and monitor biomass plant activities and perform maintenance as needed.
Usually a high school diploma, plus some experience or short training.
AI automation risk
62%
Mixed exposure
Human characteristics
55%
Balanced human and task mix
Task orientation
70%
Higher automation risk
A day in this job
- Mostly routine
Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- Mostly routine
Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
- Mostly routine
Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
The tasks we can read here lean routine. That sits next to the AI risk rank — it is not a forecast that the job disappears.
Core tasks
- 01Operate biomass fuel-burning boiler or biomass fuel gasification system equipment in accordance with specifications or instructions.
- 02Perform tests of water chemistry in boilers.
- 03Operate high-pressure steam boiler or water chiller equipment for electrical cogeneration operations.
- 04Operate equipment to heat biomass, using knowledge of controls, combustion, and firing mechanisms.
- 05Operate equipment to start, stop, or regulate biomass-fueled generators, generator units, boilers, engines, or auxiliary systems.
- 06Inspect biomass power plant or processing equipment, recording or reporting damage and mechanical problems.
Model drivers (O*NET 1–5)
- Repeating same tasks4.33
- Degree of automation3.29
- Time sitting3.52
- Originality (ability)2.75
- Conflict situations2.66
- Hands-on objects/tools3.34
- Outdoors / weather3.67
- Disease exposure1.44
- Decision freedom4.46
Top abilities
- Near Vision3.88
- Problem Sensitivity3.75
- Control Precision3.75
- Information Ordering3.38
- Written Comprehension3.25
- Reaction Time3.25
- Perceptual Speed3.25
- Multilimb Coordination3.25
Essential skills
- Reading Comprehension3.00
- Active Listening3.00
- Writing3.00
- Speaking3.00
- Mathematics2.75
- Science2.25
- Critical Thinking3.12
- Active Learning3.00
- Learning Strategies3.00
- Monitoring3.38
CIP matches
Schools offering related programs
10 shown
Earnings are College Scorecard medians for that program, 1 and 2 years after completion. A dash means the Department suppressed the cell or the campus is not in the field file.
| Institution | Program | Tuition | Admit | Grad 6-yr | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rochester Community and Technical College Rochester, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $6,200 | 100% | 33% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Hennepin Technical College Brooklyn Park, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $6,200 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Ridgewater College Willmar, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $6,100 | 100% | 36% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Minnesota West Community and Technical College Granite Falls, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $6,000 | 100% | 37% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Iowa State University Ames, IA · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $10,400 | 90% | 77% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $12,000 | 90% | 69% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Master's · CIP 15.17 |
Anoka Technical College Anoka, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $6,300 | 100% | 48% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Lake Superior College Duluth, MN · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $5,900 | 100% | 38% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $4,800 | 100% | 25% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |
Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public | Power Plant Technology/Technician 15.1702 | $4,200 | 100% | 22% | 1 yr — 2 yr — Not reported |