Water Plant Operator Trainee Jobs in Decatur, GA

Position Summary

Pratt Industries is seeking a highly skilled and safety-minded Senior Boiler Operator for our Clean Energy Plant in Conyers, GA. The primary function of this role is the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of our Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB) boiler and Steam Turbine Generator (STG) system. This critical power infrastructure directly supplies the essential steam and electricity required to sustain the facility's high-volume paper machine and paper-making manufacturing processes.

In addition to advanced technical operations, the Senior Boiler Operator serves as the shift lead, directly supervising and coordinating the daily activities of the Junior Operator, Material Handlers, and Day Laborers. The successful candidate will ensure seamless fuel yard management, peak thermal efficiency, and strict adherence to environmental and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Boiler & Turbine Operations: Safely operate, monitor, and troubleshoot the BFB boiler and Steam Turbine Generator (STG) via the Distributed Control System (DCS) and local plant walks. Maintain stable drum levels, steam temperatures, and pressures.
• Utility Supply Management: Ensure a reliable, uninterrupted supply of high-pressure steam and cogenerated electricity to match the real-time production demands of the Paper Machine.
• Shift Leadership & Supervision: Direct, mentor, and evaluate the shift team, including the Junior Operator, Material Handlers, and Day Laborers. Assign daily operational, fuel processing, and housekeeping tasks to ensure smooth shift coverage.
• Fuel Prep & Material Management: Oversee the material handling team as they receive, stockpile, and feed alternative fuels (wood waste, paper mill rejects, and biomass) into the BFB system. Adjust fuel feed rates and bed parameters to optimize combustion efficiency based on fuel moisture and quality fluctuations.
• Water Chemistry & Environmental Compliance: Perform and review boiler feedwater chemistry tests. Monitor emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) and manage ash handling systems to guarantee full compliance with local, state, and EPA environmental permits.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose mechanical and electrical abnormalities early. Isolate equipment safely using strict Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, issue maintenance work orders, and assist during planned outages or emergency shutdowns.
• Safety & Housekeeping: Enforce OSHA regulations and Pratt Industries corporate safety policies. Maintain pristine housekeeping standards across the power island and fuel preparation areas.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of experience operating high-pressure industrial boilers, with specific, hands-on experience running Bubbling Fluidized Bed (BFB) technology and Steam Turbine Generators.
• Leadership: Minimum of 2 years of supervisory, shift-lead, or relief-lead experience within a power plant or heavy manufacturing environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Comprehensive understanding of fluidized bed dynamics, solid fuel handling systems (walking floors, conveyors, shredders), steam cycles, and industrial water treatment.
• Education/Licensing: High School Diploma or GED required; a valid ASME/NIULPE Boiler Operator certification or stationary engineer license is highly preferred.
• Skills: Strong computer literacy with DCS/SCADA interfaces, clear radio communication skills, and the ability to make critical decisions calmly under pressure.
• Availability: Must be willing and able to work a rotating shift schedule (including days, nights, weekends, and holidays) to support a 24/7/365 production facility.

• Safety Awareness: Comprehensive knowledge of power plant safety, especially in high energy systems, confined spaces, incipient fire suppression, first aid, rotating machinery, and heavy equipment operations. Proven ability to observe hazards and avoid accidents by correctly anticipating the consequences of actions.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Requires the physical agility to climb stairs, ladders, and navigate elevated platforms or confined spaces.
• Comfortable working around moving mechanical parts in an industrial environment with exposure to heat, noise, dust, and varying outdoor weather conditions.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with performance incentives.
• Full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, FSA, legal assistance, and a 401(k) with company match.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Clear career development pathways within a rapidly growing, sustainability-focused organization.

Pratt Industries is the fifth-largest corrugated packaging company in the U.S. and the world's largest privately-held producer of 100% recycled paper and packaging solutions. The Conyers campus features a paper recycling mill, corrugator, and box-making facilities. As part of our commitment to sustainability and innovation, our Clean Energy Division operates a state-of-the-art Waste-to-Energy facility. This plant utilizes an advanced gasification process to transform alternative fuel sources into clean steam and power, driving our closed-loop manufacturing system and reducing environmental impact.