Biorefining Manager
Biorefining managers work to convert biomass (plant-based materials used as fuel) into fuels such as ethanol and biodiesel and chemicals to create more sustainable solutions to fuel our planet. They are responsible for the operation of all plant processing equipment in a highly automated chemical facility. Most biorefining plants operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so a biorefining manager must be willing to work unexpected days or hours as problems arise.
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Manage plant processing operations according to protocol
- Track inventory such as dried distiller’s grains, ethanol, corn oil, wet cake feed and syrup brought in on trucks and rail cars
- Maintain the operation of all plant processing equipment
- Schedule employees and operations within the plant
- Coordinate with storage and shipment departments of finished products
- Perform routine maintenance in a highly automated chemical facility
- Oversee maintenance and cleaning of all equipment associated with the biorefining processes
- Maintain knowledge of the process flow and of the computerized equipment
- Maintain plant Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) guidelines
- Be aware of operations and hazards associated with biorefining
- Properly train employees in safety techniques and procedures and educate them on the hazards in the workplace
- Develop and execute efficient operating procedures
- Ensure quality of product being produced
- Lead the hiring process of new employees
- Maintain production levels
- Assist with upper management with creating budgets and cost saving initiatives
- Meet with plant engineers regularly to ensure plant processing equipment is running properly and look for ways to improve production
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- business
- computers
- mathematics
- chemistry
Education/Training Required:
A bachelor’s degree in chemical or electrical engineering is required. Typically, a few years of experience as a biomass plant technician or similar role is typically required prior to entering a managerial role.
