biogas-technician/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — biogas technician

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-8013.03 (Biomass Plant Technicians).

Task statements

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

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate flow of water, cleaning solutions, or other liquids.
• Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
• Clean work areas.
• Evaluate quality of materials or products.
• Inspect sustainable energy production facilities or equipment.
• Load materials into production equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maintain sustainable energy production equipment.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Measure stock or liquid levels in sustainable fuel production systems.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Operate biomass or biofuel production equipment.
• Operate heavy-duty construction or installation equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Prepare biological feedstock for physical, chemical, or biological processing.
• Record operational or production data.
• Study blueprints or other instructions to determine equipment setup requirements.
• Test fluids to identify contamination or other problems.
• Test materials, solutions, or samples.