Biomass Regional Operations Manager

DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states.  But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities.  When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing.  Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.  The pay range for this position is $133,000.00  -  $187,000.00.

Job Summary

Location: Bakersfield, CA or Stockton, CA or Woodland, CA

This position is responsible for providing general direction and oversight to a team of Plant Managers assigned to biomass generating facilities and utility assets that are owned or operated by DTE Vantage located in industrial facilities at Bakersfield, Stockton, and Woodland, California. There is a potential for this position to be hybrid work. Biomass, utility systems, and powerhouse infrastructure experience is beneficial, particularly in the competitive, non-regulated energy market. Familiarity with managing all aspects of power generation and plant operations in large scale industrial settings is important. Work involves performing difficult and complex services requiring a high level of independent judgment, initiative, and discretion. Work is mainly self-directed, with work results reviewed through the achievement of set goals and adherence to policies and procedures.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure that the Biomass generating and utility assets are operated in a safe, environmentally responsible manner while satisfying contracted energy requirements
• Ensure that appropriate resources are available to support the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Biomass generation and utility assets
• Understand and manage the projects’ commercial aspects and contractual obligations and ensure that plant personnel do the same
• Ensure that all financial goals are met
• Assist with the management of all energy conservation initiatives, if applicable
• Provide technical and administrative support to the entire project team as required
• Work closely with Plant Managers to develop, review, and manage annual O&M budgets and plans for each site
• Manage purchasing and inventory control processes
• Develop, implement, and manage consistent plant operating philosophies and best practices to maximize plant availability, efficiency, and productivity
• Develop, implement, and manage a maintenance program/strategy that incorporates economies associated with multiple plant sites, including optimizing the purchasing of commodities and supplies, contract labor and the use/sharing of spare parts
• Provide oversight and guidance to the Plant Managers to implement cost saving measures, improve plant efficiency and control operating costs
• Ensure that weekly and monthly reports are issued by the Plant Managers in a timely, consistent, and accurate manner as required
• Support the development and implementation of all Onsite Energy business unit initiatives and best practices and ensure that plant personnel do the same
• Ensure that information is effectively communicated between home office and plant personnel
• Develop and maintain a close working relationship with key customer personnel
• Travel to multiple plant locations (up to 25% of time spent away from primary work location)
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

A high school diploma (or equivalent), with 10 or more years of work experience in the operation and maintenance of biomass generating plants, powerhouses, utilities, or similar plant assets is required.

Other Qualifications

• A minimum of 5 years managerial experience in the California Biomass industry
• An understanding of the California woody biomass fuel market
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, operations management, or similar field
• A thorough understanding of the operation and maintenance of plant equipment, including the importance of ensuring high availability, reliability, and efficiency
• Working knowledge of equipment such as boilers, air compressors, chillers, cooling towe