Biochar Reactor Operator

Alexandria, LA

Location: Alexandria, Louisiana 

Department: Robinson Carbon — Biochar Production 

Employment Type: Full-time 

Reports To: Production Lead 

Pay Range: Commensurate with experience 

Summary 

Robinson Carbon is hiring a Biochar Reactor Operator to run our BET PRD1000 pyrolysis reactor at our Alexandria, Louisiana facility. This is a hands-on role at the front edge of what we're building: real production, real equipment, real stakes. We're a lumber company that got into biochar because we know wood, know biomass, and know how to operate — what we're looking for now is someone who wants to learn the production side of this industry from the ground up, with a team that's serious about doing it right. 

Key Responsibilities 

  • System Operation: Operate the pyrolysis reactor using a Human Machine Interface (HMI) screen; monitor and set critical process parameters including temperatures, feedstock input rates, and biochar output collection 
  • Quality Control & Testing: Perform regular sample collection of feedstock and finished biochar; conduct basic sample preparation and lab testing to confirm product quality meets specifications, and record data accurately 
  • Material Management: Maintain feedstock input buffer bins at optimal levels for continuous operation; coordinate collection and movement of finished biochar to designated storage areas
  • Preventative Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, including lubrication of moving parts such as chains and bearings, to keep the system running smoothly 
  • Troubleshooting & Repair: Diagnose and fix light to moderate mechanical issues, including clearing feedstock jams and cleaning system filters 
  • Equipment Operation: Safely operate forklifts and bucket loaders to move feedstock and finished biochar
  • Safety Compliance: Follow all safety protocols, identify potential hazards, and use required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to maintain a zero-incident environment 

Requirements & Qualifications 

  • Shift Flexibility: Available to work, day or night shifts as required by the production schedule 
  • Technical Aptitude: Comfortable using digital interfaces (HMI) with a strong mechanical aptitude for fixing equipment 
  • Experience: Previous experience operating high-temperature industrial equipment — boilers, industrial dryers, or high-temp ovens — preferred 
  • Forklift and Loader Skills: Proficiency operating a forklift and loader preferred 
  • Education: To be determined based on candidate background 
  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work in an industrial environment that may involve heat and dust 

What We Offer 

  • Comprehensive on-the-job training on our proprietary pyrolysis technology and HMI systems 
  • A chance to work at the forefront of green energy and carbon sequestration technology 
  • The opportunity to help stand up production at a first-of-its-kind facility