Highland Pellets Control Room Operator Draft - Apprenticely : Job Details

Apprenticely is helping Highland Pellets hire a Control Room Operator in Pine Bluff, AR. Highland Pellet's mission is to harness the transformative power of biogenic carbon, increase forest health, combat wildfire, and mitigate climate change. Sustainable carbon is biogenic carbon procured in a responsible manner that preserves the health of working forests and facilitates the efficient production of other wood-based products. We promote sustainable forestry's multifaceted role through innovation and education. Learn more about our approach to sustainability.

• Structured Onboarding and Technical Training: Gain a deep understanding of plant systems through hands-on and classroom-based instruction in plant management, chip flow, drying systems, furnace operations, and more.
• Process Control System Mastery: Train on HMI/SCADA systems and dataPARC to monitor and control real-time plant functions with precision.
• Learn how to respond to alarms, balance system loads, and drive operational stability.
• Operational Safety and Emergency Response: Receive OSHA-10 certification and specialized training in LOTO, plant mill process mapping & flow capacity, escalation matrix, and production expectations.
• Mentorship and Team Integration: Work alongside experienced Control Room Leads, Operations Manager, Supervisors, and experts to develop your situational awareness, troubleshooting ability, and cross-department collaboration.

• Industry Readiness: OSHA 10, LOTO, Plant Process Mapping, Control Room Management, HMI/SCADA, and dataPARC Training
• Advanced Skills: Procedural process control, alarm response, log keeping, and equipment reliability
• Systems Knowledge: Master control interfaces for chip feed, dryers, furnaces, and spark detection
• Operational Readiness: Develop the confidence to manage plant operations during real-time production scenarios

• Technical Operators: Those with backgrounds in manufacturing, military operations, or industrial equipment handling
• Experienced Plant Staff: Loader operators, techs, or assistants ready to step up into the nerve center of the plant
• High-Attention Individuals: People who thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments where focus and calm under pressure are essential

• Operate Plant Systems: Monitor and control chip feed, drying, sizing, and combustion processes
• Respond to Alarms and Conditions: Use training and judgment to take action under varying system alerts
• Maintain Logs: Record system performance, critical incidents, and downtime
• Enhance Optimization: Apply troubleshooting skills and data insight to improve efficiency and reduce variability
• Ensure Safety and Compliance: Uphold best practices in OSHA, plant standards, spark detection, and shift handoff communications

• Prior industrial experience, military training, or strong mechanical aptitude
• Experience with computer programming
• Comfort with technical systems, computers, and decision-making under pressure
• Strong attention to detail, record-keeping discipline, and problem-solving skills
• A strong work ethic and a drive to succeed in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, you'll be communicating daily with teammates from different departments in a real-time, fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to learning and growth, we provide the tools, but you must bring the determination.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in an industrial setting with exposure to varying temperatures, heights, and physical demands

$22 - $28 an hour

Rotating Schedule 2 weeks days, 2 weeks nights, rotating 12-hour shifts, 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 2 off, 2 on, 3 off. You end up working every other weekend.

What's an Apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is a full-time position with a focus on learning! During your first year of employment, you are guaranteed formal training, a mentor, and a pay raise! Employers who have committed to the apprenticeship model for hiring are committing to building you and your career. You're encouraged to apply even if your experience doesn't precisely match the job description. Apprenticeship positions welcome diverse applicants who are looking to grow their career in IT!

How does the interview process work? We want to get to know you! Apprenticely will conduct an initial phone interview and knowledge assessment. If your skills and interest match with the employer's needs, we'll share your resume or ask you to apply directly with them. After that, the employers will continue with their recruiting and interview process. If you are a match, an offer will be made for you to get started in your new apprenticeship role! We'll be here to make sure your apprenticeship year goes smoothly and that you are set up for career growth and success!