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Enviva

Vessel Operator

Become a Vessel Operator with Enviva in Chesapeake, Virginia. Ensure safe docking and loading operations while operating heavy equipment. Enjoy a dynamic work environment focused on renewable energy solutions.
Enviva
Enviva
Chesapeake, Virginia, United States   On-site   Full Time  UTC-05:00

Enviva

Company Overview

Enviva Inc.

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

2004

Approximately 1,200 employees (source: linkedin.com). Revenue of over $1 billion in FY 2022 (source: wikipedia.org).

What They Do

Enviva specializes in biomass production, focusing on the manufacturing of wood pellets derived from sustainably managed forests in the U.S. Southeast. The company has transitioned from a startup to the world's largest producer of wood pellets, which serve as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, particularly coal in power generation (source: lesprom.com). Their wood pellets are produced by blending raw materials, primarily pine, which now constitutes 80% of their input, with limited hardwoods, creating dense and transportable pellets that are exported globally through a robust supply chain (source: envivabiomass.com). Enviva's products are marketed as renewable biogenic carbon sources, aimed at reducing carbon footprints in various industrial processes, including power generation and advanced biofuels (source: envivabiomass.com). Their target markets include utility-scale power plants and heavy industries, with significant contracts in the UK, EU, and Japan, having displaced over 19 million metric tons of coal since inception (source: envivabiomass.com).

Projects & Track Record

Enviva operates nine wood pellet plants across six Southeastern states, including facilities in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, with a combined production capacity of 6.2 million metric tons annually (source: wikipedia.org). The company has established a strong export network through five U.S. terminals, including locations in Chesapeake, Wilmington, Pascagoula, Savannah, and Mobile (source: envivabiomass.com). Recent expansions include plans for an 11th plant in Epes, Alabama, and a 12th near Bond, Mississippi, supported by a $570 million line of credit aimed at doubling output by 2027 (source: wikipedia.org). Enviva's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its SFI certification and partnerships with organizations focused on responsible biomass production (source: envivabiomass.com).

Recent Developments

In the past two years, Enviva has seen significant leadership changes, including the return of co-founder John Keppler as Executive Chairman in March 2023, following a $246 million PIPE financing to support operational recovery (source: envivabiomass.com). The company also released a white paper in 2023 discussing the evolution of bioenergy in heavy industries, highlighting its first U.S. SAF contract with Alder Fuels (source: envivabiomass.com). However, financial challenges culminated in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing on March 13, 2024, following ongoing losses attributed to high feedstock costs and operational inefficiencies (source: mongabay.com). Despite these challenges, Enviva continues to focus on its sustainability initiatives and partnerships to navigate its recovery (source: envivabiomass.com).

Working There

Enviva offers a diverse range of roles across various departments, including manufacturing, operations, fiber procurement, sustainability, and business development (source: envivabiomass.com). The company emphasizes a culture of safety, integrity, and community support, with operations located in multiple states, including North Carolina, Virginia, and Mississippi (source: envivabiomass.com). Hiring occurs at various operational sites, and the company promotes values such as determination, respect, and ethical conduct in its workforce (source: envivabiomass.com). While specific benefits are not detailed, leadership emphasizes volunteerism and support for forest stewardship initiatives, contributing to economic opportunities in rural communities (source: envivabiomass.com).

Contact


Last updated on 2025-12-26 | Report an issue

The Enviva team is driven by our shared vision for a renewable energy future. We are a fast-growing, purpose-driven, global energy company specializing in delivering sustainable wood bioenergy solutions. We are the world's largest producer of sustainable wood pellets, which provide a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels.

Enviva is seeking a Vessel Operator to support our port operations.

Responsibilities

Vessel

  • Ensure docking, undocking, and mooring process is completed safely
  • Line handling both in docking and undocking (pull, cleat, order of lines thrown)
  • Control room operations to ensure vessel is loading correctly (load rate, gate control, fine mitigation)
  • Operate heavy equipment on vessel - loaders, crane and ship loader operation
  • Complete man overboard training, shifting vessels requirements
  • Barge loading and system setup for limestone (Port of Chesapeake)

Receiving

  • Receive pellets into the port, record data to ensure accurate billing
  • Ensure safety of scale area and that loads meet safety criteria
  • Keep scale and ramps clean and free of debris
  • Communicate in a professional, courteous manner with our supplier
  • Operate shuttle wagon as directed (Port of Wilmington)

Quality

  • Collect samples and test finished goods delivered by truck and/or rail
  • Maintain QA/QC records and follow Quality Standard Operating Procedures
  • Analyze equipment performance and make necessary adjustments and equipment changes to produce desired throughput and quality results

Housekeeping

  • Keep area generally neat and orderly
  • Operate mobile equipment such as Bobcat and Lull to move dust collection bags
  • Keep area clean of accumulated dust
  • Follow all workplace and job safety procedures

General

  • Complete safety certification as required for the position
  • Communicate operational information as required
  • Enter maintenance work requests as applicable
  • Escalate issues promptly for proper resolution
  • Perform other duties as required and serve as a back-up resource as needed

Qualifications

  • High school diploma or able to complete GED requirements with six months of hire
  • Must demonstrate mechanical aptitude
  • Ability to understand and follow written and verbal job instructions
  • Proficient in mathematics and measurement
  • Team player demonstrated with past work experience or activities
  • Ability to work multiple shift schedules to support 24x7 operations

Working Conditions

  • Must be able to work in outdoor environments and occasionally in temperatures above 100 degrees and below 32 degrees
  • Willing and able to work in a hot, humid, cold and noisy industrial environment
  • Willing and able to maintain strict adherence to safety rules and regulations, to include wearing safety equipment.

Physical Requirements

  • Willing and able to perform tasks such as lifting, walking, climbing, stooping, standing, pushing and/or pulling for up to twelve (12) hours a day
  • Willing and able to work around moving equipment and machinery
  • Willing and able to pull and lift, up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.

This position is not eligible for visa support.

EEO Statement

Enviva is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Enviva does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member, genetic information or any other status protected by law. Enviva complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we operate.

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About the role

December 10, 2025

Full Time

Company

December 30, 2025

On-site

Enviva

envivabiomass.com

  •  Chesapeake, Virginia, United States

Entry-level

UTC-05:00

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