Incharge Biomass & Warehousing

Job Description: Incharge Biomass & Warehousing

Department: Procurement / Supply Chain & Operations

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Location: Head Office/ Warehouses (as per company direction)

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Position Summary

The Incharge Biomass & Warehousing is responsible for the receipt, quality assessment, storage, preservation, safety and issuance of all biomass fuel and raw material stocks (wheat straw, rice husk, bagasse, corn cob, maize stalk, mustard stalk and similar agro-residues). The role ensures that stock is available in the right quality and quantity, is protected from degradation, pests and fire, and is managed with accurate records and minimal losses.

Key Responsibilities

1. Biomass Receiving & Quality Control

•         Inspect every incoming consignment for moisture, calorific value (as per lab or supplier test reports), ash content, foreign matter (soil, stones, plastic, metal), color, odor and signs of mold, rot or heating.

•         Operate and calibrate moisture meters; draw samples as per sampling plan and coordinate lab testing.

•         Accept, reject or place on hold consignments against defined quality specifications; record deviations and inform procurement.

•         Verify weighbridge slips, gate entries, vehicle condition and documentation.

•         Evaluate suppliers on quality and consistency and give feedback to procurement.

2. Storage & Preservation of Biomass

•         Plan yard and shed layout by material type, moisture level and receipt date; apply FIFO/FEFO.

•         Store biomass on raised, well-drained, compacted platforms or covered sheds, away from standing water and direct ground contact.

•         Build stacks with proper height, width and fire lanes/gaps; use tarpaulin or roofing against rain and sun, while keeping ventilation.

•         Keep different materials separate (for example, rice husk and bagasse have different moisture and fire behavior).

•         Control dust, spillage and cross-contamination in yards and godowns.

3. Precautions & Stock Protection

•         Moisture control: Do not store wet or damp biomass; moisture monitoring for baled or loose dry residues (as per company specification). Re-dry or segregate material above limit.

•         Fire prevention: No smoking or open flames; hot-work permits; lightning protection; fire extinguishers, hydrants, sand buckets and water points; regular fire drills; clear access lanes for fire tenders; electrical panels and wiring kept clear of stacks.

•         Spontaneous combustion: Monitor stack temperature routinely; avoid oversized or compacted stacks of high-moisture material; turn or break down stacks showing heating.

•         Pest and rodent control: Housekeeping, proofing of sheds, baiting and periodic pest inspection.

•         Weather protection: Drainage channels, covers and bunds before monsoon; inspection after rain and storms.

•         Dust and health safety: Dust control, PPE (mask, gloves, safety shoes, helmet), and safe handling to avoid respiratory and fire/explosion risk from fine dust (especially husk and bagasse pith).

4. Fumigation Management

•         Plan and supervise fumigation where required for pest infestation in stored material, using approved fumigants (for example, phosphine/aluminium phosphide tablets) strictly as per label, regulatory rules and company SOP.

•         Ensure fumigation is carried out only by trained, certified personnel using gas-tight sheeting, sealing and warning signage.

•         Typical practice (to be confirmed against product label and SOP):

o        Fumigation is done in sealed stacks or enclosed godowns with the correct dosage for the volume.

o        Ambient and stack temperature should be recorded during exposure, as low temperature slows gas action and very high temperature raises fire and safety risk.

o        After exposure, ventilate/aerate, test with a gas detector, and allow re-entry only when phosphine is at or below the permitted limit.

o        Dispose of spent residue per the manufacturer's and environmental guidelines.

•         Maintain fumigation records: date, material, quantity, dosage, exposure time, temperature, personnel, gas clearance readings.

•         Never fumigate or enter treated areas without a gas detector and a trained buddy; keep first-aid and emergency contacts available.

5. Temperature & Condition Monitoring

•         Check stack core temperature with probes on a fixed schedule (daily in peak season, and after rain or heat waves).

•         Suggested action levels (align with company SOP): normal up to ~40°C; watch and increase monitoring at 40–50°C; take action (open or turn stack, isolate, cool) above ~50–60°C; treat as an emergency and call fire team at higher temperatures or if smoke or hot spots are seen.

•         Monitor moisture, mold, odor and caking; log all readings.

6. Maintaining Stock Quality

•         Rotate stock on FIFO basis so older stock is consumed first.

•         Prevent quality loss through proper stacking, covering, ventilation and housekeeping.

•         Carry out periodic quality checks (moisture, calorific value, ash) on stored lots and issue only material meeting specification.

•         Minimize shrinkage and handling losses; track dry-matter loss during storage.

•         Coordinate with production on quality needs for each product or boiler.

7. Warehousing & Inventory Management

•         Receive, store, issue and dispatch materials with proper documentation (GRN, issue slips, gate passes).

•         Maintain accurate stock registers and ERP entries; conduct regular physical stock counts and reconcile variances.

•         Report stock levels with procurement and sales teams, especially across harvest seasons.

•         Manage warehouse layout, labeling, space utilization and safe material handling equipment.

•         Control and supervise warehouse staff, loaders and contractors; prepare duty rosters.

8. Reporting, Compliance & Safety

•         Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports on stock, consumption, quality, losses and incidents.

•         Ensure compliance with EHS, fire safety, environmental and local regulatory requirements.

•         Investigate incidents, near misses and quality failures; implement corrective and preventive actions.

•         Support audits (internal, customer, regulatory).

Requirements

Experience

•         4 to 5 years of relevant experience in biomass handling, storage and warehousing, preferably in biomass pellets/briquettes, boilers, sugar, paper, ethanol, power or agro-based industry.

•         Hands-on experience managing large yards, godowns and labor teams.

Education

•         Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Engineering, Supply Chain/Operations, Science or a related field (diploma holders with strong relevant experience may be considered).

Technical Knowledge & Skills

•         Strong knowledge of the quality parameters and storage behavior of wheat straw, rice husk, bagasse, corn cob, maize stalk, mustard stalk and other agro-residues.

•         Sound understanding of preservation methods, moisture control, stack management and spontaneous combustion risks.

•         Knowledge of fumigation process, exposure time, temperature requirements, safety and aeration.

•         Ability to use moisture meters, temperature probes, weighbridge and basic lab testing.

•         Proficiency in inventory management, ERP/MS Excel and MS Office.

•         Good leadership, communication and problem-solving skills; ability to work in outdoor and seasonal-peak conditions.

Training & Certification

•         Certified training in warehouse and inventory management (preferred).

•         Fire safety and firefighting training; first-aid training.

•         Fumigation or pest control certification / authorized fumigator training (required or to be obtained).

•         EHS / occupational health and safety certification (such as NEBOSH, IOSH or equivalent) is an advantage.

•         Training in biomass quality testing and handling is an advantage.

What We Offer

•         Competitive salary

•         Food allowance

•         Medical coverage (IPD)

•         Paid leaves

•         Gratuity

•         A supportive environment to learn and grow

•         Monthly company dinner

How to Apply

Interested candidates may send their updated CV to careers@zarea.pk  with the subject line "Incharge Biomass & Warehousing".