Biogas Operator

About the role

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Biogas Operator performs skilled work that is necessary in operating an anaerobic digester, gas conditioning skid, associated digester and upgrader plant equipment. The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators, condensers, chillers, and related auxiliary equipment.

Responsibilities

• Adheres to, and has full working knowledge of, the company safety program. Will have limited oversight responsibility for outside maintenance contractors to ensure that they are working in a safe manner.
• Communicates with all personnel to stress the importance of a safe work environment. Required to isolate equipment following proper Lock-out Tag-Out procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports the plant safety, health, and environmental programs in all activities. Contributes to incident investigations to reduce recurrence of accidents/incidents.
• Supports and promotes the philosophy of maintaining an accident/incident free workplace.
• Assist and support outside contractors with all onsite maintenance, including media change-outs, large equipment overhauls, and vacuum removal of solids from digesters.
• Monitor gas production of anaerobic digesters with a focus on O2 and H2S concentration.
• Complete hourly and daily rounds of plant equipment and capture fluid temps, pressures, oil levels, gas concentrations, process flows. Check equipment for proper operation looking for excessive vibration, fluid leaks and any conditions needing further attention. Accurately record all plant operational parameters and respond to unsatisfactory trends and remedy as needed.
• Conduct initial troubleshooting prior to calling in technicians and/or 3rd party contractors.
• Learn from technicians and 3rd party contractors on servicing equipment to use in future scenarios to keep maintenance in-house.
• Operate plant equipment including the pumps, blowers, and other related auxiliary equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendation and established company policy.
• Participate in plant housekeeping programs and material handling safety activities to ensure safe working conditions.
• Participate in the planning and execution of preventative maintenance activities.
• Write work orders on work management software to track repairs and scheduled maintenance.
• Assist in writing Standard Operating Procedures and Energy Isolation Procedures.
• Consistent and on-time attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle is required.
• Will be required to regularly lift, move and/or push objects weighing up to 50lbs.
• Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment.
• Ability to work on-call hours as required.
• Operational experience may be supplemented with military experience or training in a related field.
• A relevant background in safety procedures/practices.
• Able to quickly respond to rapidly changing conditions.
• Ability to read, write and understand English is required.
• Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Ability to do minor electrical troubleshooting with the use of multimeters i.e., testing fuses and verifying line voltages.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and to make sound recommendations on plant conditions.
• Fundamental proficiency in Windows-based applications (Outlook, Word, and Excel) on a PC or tablet required.

Working conditions

• Work locations are industrial and agricultural, primarily outdoors.
• Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment.
• Regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected.
• Vanguard Renewables will ensure all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance benefits, including HSA option, with substantial employer premium contributions.
• Competitive, employer-sponsored (100% paid) dental, vision, and wellness benefits.
• Basic employer-paid life and disability insurance, with optional supplemental life and AD&D coverage.
• 401(k) retirement program with employer match and immediate eligibility.
• Pre-tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options to support healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Education and adoption assistance programs to support personal and family goals.
• Discretionary performance-based bonus opportunity in addition to competitive base salary.
• Robust paid time off supporting flexibility and work-life balance.
• Monthly cell phone and business expense reimbursement.