Plant Operator Renewable Natural Gas

About the role

ENERGYneering Solutions Inc. (ESI) provides exceptional technical expertise in engineering and operations for the biogas utilization and management industries. Since 2007, ESI has specialized in design, construction, and operations for biogas projects that collectively produce over one million MWh of renewable electricity and over 50 million gallons of renewable vehicle fuel every year.

Operate a Landfill Gas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility to maximize production. The Operator works closely with the Plant Manager to conduct all plant routine and non‑routine maintenance and repairs, takes ownership of plant performance, and tackles challenges to help Operations Leadership achieve their goals. This is a hands‑on role where a willingness to learn and commitment to safety culture are crucial. The plant is managed and operated by three personnel: a Plant Manager and two Plant Operators.

The Operator reports to the Director of RNG Operations. The position is based in New Lexington, Ohio; the candidate should reside within 50 miles of the plant. Travel may be required to other plants or corporate office locations.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain the plant and all associated equipment in a safe, detailed, organized, and presentable manner (including housekeeping, weeding, site maintenance, minor fabrication).
• Manage, diagnose, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems; remote and onsite assistance is available for unresolved issues.
• Learn to maximize SCADA utilization for predictive and proactive operations and maintenance.
• Perform maintenance and repairs on all major and ancillary equipment, including but not limited to: site vehicles, gas analyzers, air compressors, gas compressors, radiators, air handling equipment, pumps, filters, flares, gas treatment equipment, and other site‑specific equipment.
• Use the Operational Data Management System (ODMS) to track and record events, operational data, and daily “walk around” readings.
• Understand, follow, and assist with compliance regulations for the plant (record keeping, data gathering, inspections, permit posting, maintaining compliance equipment, meeting with inspectors).
• Respond to plant callouts in a timely and professional manner (typically within 2 hours).
• Assist with training of coworkers or temporary operators at the plant.
• Travel to assist operators at other plants, provide backup, fill in for another operator, or for training.
• Use ESI’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) where available; recommend and assist in further SOP development.
• Maximize plant efficiencies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 1–5 years of plant operations and other related experience.
• Trade school certification, high school diploma, or GED.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and background.
• Ability to read and understand basic Process Flow Diagrams and Electrical Schematics.
• Ability to use basic troubleshooting tools (multimeters, thermographic, measurement, and gas testing equipment).
• Basic Windows‑based computer skills.
• Established troubleshooting skills.
• Experience in maintenance planning and preventative maintenance strategies.
• General working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Ability to work independently, self‑motivate, and communicate effectively with customers and ESI team members.
• 12‑hour shifts required, with schedule rotating in accordance with team requirements and scheduling from the Plant Manager.
• Must be able to safely climb on and off ladders and large equipment and be capable of safely lifting and maneuvering heavy objects up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• This role may require compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including mandatory pre‑employment drug test, random drug and alcohol testing, post‑accident, reasonable suspicion, return‑to‑duty, and follow‑up testing.
• Valid driver’s license for state of residence and eligibility for coverage under corporate driver’s insurance policy based on DMV history.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in Renewable Energy, Gas Processing, Chemical, Power, Waste Management, or Environmental Air Quality Control Systems.
• Instrumentation and Controls background (PLC, VFD, Electrical).
• Renewable Natural Gas experience.
• Associates or Baccalaureate Degree.
• Formal training in Root Cause Analysis methodology.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to deal with complex problems and present recommendations and findings clearly and concisely; interact effectively at all levels within and outside ESI.
• Quick learner who adapts well to a fast‑moving environment; combines creativity, problem‑solving, and a can‑do attitude.
• Highly motivated, willing to take on multiple responsibilities; strong organizational and multitasking skills with changing priorities.
• Experience in process optimization, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis (RCA) in energy or manufacturing environments.
• Experience with process metrics and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ability to communicate effectively across a broad range of audiences (customers, management, technical/engineering support, field personnel).
• Experience in maintenance planning and preventative maintenance strategies.
• Experience tuning control loops.

Schedule

12‑hour shifts required, with schedule rotating in accordance with team requirements and scheduling from the Plant Manager.

Travel

Travel up to 15%.

Benefits

• Free HSA health plan or traditional PPO
• 401(k) with generous company match (Safe Harbor)
• Dental, vision, and optional coverage (accident & critical illness insurance)
• HSA and FSA accounts to save on healthcare costs
• Company‑paid Life, Long Term Disability, and AD&D insurance
• Confidential support for mental health, family matters, legal concerns, and more through Employee Assistance Program
• Discounts on gyms, shopping & entertainment
• Health benefits effective first of the month after 30 days
• Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Bereavement Leave