Sr. Plant Operator

Job Description

Senior Plant Operator, Biogas | Airswift

The Tone:
This is an initial 6-month contract role with potential for temp-to-hire, located in Rockford, IL. Airswift is seeking a Senior Plant Operator to support a client operating a Biogas Facility. This critical role ensures the continuous, safe, and efficient operation of the renewable natural gas facility, requiring influential leadership and advanced technical expertise.

The TL;DR
• Role: Contract (initial 6-month, temp-to-hire)
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, Rockford, IL

• Team: Reports to Plant Management, vetted by Plant Managers, Operations Specialists, and Manager of Operations.
• Mission: To successfully maintain biogas facility operations, maximize biogas production, and ensure a high level of safety and efficiency.
• Tech Stack: Control systems, various software for data handling and input

What You’ll Actually Do
• Manage: Plan and execute daily maintenance and operations, including supervising, permitting, and verifying contractor personnel work.
• Maintain: Optimize the gas collection system to safely and cost-effectively maximize both the quantity and quality of biogas for processing.
• Operate: Perform a variety of planned and unplanned maintenance tasks such as equipment calibrations, PMs, control system loop checks, electrical work, pump repair, and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Lead: Serve as acting Manager in the absence of Plant Management, successfully maintaining the operations of the Biogas Facility.
• Develop: Train and mentor new employees, fostering a strong safety culture and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Senior level professional with a high school diploma or GESS, exhibiting knowledge of electro-mechanical systems, machine repair, and operation.
• Experience: Proven track record of influential leadership, advanced troubleshooting techniques, and the ability to work with limited supervision, including readiness for on-call, holiday, and weekend work.
• Skills: Proficient in data-driven troubleshooting of plant equipment and process upsets, comfortable navigating software for data handling, and capable of installing, maintaining, and repairing small gauge electrical wiring.
• Bonus: 5+ years of chemical/gas processing or production plant operations, demonstrated ability to work autonomously, mechanical/electrical field experience, or an Associate’s Degree in a technical field.