Chief Wastewater Operator - Ohio

We are hiring a full-time on-site Chief Wastewater Operator to lead operations at our digester facility in Minster, OH
. This position requires a current Ohio Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate, Grade II or higher.

The Chief Wastewater Operator will act as the senior technical authority for wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion operations at the facility. The role is responsible for ensuring stable process performance, supervising and mentoring operators, maintaining regulatory compliance, and implementing continuous improvement. The position requires effective communication with plant staff, external vendors, regulatory contacts, and company leadership.

This is a flexible role that may require on-call coverage, nights, or weekend hours as operational needs dictate. The final schedule will be determined with the successful candidate.

• Provide day-to-day oversight and monitoring of plant and equipment performance, including hydraulic flows, temperatures, pH, COD, VFA, pressures, and renewable power generation.
• Serve as the primary technical authority for biological processes, feedstock receiving, hydraulic pumping systems, chemical feed systems, filtration, phosphorus sequestration, solids removal, and biogas utilization.
• Supervise, train, and mentor wastewater operations staff; assign tasks, deliver performance feedback, and support career development.
• Oversee compliance audits, safety inspections, and routine reporting; ensure timely upload of required records into the company tracking systems.
• Lead facility optimization efforts to improve feedstock handling, effluent quality, and renewable energy production.
• Manage inventory of consumables (chemicals, reagents, and spare parts) using the CMMS and coordinate with vendors, contractors, and maintenance teams.
• Ensure operations comply with state and local wastewater, air quality, and solid waste permits.
• Maintain an active Ohio Wastewater Treatment Facility Operator License and complete required continuing education.

• Current Ohio Grade II Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator certificate (or higher), required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in wastewater operations, anaerobic digestion, RNG, or industrial wastewater treatment.
• Proven understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, including pumps, piping, electric motors, generators, instrumentation, and basic building maintenance.
• Experience with PLCs, process controls, and field instruments (pressure, temperature, flow, pH).
• Strong computer skills, including spreadsheets, email, PDF handling, document management, ordering, cost reporting, and timekeeping.
• Experience coordinating work with welders, plumbers, electricians, insulators, and startup technicians.
• Experience using a CMMS (FIIX preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors year-round. Must be able to stand, bend, walk, climb, lift up to 75 lbs., and perform work overhead, on ladders, on tanks, and in confined spaces.

• $35 - $40 per hour, depending on relevant experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Work attire provided.
• Company cell phone provided.
• Expense reimbursement for work-related travel.

• This role is based at our Minster, OH facility and will require training at other company facilities, including locations in Vermont.
• Position is subject to 24-hour call-out and flexible scheduling requirements.

Purpose Energy is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.