Lead Plant Operator - Renewable Natural Gas; Cottonwood

Position Summary

We are hiring for a Lead Plant Operator with experience to work at our Cottonwood RNG site, located in Marissa, IL as part of our Operations department. Cottonwood RNG is currently under construction and expected to startup in November. The Lead Plant Operator is responsible for the direction and supervision of all day‑to‑day activities in a Renewable Natural Gas facility. This position reports to the Area Manager and shares accountability of the day‑to‑day operations of the site.

This position will lead the site with one other operator with the goals of maximizing production and minimizing downtime with the utmost regard to safety, cleanliness, and environmental compliance. Initial employment will involve working with the construction and commissioning team to startup the site.

• Safety (reviewing LOTO; reviewing JHA’s; bringing safety concerns to upper management)
• Environmental (monthly reporting; monitors composition of LFG to include H2S treatment and media sampling; reviewing compliance procedures and ensuring compliance)
• Coordinating maintenance tasks with management and operators
• Scheduling operators and planning outage events
• Working with third party vendors to ensure timely and efficient service
• Responding to callouts and managing the callout roster
• Covering operator shifts when necessary and callouts
• Tuning and adjusting the plant to meet production and efficiency needs
• Inventory Management and Preventative Maintenance program
• This position will also be responsible for operating, adjusting, and repairing equipment required to maximize gas plant production in a safe and environmentally compliant manner.
• Operate and monitor the blowers, gas pretreatment, chiller, CO2 removal, N2 removal, O2 removal, compression equipment.
• Ensuring operators maintain detailed records on production data, equipment operational hours, and service schedules and equipment outages.
• Check all operating equipment daily including flow meters, gas chromatographs, fluid levels, pressure and temperature readings, and unusual noises to correct conditions before failure occurs.
• Perform all maintenance and repairs on the operating equipment including oil and filter changes, replacement of drive belts, hoses, valve adjustments, replacement of compressor filters, slide valves, couplings and bearings, as necessary. Participate in preventative maintenance outages and overhauls.
• Maintain a high level of cleanliness in and around the plant. Keep equipment, plant grounds, and floors looking as presentable as possible.
• Keep all on‑site parts and supplies stocked and well organized. Maintain plant inventory.
• Respond to call outs in a timely manner. Identify and correct the cause of the call out. If the problem cannot be corrected or diagnosed, it is the responsibility of the lead operator to contact the plant manager to get the help required to fix the situation.
• Operate the plant with a clear focus on safety. Clean up spills immediately. Make sure all lighting systems are fully functional; no slip or trip hazards are consistently present; and no electrical or mechanical hazards go on for long periods of time without attention. Ensure that all plant visitors, mechanics, and outside contractors are following safe work practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 7+ years of Renewable gas production industry experience preferred.
• Must be skilled in record‑keeping and logging.
• General troubleshooting abilities.
• Computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Must possess good mechanical skills with mechanical/basic electrical knowledge/troubleshooting experience.
• Basic electrical knowledge is preferred.
• Must be self‑motivated and perform most tasks with little or no supervision.
• Working knowledge of pressure, vacuum, and flow.
• Experience with pumps, blowers, or air compressors.
• Heavy equipment operations experience is preferred (gas turbine & gas compressor O&M).
• Fabrication and Basic Process Knowledge.
• Must have a current and valid driver’s license, without any restrictions.

• Lead Operators are scheduled 40-50 hrs. per week based on operational need, plant performance and…