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Digester Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California Bioenergy LLC

Plant Operator

Visalia, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

COMPANY DESCRIPTION California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio), founded in 2006, is one of the nation's leading developers, owners, and operators of dairy digester projects. Working closely with our family ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Eden, WI · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

California Bioenergy LLC

Plant Operator

Kerman, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

COMPANY DESCRIPTION California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio), founded in 2006, is one of the nation's leading developers, owners, and operators of dairy digester projects. Working closely with our family ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Eden, WI

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Deerfield, MA

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Deerfield, MA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Deerfield, MA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Eden, WI · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators ... Maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment. * Ability to ...

Montauk Energy

Plant Operator

Jerome, ID

Plant Operator ID: 2259 Location: Jerome, ID Department: Operations More about this job ... Participates in the daily operation and maintenance activities of a digester gas processing ...

Montauk Energy

Plant Operator

Jerome, ID · On-site

Plant Operator Reports to: Site Manager Job Type: Full-time Location: Jerome, ID Company Summary ... Participates in the daily operation and maintenance activities of a digester gas processing ...

PurposeEnergy LLC

Wastewater Operator - Ohio

Minster, OH · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

We are hiring a full-time Wastewater Operator to join our team at on-site digester facilities in Minster, OH . The ideal candidate will oversee operations at our industrial food and beverage ...

LF Bioenergy

Plant Operator

Brillion, WI · On-site

... digester, manure feedstock preparation, RNG upgrader, and all supporting equipment and systems by ... and operating supplies Experience/Minimum Requirements · Excellent verbal and written ...

Chastain & Associates LLC

PLANT SUPERVISOR

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the digester's operation, ensuring optimal performance, efficiency, and safety, as well as managing a team of operators and technicians. Key ...

mew

Remote Operations Technician - Biogas

Redding, CA · On-site +1

Remotely monitor and troubleshoot issues at assigned digester facilities and cleanup plants * Communicate regularly with Field Ops Manager and on-site operators to ensure proper operation and ...

Regenis LLC

Process/Mechanical Engineer

Lynden, WA

$120K - $140K/yr

Whether performing new construction on a digester or supporting the operations and maintenance at a ... This role collaborates with project owners, subcontractors, operators, construction employees and ...

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Digester Operator information

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$10

$23

$37

How much do digester operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for digester operator in the United States is $23.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Digester Operator, and why are they important?

A Digester Operator needs a solid understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant experience in wastewater treatment or industrial operations. Familiarity with SCADA systems, chemical dosing equipment, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like wastewater treatment operator licenses are often preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help operators respond quickly to issues and collaborate with team members. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of digesters, which is critical for environmental protection and facility productivity.

What are some common challenges faced by Digester Operators, and how can they be addressed?

Digester Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining optimal operating conditions, troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, and managing unexpected changes in feedstock quality. To address these, operators must closely monitor process parameters, perform routine maintenance, and communicate effectively with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying proactive with preventive maintenance and participating in ongoing training can also help operators adapt to new technologies and regulatory requirements.

What is a Digester Operator?

A Digester Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining digesters, which are large industrial vessels used to break down organic materials through chemical or biological processes. These professionals monitor equipment, control operating parameters, and ensure that the digestion process runs efficiently and safely. Digester Operators are commonly employed in industries such as wastewater treatment, pulp and paper, and renewable energy production. Their duties also include troubleshooting equipment issues, collecting samples for analysis, and following safety and environmental regulations.

Is being a plant operator worth it?

A digester operator is responsible for managing the operation of digesters in waste treatment or biogas plants, requiring technical skills and safety awareness. The job offers steady employment, often with shift work, and may require certifications in safety or equipment operation. Compensation varies by location and experience but generally provides a stable income in the industrial sector.

What is the difference between Digester Operator vs Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectDigester OperatorWastewater Treatment Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires wastewater treatment certificationsRequires wastewater treatment certifications
Work EnvironmentOperates digesters in waste management or biogas plantsWorks in municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities
Industry UsageCommon in waste management, biogas, and renewable energy sectorsPrimarily in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment

Both roles involve operating treatment equipment and require similar certifications. However, Digester Operators focus on digesters used for waste breakdown and biogas production, while Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators manage the overall wastewater treatment process. The roles overlap in certifications and work environments but differ in specific processes and industry focus.

More about Digester Operator jobs
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What states have the most Digester Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Digester Operator jobs include:
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Digester Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digester Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.
Plant Operator

Plant Operator

California Bioenergy LLC

Visalia, CA • On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Biogas Plant Operator

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Operations

Location: Visalia, Fresno, and Chowchilla

Classification: Non-Exempt

Hourly Pay: $25.00 to $30.00

Benefits: Standard CalBio benefits package is available: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401k with match.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

California Bioenergy LLC (CalBio), founded in 2006, is one of the nation’s leading developers, owners, and operators of dairy digester projects. Working closely with our family dairy partners and agencies, including CARB, CDFA, CPUC, CEC, and the EPA, alongside affiliates Midwest Bioenergy, Northwest Bioenergy, and Southwest Bioenergy, we capture methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and beneficially use it to generate renewable natural gas (RNG) and electricity. Our projects reduce more than 1 million metric tons of CO₂e emissions per year, with a pathway to doubling these reductions over the next three years. A major use of CalBio RNG is as vehicle fuel; when truck fleets transition from diesel to natural gas, pollution emissions can drop by ~90%, delivering immediate air-quality benefits in communities such as California’s San Joaquin Valley and the L.A. Basin. These projects also help protect local air and water quality, create jobs, and provide new revenue and other meaningful benefits for our dairy partners.


POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Biogas Plant Operator performs skilled operational and maintenance work to support the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a dairy anaerobic digestion facility. This role is responsible for monitoring, maintaining, and cleaning the digester system, conditioning skid, and associated upgrader plant equipment. Facility assets include digesters, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators, condensers, chillers, and related auxiliary equipment.


ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Demonstrate full working knowledge of and strict adherence to company safety programs. Promote a strong safety culture by actively communicating safety expectations and supporting plant safety, health, and environmental initiatives.
  • Maintain overall plant cleanliness and equipment reliability, including routine cleaning and upkeep of compressor skids, oxygen skids, strainers, wire screens, and chiller filters and coils, particularly during high‑heat conditions.
  • Assist CalBio operators and external contractors during onsite maintenance activities, including media changeouts, major equipment overhauls, and vacuum removal of solids from digesters.
  • Monitor anaerobic digester gas production with an emphasis on oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) concentrations.
  • Perform daily equipment rounds, recording fluid temperatures, pressures, oil levels, gas concentrations, and process flows. Inspect equipment for proper operation and identify issues such as vibration, leaks, or abnormal conditions, escalating findings as needed.
  • Participate in plant housekeeping, material handling, and safety activities to maintain a safe working environment.
  • Support the planning and execution of preventive maintenance programs.
  • Create and manage work orders in the computerized maintenance management system to track repairs and scheduled maintenance.
  • Collaborate effectively with team members across multiple departments to support plant operations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

Performance is evaluated after the first 90 days and annually thereafter. Success in this role is measured by plant operating efficiency, system uptime and reliability, cost control, and compliance with company policies. Effective communication, teamwork, initiative, and the ability to utilize internal and external resources are key contributors to sustained operational performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Three years prior experience in maintenance or operations within an industrial, utilities, or gas processing environment preferred.
  • Working knowledge of industrial safety procedures and best practices.
  • Ability to respond effectively to rapidly changing operational conditions.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English required; Spanish language skills are a plus.
  • Basic proficiency with Windows‑based applications, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
  • Valid California driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in industrial and agricultural environments, primarily outdoors throughout California’s Central Valley. Temperatures may range from approximately 30°F in winter to 115°F in summer. The role involves regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other typical industrial hazards. Limited exposure to hazardous materials or fumes may occur, requiring use of approved personal protective equipment.

The position requires the ability to lift up to 50 pounds and to climb ladders and stairs. California Bioenergy® maintains strict adherence to all applicable safety standards and work rules.