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Digester Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orion Talent

Digester Operator

Reynolds, IN · On-site

$24/hr

As a Digester Operator, you will report to Energy Center leadership and support the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the anaerobic digestion process. This is a hands-on process-operations ...

Junction City Clean Fuels

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Anaerobic Digester Operator 1

Junction City, OR · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

The Anaerobic Digester Operator plays a central role in the day-to-day operation of our anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. This AD operator position will be responsible for operating the straw ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

River Falls, 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 ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Spencer, 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

River Falls, 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 ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Spencer, 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

River Falls, 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 ...

Vanguard Renewables

Biogas Operator

Spencer, 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 ...

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 ...

Montauk Energy

Plant Operator

Jerome, ID · On-site

Plant Operator ID: 2273 Location: Jerome, ID Department: Operations More about this job ... 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 ...

Montauk Energy

Plant Operator

Jerome, ID · On-site

Participates in the daily operation and maintenance activities of a digester gas processing ... Perform all aspects of a facility operator in a safe manner to avoid any injuries to yourself as ...

Sentry

Dairy RNG Operations Technician

Watertown, SD · On-site

The Renewable Energy Operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of digester equipment and biological processes, performing preventative maintenance, responding to system alarms ...

Sentry

Dairy RNG Operations Technician

Watertown, SD · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

The Renewable Energy Operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of digester equipment and biological processes, performing preventative maintenance, responding to system alarms ...

Sentry

Dairy RNG Operations Technician

Watertown, SD · On-site

The Renewable Energy Operator will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of digester equipment and biological processes, performing preventative maintenance, responding to system alarms ...

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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 Sep 14, 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 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.

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 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.

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Digester Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Digester Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,930 per year, or $23 per hour.

Digester Operator

Reynolds, IN • On-site

Orion Talent
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Orion Talentexternal

$24/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Description
The company is a waste-to-value renewable energy company that operates an anaerobic digestion system. The facility recycles animal waste and other organic by-products to produce methane gas, which is used to generate renewable electricity or upgraded into renewable natural gas.
As a Digester Operator, you will report to Energy Center leadership and support the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the anaerobic digestion process. This is a hands-on process-operations role involving material flow, truck coordination, SCADA monitoring, sampling, basic laboratory analysis, equipment rounds, process adjustments, and light maintenance on pumps, mixers, motors, and related equipment. The successful candidate will bring strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently in a 24/7 outdoor industrial environment.
Responsibilities
  • Operate the anaerobic digestion process by controlling incoming material, monitoring digester conditions, and making adjustments to maintain stable and efficient production.
  • Coordinate with truck drivers and site personnel during material delivery, unloading, sampling, and movement through the Energy Center.
  • Monitor equipment, gauges, charts, alarms, trends, and process conditions through the SCADA computer system and field inspections.
  • Collect samples of incoming and in-process materials and perform basic laboratory analysis to support process control and reporting requirements.
  • Operate, inspect, and perform light maintenance on pumps, mixers, motors, valves, piping, and other material-handling or process equipment.
  • Identify abnormal operating conditions, troubleshoot basic process or equipment issues, and notify maintenance or plant leadership when additional support is required.
  • Create and document work-order requests in the work-management system to track repairs, follow-up actions, and scheduled maintenance.
  • Complete routine plant rounds, housekeeping inspections, and cleanliness checks while maintaining an organized and presentable work environment.
  • Record operating data, sample results, material activity, process adjustments, and equipment conditions accurately and on time.
  • Follow all safety, environmental, quality, hazardous material, lockout/tagout, and site operating procedures.
  • Work collaboratively with operators, maintenance personnel, drivers, vendors, and Energy Center leadership while also completing assigned duties independently.
  • Perform additional operational, maintenance, material-handling, and site-support tasks as assigned by Energy Center leadership.
Must-Have Skills, Experience, and Education
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Hands-on experience in operations, maintenance, agriculture, wastewater, manufacturing, material handling, heavy equipment, utilities, construction, or a military technical specialty.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to understand how material flow, pumps, mixers, motors, valves, and process equipment work together.
  • Computer proficiency and the ability to learn SCADA, electronic logs, work-order software, and basic process-data systems.
  • Critical thinking, sound decision-making, attention to detail, and the ability to calmly handle operating issues or stressful situations.
  • Ability to communicate clearly, work well in a team environment, and complete tasks independently with limited supervision.
  • Willingness and ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts covering days, nights, weekends, holidays, and a 24/7 operating environment.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and continuously walk, climb stairs, step up and down, bend, and move throughout the facility.
  • Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds unassisted and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
  • Current valid driver license.
  • Commitment to safe work practices, cleanliness, environmental compliance, and participation in pre-employment and random drug testing.
Nice-to-Have Skills
  • Experience with anaerobic digestion, biogas, renewable natural gas, wastewater treatment, food processing, agricultural processing, landfill gas, chemical processing, or another continuous-process environment.
  • Previous agricultural, livestock, feedstock, manure-handling, or organic-waste experience.
  • Experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders, skid steers, forklifts, tractors, or material-handling equipment.
  • Hands-on experience with pumps, mixers, motors, valves, basic electrical systems, instrumentation, or mechanical repair.
  • Welding, fabrication, plumbing, piping, or general construction experience.
  • Experience collecting samples, performing basic laboratory testing, recording process data, or supporting quality-control activities.
  • Experience using SCADA, a computerized maintenance management system, work-order software, or electronic operator logs.
  • Military experience in engineering, utilities, mechanical maintenance, fuel systems, power production, water treatment, equipment operations, or industrial process support.

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