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Digester Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer

Bakersfield, CA ยท On-site

$110K - $120K/yr

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 ...

Automation Manager

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $130/hr

Company Overview Maas Energy Works (MEW) is the leading developer and operator of on-farm, waste-to ... digester and RNG facilities. You will bring enough technical depth to sit in a troubleshooting ...

Automation Manager

Redding, CA ยท On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Company Overview Maas Energy Works (MEW) is the leading developer and operator of on-farm, waste-to ... digester and RNG facilities. You will bring enough technical depth to sit in a troubleshooting ...

Company Overview Maas Energy Works (MEW) is the leading developer and operator of on-farm, waste-to ... digester and RNG facilities. You will bring enough technical depth to sit in a troubleshooting ...

Showing results 21-37

Digester Operator information

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.

What job categories do people searching Digester Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Digester Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Digester Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Digester Operator job openings:

Receiving and Operations & Maintenance Technician

Anaergia

Riverside, CA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Company Description:
Anaergia (TSX: ANRG) is a global leader in offering sustainable solutions for the production of clean energy and the conversion of waste streams to resources. Through a proven portfolio of proprietary technological solutions, Anaergia maximizes the generation of renewable energy, diversion of waste from landfill, and reduction of greenhouse gases for customers across the municipal, industrial, commercial, and agricultural sectors.
Headquartered in Burlington, ON, and through its multiple subsidiaries across North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, Anaergia is trusted at more than 1,600 installations globally.
Job Overview
The Operations & Maintenance Technician is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the Riverside Bioenergy Facility's anaerobically digestible material (ADM) receiving area and renewable natural gas (RNG) systems. The position performs feedstock receiving and unloading, process monitoring, equipment inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, laboratory sampling and analysis, troubleshooting, and documentation. Working closely with the Facility Manager and other site personnel, the O&M Technician helps maintain equipment reliability, plant performance, regulatory compliance, and a safe working environment.
Facility Description: Anaergia is managing the operations and maintenance for Riverside Bioenergy Facility (RBF), anaerobically digestible material (ADM) receiving area. The RBF ADM receiving area receives high-strength organic waste in 5,000-gallon tanker trucks and is offloaded to buffer tanks using onsite pumping system. The waste at the receiving area is co-digested with the municipal sludge, producing biogas. The Biogas is treated and upgraded to renewable natural gas (RNG) and injected into the utility pipeline. The biogas treatment and upgrading facility is owned and operated by Anaergia, and the facility is located on the RBF property.
Key Responsibilities
  • Safely receive and unload liquid organic feedstocks from tanker trucks in accordance with facility operating procedures and feedstock acceptance criteria.
  • Verify manifests and delivery documentation, inspect incoming loads for contamination or unacceptable materials, collect representative samples for laboratory analysis as required, and accurately document receiving activities.
  • Monitor offloading operations to ensure safe and efficient transfer of material while maintaining communication with haulers and facility personnel regarding scheduling, unloading procedures, and any issues that may affect operations.
  • Perform scheduled preventive maintenance and routine field inspections, complete daily site walks to assess equipment condition, and accurately document completed work orders in the CMMS.
  • Monitor and operate plant process equipment in accordance with SOP's and safe industry practices.
  • Collect production data and adjust plant operating conditions from SCADA and in the field to achieve plant production plans and goals. Examples of production data would include, but not be limited to, lab analysis, plant SCADA historian data, and field logs.
  • Support troubleshooting efforts to solve receiving plant equipment and renewable natural gas plant issues.
  • Provide lab analysis for feedstock and digester material. Provide lab reports to engineering for analysis. Training will be provided for lab work.
  • Implement all site safety procedures and ensure contractors and coworkers are following safe work procedures and protocols.
  • Identify Spare parts and consumables procurement needs and prepare requisitions for approval.
  • Maintain an organized inventory of spare parts, tools, and consumables, including oils, grease, seals, bearings, and other maintenance materials, and help ensure critical items are available when needed.
  • Develop and maintain skills such as using a forklift, hoists, cranes, and hand and power tools, and examining the form and texture of parts.
  • Inspecting and collecting information on parts/pipes and other equipment utilizing rulers, calipers, and other measuring instruments.
  • Follow all safety SOPs and support in fabrication of temp lines, pipes, patchwork, weld/grinding or cutting work on site.
  • Clean and maintain equipment and work areas as necessary to support safe and reliable operations.
  • Ensure all calibration records for all required equipment are up to date and kept in records.
  • Inspects and tests eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and other life safety systems, including PPE.
  • Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. Works in a clean manner.
  • Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
  • Must be available to work overtime, weekends, and extended hours as operational needs require.
  • Any additional tasks requested by the Facility Manager to effectively operate and maintain the facility in a safe, reliable, and efficient manner.

Goals
  • Safety - Perform all work in accordance with Anaergia's safety policies, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and regulatory requirements while maintaining a safe working environment for employees, contractors, and visitors.
  • Operations - Safely receive, inspect, unload, and document incoming liquid organic feedstocks while ensuring compliance with feedstock acceptance criteria and maintaining efficient receiving operations.
  • Equipment Reliability - Operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain process equipment to maximize equipment reliability and plant uptime through preventive maintenance, routine inspections, and timely reporting of deficiencies.
  • Process Performance - Monitor plant performance through SCADA, field observations, laboratory sampling, and operating data, and support process adjustments and troubleshooting activities to optimize facility performance.
  • Maintenance & Housekeeping - Maintain facility equipment, tools, spare parts, calibration records, and work areas in a clean, organized, and operationally ready condition while accurately documenting maintenance activities in the CMMS.
  • Compliance & Documentation - Complete all required operating logs, maintenance records, manifests, laboratory documentation, inspections, and regulatory records accurately and in a timely manner.
  • Teamwork & Communication - Communicate effectively with haulers, contractors, supervisors, and coworkers to support safe, efficient, and reliable facility operations while responding to operational issues as they arise.
  • Continuous Improvement - Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve safety, reliability, equipment performance, operating procedures, and overall efficiency.

Required Skills and Experience
  • Required Skills: Ability to safely operate and monitor integrated industrial plant systems and process equipment.; Ability to interpret plant operating data, SCADA information, field observations, and laboratory results to support operational decisions. Ability to read equipment drawings, technical manuals, specifications, and operating procedures. Working knowledge of pumps, conveyors, instrumentation, piping, and other industrial mechanical equipment. Ability to perform basic mechanical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, equipment disassembly/reassembly, lubrication, and component replacement. Proficiency with common hand and power tools and basic measuring instruments. Ability to accurately document inspections, maintenance activities, and repairs using a CMMS.; Ability to identify required replacement parts, tools, and materials necessary to maintain and repair equipment. Ability to coordinate and oversee contractor mechanical work when repairs are beyond the capabilities of onsite staff.
  • Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in industrial operations, plant maintenance, wastewater treatment, renewable energy, manufacturing, or a related industrial environment.
  • Education: High school diploma or GED required. Technical or trade school certification in mechanical, electrical, industrial maintenance, wastewater, or a related field is preferred. An associate or bachelor's degree in a related technical field may substitute for relevant technical training or experience.
  • Physical Requirements: This position is based at our Riverside site and requires regular onsite attendance. Frequently walk throughout an industrial manufacturing facility, including climbing stairs, ladders, and elevated platforms; Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions; Ability to wear all required PPE, including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed footwear, gloves, and respiratory protection as required; Ability to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds; Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment, chemicals, noise, heat, and confined industrial spaces while following all safety procedures; Must be available for periodic after-hours remote support and occasional onsite response during plant emergencies or critical operating events.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record. Must be able to obtain and maintain required site certifications, including mobile crane, manlift, and forklift certifications.

For additional information on Anaergia, please visit www.anaergia.com.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Anaergia provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Anaergia will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.