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Digester Operator Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Supervises approximately 20 operators on shift and manages employee performance and promotes ... digester, digesters, kiln, kilns, boiler, boilers, paper, linerboard, area supervisor, tour ...

Digester Operator information

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.

Infographic showing various Digester Operator job openings in Florida as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

U.S. Water Services Corporation

New Port Richey, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

U.S. Water Services Corporation is a well-established and diverse water and wastewater utility organization specializing in utility maintenance, operations, engineering and construction services. U.S. Water is a fast paced and rapidly expanding company headquartered in New Port Richey, Florida with a staff of over 950 plus employees in twenty states.

QUALIFIACTIONS:

  • Must have active Class B or higher Wastewater Operator License issued by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
  • Must have valid driver's license
  • 1 plus years of experience

Essential- Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Operates plant equipment such as aerators, filters, pumps, lift stations, instrumentation, motors, chemical feed systems, blowers, mixers, generators, lighting, chlorinators, comminutors, bar screens, flow splitter boxes, storage tanks, meters, air compressors, air distribution systems, timers, controls, sludge dewatering equipment, valves, contact chambers, wells, surge tanks, and other similarly related plant components and equipment.
  • Adjusts plant equipment to achieve the best possible treatment results and to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit,
  • Responds to emergency calls, as required to take corrective operation action or to assist company or client personnel in performing corrective actions.
  • Operates facility effluent disposal systems in accordance with plant operating permit and operating protocol.
  • Maintains required solids inventory to achieve the best possible treatment. Controls wasting rates, digester loading, lime stabilization of residuals (when applicable) and coordinates residual hauling.
  • Provides oral and written reports to Project Manager
  • Maintains sludge records and reports

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Adjusts and maintains chemical dosages to ensure compliance with the facility operating permit and Oklahoma Administrative Code.
  • Provides daily checks of the wastewater facilities to document operational status and maintenance requirements and makes operational changes to ensure the processes are operated in a safe manner and compliant with ODEQ rules and regulations, and all effluent is compliant with the facility operating permit
  • Performs compliance sampling for required parameters for wastewater quality analysis, in accordance with facility operating permit.
  • Maintains on site complete and accurate operating logbook and records on wastewater facility in accordance with DEQ requirements.
  • Performs field testing to include, but not limited to, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH, settable solids, microscopic examination of activated sludge, alkalinity, ammonia, turbidity, and any other such field testing necessary for plant process control to maintain compliance with the plant operating permit, company or plant operating protocol and DEQ rules and regulations.
  • Performs calibration procedures on all field-testing equipment as per DEQ requirement and maintains calibration log on each field instrument as well as maintaining all equipment in good working order.
  • Calculate, maintain and record plant hydraulic and organic loading rates to include but not limited to waste sludge rates, surge loading rates, influent and effluent flow rates when applicable, tank transfer rates, and any other hydraulic loading rate within the control of the plant operator to maintain compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform plant equipment repair and maintenance to include repair of chemical feed pumps and injection points, lubrication of pumps, motors, blowers, drive assemblies, mixers, aerators, etc. Replace air filters on plant equipment, perform routine instrumentation cleaning and maintenance and report any required maintenance necessary to maintain efficient equipment operations and compliance with plant operating permit.
  • Perform general housekeeping duties such as, but not limited to, picking up and disposal of various debris and screenings, empty trash cans, washing down of basins, wet wells and other plant equipment, clean up any sludge spills and sludge splashing, netting treatable debris from tanks and keep walkways clear of obstruction and debris.

Additional Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Completes monthly reports and laboratory analysis prior to submittal to regulatory agencies.
  • Reports abnormal events and events resulting in noncompliance with the operating permit, DEQ Rules and Regulations, the facility operating protocol or Oklahoma Administrative Code in accordance with company abnormal reporting protocol.
  • Reports any unsafe working conditions to supervisor immediately upon discovery to the Project Manager
  • Performs other similar duties as assigned or requested.
  • Must be available from time to time to work scheduled or unscheduled overtime in order to satisfy plant-staffing requirements.
  • Assist Project Manager with Operator's scheduling and ensures adequate staffing levels needs are met at all times.
  • Ensures that the staff operators adhere to company policies at all times, and reports any failure to adhere

Compensation and Benefits: Pay is commensurate with experience and market-reflective. US Water/USW Utility Group offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short/long-term disability, paid time off, holiday pay and 401(k) with company match.

US Water/USW Utility Group offers competitive wages and benefits and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.