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Digester Operator Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Digester Operator information

Where do wastewater operators make the most money?

Wastewater operators tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and more advanced treatment facilities, such as urban areas or states with strong environmental regulations. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of the treatment plant also influence earning potential.

What does a digester do?

A digester operator manages and monitors digesters, which are large tanks used to break down organic waste through biological processes like anaerobic digestion. They ensure proper operation, control temperature and pressure, and maintain safety standards to produce biogas or other byproducts efficiently.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $3,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, high-level consultants, certain medical specialists, and skilled trades like commercial pilots or oil and gas engineers. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-demand industries with significant responsibilities.

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 jobs in the US pay $300,000 a year?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and certain engineering managers can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced education, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities, and may involve working in demanding environments or requiring specific certifications.

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 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 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.
Waste/Water Treatment Operator

$39.58 - $39.78/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Under the general supervision of the Foreman, starts, stops, and adjusts the operation of all equipment as necessary for proper operation of the waste treatment plant and the domestic and cooling water treatment plants. At the water treatment plant, collects samples, runs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc. and adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water. Calculated daily consumption of water, chemicals, dosages, etc. Equipment includes all pumps, filters, chemical feeders, chlorinators, air compressors, agitators, valves, scrapers, deionizers, sludge scraper and blowoff, automatic controls and related equipment. At the waste treatment plant, pumps sludge at prescribed intervals, collects and composites waste water samples from influent and effluent flows as directed. Runs prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, B.O.D. samples, etc. Calculates daily flow of lab water, and cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically. Equipmenet includes comminuter, digester, trickling filter, clarijester, lab holding tanks, scrapers, and chemical feeders, etc. At both plants, makes inspections, takes readings, checks operating equipment periodically for proper control of the process, and cleans filters as necessary. Records analyzed results, hourly equipment readings, operational and test data, etc., on daily and weekly log sheet. Fills chemical hoppers, day tanks, etc., changes chlorine cylind and moves chemical skiploads as necessary. Does facility housekeeping of assigned areas and cleans laboratory equipment. Performs miscellaneous related duties as assigned.

Position Requirements

Under the supervision and direction of the Foreman, the WWTO starts, stops, and adjusts the operation, of all equipment as necessary for proper operation of the four water treatment facilities; sanitary waste treatment plant, industrial waste treatment plant, domestic water treatment plant, and the canal water treatment plant. Equipment includes all pumps, filters, chemical feeders, chlorinators, air compressors, agitators, valves, scrapers, deionizers, sludge scraper and blow off, digesters, trickling filters, clarifiers, tanks, and automatic controls and related equipment.

This job description documents the general nature of work but is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all activities, duties and responsibilities required of job incumbent. Consequently, job incumbent may be required to perform other duties as assigned. This position is on a rotating shift that may cover weekends, afternoons, evenings, and dayshift rotations.

Specific Duties

At the treatment plants:

  • Performs routine inspections and readings for proper operation
  • Collects daily samples
  • Performs prescribed chemical tests such as hardness, pH, turbidity, sludge percent chlorine residual, etc. and records analyzed results
  • Adjusts equipment as indicated by test results to maintain prescribed quality of water
  • Calculates and records daily consumption and flow of water, chemicals, dosages, etc.
  • Pumps and processes sludge at prescribed intervals
  • Collects wastewater samples from influent and effluent flows as directed
  • Perform prescribed operational tests on samples including residual chlorine, pH, slide %, suspended solids, and B.O.D. samples and records analyzed results
  • Cleans sand filters and sludge beds periodically

Requirements

  • Basic knowledge of mechanical systems including pumping equipment operation is required
  • 1-3 years related experience in operating water treatment equipment and certification as an IEPA water systems operator or wastewater treatment operator is desired
  • Good knowledge and use of a PC are required
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Good skills in oral and written communications
  • Ability to work weekend and shift work
  • Complies with all Laboratory and Division Environmental Safety and Health (ES&H) policies, work rules, and safe work practices

Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection

All activities, as they apply to work performed by self and working with others will be executed in compliance with Environment, Safety & Health (ES&H) and security responsibilities established by Argonne National Laboratory's ES&H policies, Safeguards and Security policies, work rules, and safe practices.

Argonne Core Values:

All activities, as they apply to work performed by self and working with others will be executed in compliance with the core values of Impact, Safety, Respect, Integrity and Teamwork.

Job Family

Union

Job Profile

Waste/Water Treatment Opr

Worker Type

Regular

Time Type

Full timeThe expected hiring range for this position is $39.58-$39.78.

Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.

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As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.

Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.

All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.