1

Digester Operator Jobs in North Dakota (NOW HIRING)

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 are popular job titles related to Digester Operator jobs in North Dakota?

For Digester Operator jobs in North Dakota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Wet End Mechanic 2 (Crew C) Grand Forks, ND

Simplot

Grand Forks, ND • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


J.R. Simplot rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

214th of 443 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
Summary
This position will be responsible for maintaining the mechanical operation of all plant equipment in the Process, Packaging, Logistics, Raw Receiving, Water Resources, and Digester Areas. The goal of this position is to gain the experience and proficiency to maintain plant equipment. It is imperative that the person conduct (him/her) self in a manner that ensures alertness and constant awareness of the safe and proper operation of equipment and associated components.
This individual must have a working knowledge of safe work practices, plant equipment, mechanical repair procedures (to include welding), and equipment installation under the supervision of the Maintenance Team Leader, Maintenance Supervisor, and other qualified maintenance personnel.
The individual in this position will accomplish these tasks by utilizing a team concept, through working with team members and following direction and instructions from a Team Leader, Supervisor, Shift Manager or other qualified maintenance department personnel. Work relationships and communication are key ingredients to the success of the individual holding this position.
The individual in this position will be required to fully understand the purpose and operation of the process systems and equipment in the plant, along with having the ability to make decisions based on sound judgment. It is imperative that the person(s) conduct themselves in a manner that ensures alertness and constant awareness of the safe operation of the equipment and its surroundings.
The area of work includes both inside and outside the facility depending on work requirements.
Weekend and overtime work is common and may be required to meet operational goals and training needs.
Key Responsibilities
  • Ensures there is no injury to self or others by following safe work practices (including Standard Operating Procedures) and policies.
  • Food Safety is everyone's responsibility.
  • Attend and participate in all training activities for the position. Ensure the acquired skills and knowledge are applied.
  • Ensures sanitation of equipment and housekeeping of the entire facility.
  • Ensures self-compliance with Company policies, Standard Operating Procedures, and the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
  • Must be a team player and help to meet operational goals.
  • Conducts oneself in a professional manner and ensures that personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job functions while representing the Company.
  • Performs all such other duties as may be reasonably assigned by Manager.
  • Under the direction of the maintenance team lead and supervisor, as well as other qualified maintenance department personnel, installs, troubleshoots, repairs and maintains plant equipment.
  • Responds to mechanical line calls, completes assigned work orders, plans and schedules additional work as needed.
  • Ensures spare parts are available for plant systems and orders parts as required.
  • Performs preventive maintenance on all plant equipment.
  • Maintains work area and equipment in a clean, organized and operable fashion.
  • Accurately fills out and maintains the daily log.
  • Communicates with Supervisors, Shift Managers, Team Leaders and other department personnel regarding equipment and/or line conditions.
  • Able to read and understand training materials, operation and maintenance manuals, equipment shop drawings related to the task, and complete paperwork in a timely manner.
  • Utilize unscheduled/scheduled downtimes maximizing opportunity work time.
  • Ensures work area is maintained in a sanitary condition to comply with good manufacturing practices for food plants.

Typical Education
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Relevant Experience
  • 1.5+ years of relevant experience

Other Information
  • Must have successfully completed the Job Skill Evaluation to begin training in the position.
  • Must complete the Structured Job Training program within the recommended timeframe to remain in the position permanently.
  • Must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculate percentages to make proper adjustments and calibrations, as required.
  • Must be able to read, understand, and communicate in English in a manner to successfully complete job duties.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Must be able to demonstrate manual and physical dexterity.
  • Must be able to work with hazardous and corrosive chemicals in small areas.
  • Must be able to tell time and be able to convert regular time to military time.
  • Must be able to use a computer and successfully navigate through various applications. Must be proficient at computer system data entry.
  • Must be able to maneuver in close quarters and climb stairs, ladders, and catwalks on a regular basis.
  • Must be able to stand on concrete floors for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in extreme environments (cold, hot, humid, and slippery).
  • Must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to identify hazards and report to appropriate personnel.
  • Must have an acceptable attendance record.
  • Must have an acceptable safety record.
  • Must be able to work in stressful situations.
  • Must have an AAS in Industrial Maintenance (or equivalent), or two years of experience in facility or plant maintenance.
  • Must communicate verbally and in writing with Team Leaders, operators, supervisors, managers, support personnel, and peers in a professional manner.
  • Must be able to read and understand drawings (mechanical, isometric, exploded view).
  • Must have a working knowledge of general and job-specific safety practices.
  • Must be forklift, scissor lift, and snorkel lift trained.
  • Must be able to identify and distinguish colors.
  • Must be able to work in confined spaces.
  • Must have an understanding of welding procedures and have experience in one of the following: Arc, TIG (Heliarc), MIG (gas metal arc), Wire Feed, or Gas.
  • Must be able to supply own hand tools, as noted in the minimum tool list.
  • Must be able to comprehend and retain written procedures.
  • Must have an understanding of hand and power tools.

Job Requisition ID: 26232
Travel Required:
Location(s): GF Plant - Grand Forks
Country: United States
**The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
If the Simplot Company decides to offer you this position, such offer will be conditioned on your satisfactory completion of a post-offer criminal background check. For Washington Job Applicants, see the Washington State Attorney General's Washington Fair Chance Act Guide and RCW 49.94.010 for more information.**

What J.R. Simplot employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Simplot logo

About Simplot

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boise, ID, US

Social media