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Digester Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

... digester boilers, remote control valves and elevated storage tank equipment. Consistently ... Water- Surface Water Treatment Operator "C" License (Required within 3 years of hire date, if ...

... digester facilities. The team operates around 50 sites in 32 states with a robust development ... Follow and interpret specific operating procedures and sequences for OEM equipment and their sub ...

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.

What cities in Texas are hiring for Digester Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Digester Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Digester Operator job openings in Texas as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Wastewater Operator I/II/III

Wastewater Operator I/II/III

City of Baytown

Baytown, TX

$36.32K - $45.41K/yr

Other

Posted 26 days ago


City Of Baytown rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

458th of 640 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Summary Join our team as a Wastewater Operator I/II/III and contribute to maintaining the essential water services in our community. We are looking for dedicated individuals with a strong work ethic and a commitment to environmental stewardship, who can effectively operate and maintain wastewater treatment facilities. If you have a passion for ensuring water quality and are ready to advance your career in a supportive and growth-oriented environment, apply today.

Protects public health and welfare. Learns all aspects of the plant including maintaining equipment and cleaning clarifiers. Participates in training to learn wastewater plant operations and maintenance.

Duties Wastewater Operator I Participates in training of plant operations, equipment and grounds maintenance. Participates in training of preventive maintenance of plant mechanical equipment. Participates in training of laboratory testing, recording results, and reporting and monitoring all data.

Participates in cleaning of the plant such as clarifiers, bar screen area, and digester. Participates in keeping the Treatment Plant compliant with the EPA's Risk Management Plan, and the TCEQ's Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan permits. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Wastewater Operator II Performs general plant cleanup and yard maintenance, checks and maintains equipment, oil or grease machinery, and wash down the plant on a daily basis. Makes plant inspections, takes readings: totalizer, water meter, flow meter, and hour meters on various equipment. Changes out empty chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders as needed.

Changes out polymer. Collects samples and runs tests on effluent, mixing basins, and clarifiers - DO, pH, CL2, 30 minute settling tests. Plant operations: waste solids, runs belt press, supernatant digesters, operates valves and pumps to transfer sludge from one place to another.

Sometimes supervises operations. Performs all other related duties as assigned. Wastewater Operator III Collect and run daily/weekly samples and storm water sampling during inclement weather as required by TCEQ.

Ensure proper chlorination and dechlorination, clean clarifies, running of belt press. Makes plant inspections, takes readings: totalizer, water meter, flow meter, and hour meters on various equipment. Prepare work orders, retrieve purchase orders to complete work ordered Acquire bids for work to be completed following HUB vendors list.

Complete monthly reports for water intake/output averages and weekly reports for daily averages. Provide routine maintenance and groundskeeping as needed in the plant. Changes out empty chlorine and sulfur dioxide cylinders as needed.

Changes out polymer. Performs all other related duties as assigned. We encourage continuing education, assist with testing for certifications, and reimburse for testing.

We offer certification pay in addition to the hourly rate for TCEQ certs. Minimum Qualifications Wastewater Operator I ($17.46 - $21.83/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay) Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days)

Six months of related experience. Must be able to obtain a Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) within 18 months from date in position. Wastewater Operator II ($19.76 - $24.7/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay) Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) plus specialized technical courses

Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days). Two years of related experience. Class "C" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ.

Preferred: Class "B" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ. Wastewater Operator III ($22.11 - $27.64/hour DOQ, + Cert Pay) Required: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) plus specialized technical courses. Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver's license within 90 days)

Two years experience in a paraprofessional related role. Class "B" Wastewater Treatment Certification from the TCEQ. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Wastewater Operator I Knowledge of basic math.

Ability to keep daily records of operation. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public. Wastewater Operator II/III Knowledge of math.

Ability to operate machinery, equipment necessary to run a treatment plant and keep records of daily activities. Computer literate in Word and Excel. Ability to get along appropriately with co-workers and the public.

Here at the City of Baytown, in recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you bring. We strive to provide a workplace where differences are honored, with a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people we serve. Attendance is an essential function of this position.

The City reserves the right to require an employee in this position to work overtime. This position provides services or performs duties for the benefit of the general public during emergency situations. These may include services or duties different from those performed in the usual course and scope of your job.

In the event of an evacuation, the incumbent in this position may be required to remain to perform needed services. Overall Position Strength Demands Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  .


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