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Digester Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Amp's dairy RNG projects produce 100% renewable natural gas from on-farm anaerobic digester to vehicle fuel projects. Amp Services leverages Amp's expertise in managing, operating, and maintaining ...

Amp's dairy RNG projects produce 100% renewable natural gas from on-farm anaerobic digester to vehicle fuel projects. Amp Services leverages Amp's expertise in managing, operating, and maintaining ...

Digester Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$23

$38

How much do digester operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for digester operator in Chicago, IL is $23.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 is the highest paying job in waste management?

In waste management, senior roles such as Waste Management Director or Environmental Manager tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and relevant certifications in environmental management or engineering.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as senior corporate executives, certain medical specialists, high-level consultants, and skilled trades like commercial pilots or project managers in large projects. 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 monitoring and controlling the operation of digesters used in wastewater treatment or biogas production. They ensure the equipment functions properly, maintain safety standards, and may need technical skills and certifications related to plant operations. The role often involves working in industrial environments and following strict procedural guidelines.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Digester Operator jobs in Chicago, IL? For Digester Operator jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Asset Manager

Senior Asset Manager

Amp Americas

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About Amp Americas
Amp Americas manages one of the largest ultra-low carbon impact renewable natural gas portfolios in the US. Amp operates three business units: Amp Americas Development, Amp Americas Services, and Amp Americas RNG Marketing. Amp's dairy RNG projects produce 100% renewable natural gas from on-farm anaerobic digester to vehicle fuel projects. Amp Services leverages Amp's expertise in managing, operating, and maintaining dairy RNG projects to provide these services to third parties. Amp RNG Marketing is the company's RNG marketing and risk management business. Amp was founded in 2011 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.
Position Summary
The Senior Asset Manager is a client facing role with responsibility for all aspects of business and operations management for assets owned and/or operated by Amp. This role will organize and oversee annual budget and expense preparation for review and approval, prepare and communicate performance reports for internal and external audiences, and utilize her/his financial, technical, and project management skills in the evaluation, business case development, and execution of capital projects. This role provides ongoing oversight to ensure that the efforts of the Operations Management, Operations Engineering, and HSE support teams are aligned relative to schedule, operating performance, profitability objectives, and overall compliance with safety and environmental permits. Finally, this role will play an important role in the business development and growth of the Operations business unit as well as support or lead other initiatives from time to time that may be prioritized in an entrepreneurial environment. This position reports directly to the COO and may also be assigned to other responsibilities consistent with the business needs of Amp.
Key Responsibilities
  • Work closely with the onsite operations team to ensure safe and efficient operations of the facility.
  • Monitor and challenge the operational performance and optimization metrics to achieve the asset's highest possible availability and EBITDA.
  • Manage relationships and contracts with key partners, including farms and utilities
  • Work with internal and external resources to develop strategies that optimize performance, maximize revenue, increase value, and reduce risk and market exposure of the facilities.
  • Effectively fulfill and execute internal and external reporting requirements.
  • Develop tools to improve efficiency of reporting and analysis and drive meaningful insights into the business performance.
  • Organize and oversee internal and external forecasts, annual budgets, financial and operational variance reports, and other ad hoc reports as needed.
  • Facilitate collaboration amongst organizational cross-functional teams to find resolutions for any operational, financial, commercial, or technical issues.
  • Utilize financial, technical and project management skills in the evaluation, business case development, and execution of capital projects.
  • Support business development initiatives and growth of the Operations business unit as well as support or lead other initiatives from time to time that may be prioritized in an entrepreneurial environment
  • Conduct analysis to provide meaningful, actionable insights to improve profitability (increase operational efficiency, reduce plant downtime, reduce operating expense, etc.)
  • Proactively suggest areas for further analysis to generate ideas for improvements.
  • Work directly with Operations and Engineering to understand operational constraints and equipment failure mechanisms to define, design, and develop analytic recommendations.

Required Skills / Abilities / Qualifications
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to relay messages across all levels of the organization and with business partners
  • Ability to manage multiple, often conflicting, priorities in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
  • Strong quantitative aptitude to develop clarity from large volumes of data
  • Familiarity with financial modeling and economic evaluations
  • Passion for impact-oriented business, sustainable agriculture, and the energy transition
  • Bachelor's or graduate degree in quantitative discipline from competitive university
  • Major in economics, finance, engineering, math, or a science discipline
  • 8+ years in operations or operations support function within a manufacturing industry
  • Distinctive problem-solving ability
  • Very strong written and verbal communication skills including power point presentations
  • Distinctive poise and credibility for tenure
  • Strong relationship building skills at all levels of the organization
  • Positive attitude and resilience in the face of challenging circumstances
  • Flexibility, intellectual curiosity, and a strong desire to win
  • Data Management and Visualization (PowerBI, SQL, Snowflake)

What We Offer
  • Compensation package commensurate with experience including significant productivity pay and equity
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid company holidays
  • Opportunity to build upon your career in a company on the cutting edge of the RNG industry.
Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the position, and the duties and responsibilities may change without notice. AMP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to excellence through diversity.