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Job Title: Operator
Job Description

The Operator supports the safe, efficient, and continuous operation of a modern anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment facility. This role combines daily plant operations, minor mechanical maintenance, and careful monitoring of biological and mechanical processes to ensure reliable production and compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. The position follows a 4-3-3-4 rotating 12-hour shift schedule, working a mix of days and nights with extended periods of time off.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily activities to support the safe and efficient operation of the anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment facility.
• Carry out all operational tasks and minor maintenance duties on plant systems and equipment.
• Maintain a high standard of tidiness and general housekeeping throughout the plant, including process areas and surrounding workspaces.
• Assist with the intake, inspection, and record keeping of organic feedstock materials as required.
• Monitor anaerobic digestion (AD) feeding, gas production, digestate production, and wastewater treatment processes to ensure stable and efficient operation.
• Operate and monitor all biological processes associated with the AD and wastewater treatment systems and make minor process control adjustments as needed.
• Perform regular checks on mechanical equipment, including pumps, mixers, screens, valves, boilers, and gas equipment, to identify the need for adjustment, repair, or basic servicing.
• Monitor chemical usage, receive chemical deliveries, and make minor dosing adjustments as required to maintain proper process performance.
• Ensure the plant operates within established parameters and complies with health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as internal policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively with the maintenance team and biological support team to coordinate activities and ensure efficient plant performance.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track, create, and update work orders and maintenance activities.
• Support shipping, receiving, loading, and unloading activities related to feedstock and other materials, ensuring accurate documentation and control.
• Operate machinery and production equipment safely, including basic machine operation related to the processing of organic materials.
• Assist with troubleshooting and preventive maintenance activities to reduce downtime and maintain equipment reliability.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support overall facility operations.

Essential Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in the operation of wastewater (WW) treatment and/or anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities.
• Possession of a Maryland 5A Wastewater certificate or the ability to obtain one via reciprocity.
• Experience operating advanced wastewater treatment systems such as Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) and Enhanced Nutrient Removal (ENR).
• Experience operating a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
• Ability to perform basic water quality or other laboratory analyses related to plant operations.
• Knowledge of the operation of solids dewatering equipment.
• Understanding of combined heat and power (CHP), biomethane upgrading technology, flares, and gas blowers is desirable.
• Familiarity with pumps, compressors, agitators, de-packagers, conveyors, and separators.
• Experience in the safe operation of rolling equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, skid steers, cranes, and manlifts is a plus.
• Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) and general safe work practices related to Confined Space, Hot Work Permits, Respirator use, Working at Height, and First Aid.
• Ability to maintain a residence within a commutable distance of the facility to respond to emergencies within approximately one hour if required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Competence with technology, including the use of Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with receiving, shipping and receiving, warehouse distribution, and documentation control.
• Skills in preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, mechanical repair, and equipment repair.
• Experience in machine operation and production environments, particularly in a mechanical or industrial setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in bioenergy, waste management, or renewable natural gas environments.
• Comfort working with strong or unpleasant odors and around common food allergens.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a process-driven environment.
• Strong attention to detail when recording data, maintaining logs, and documenting operational activities.
• Willingness to work a rotating 12-hour shift schedule, including both days and nights.
• Adaptability to learn new technologies, systems, and processes as the facility expands and evolves.

Why Work Here?

Join a growing organization that is expanding its state-of-the-art bioenergy facility and investing in long-term, sustainable operations. You will have the opportunity to advance your career as the site grows, develop specialized expertise in anaerobic digestion and advanced wastewater treatment, and contribute to the production of renewable natural gas. Once in a permanent role, you can access strong benefits and enjoy a stable, structured work schedule that provides extended time off while maintaining full-time hours. The culture emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement, offering a supportive environment for professional development.

Work Environment

This role is based at a new, state-of-the-art anaerobic digestion facility in Jessup, Maryland, focused on receiving and processing organic waste to produce renewable natural gas. The Operator works a 4-3-3-4 rotating schedule of 12-hour shifts, alternating between days and nights, typically working 14 shifts per month with a block of 7 consecutive days off between the day and night rotations. The work involves both indoor and outdoor tasks in all weather conditions, including high and low temperatures, humidity, rain, and wind. Team members must be comfortable working around strong or unpleasant odors and common food allergens due to the nature of organic waste processing. The environment includes heavy equipment and rolling stock such as forklifts, front-end loaders, skid steers, cranes, and manlifts, as well as process equipment like pumps, compressors, agitators, de-packagers, conveyors, separators, boilers, gas equipment, and solids dewatering systems. Operations are supported by instrumentation, controls, SCADA systems, and a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS). Appropriate PPE is required, and work follows strict safety procedures related to Confined Space, Hot Work, Respirator use, Working at Height, and First Aid.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Jessup, MD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $32.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jessup,MD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 17, 2026.

About Aerotek

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meets their goals, skills and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role solving for companies’ construction, manufacturing and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.

Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

We know that finding work is hard, and finding meaningful work is harder. Aerotek connects 180,000+ light industrial and skilled trades workers with 14,000+ employers each year, helping our workers navigate an evolving labor market and find jobs that meet their goals, skills, and interests. Since 1983, we have provided a variety of career opportunities across North American industry – from short-term assignments at Fortune 500 companies where you can build your skills, to long-term opportunities where you can play a vital role in solving companies’ construction, manufacturing, and maintenance challenges. Our 1,500+ experienced recruiters across 250+ offices work relentlessly to put our workforce in a position to thrive. Let us rise to meet your challenges and put our people-are-everything spirit to the test as your career continues to grow.