Plant Operator

POSITION PURPOSE

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Biogas Plant Operator performs skilled work that is necessary in helping maintain a healthy dairy anaerobic digester, conditioning skid, associated digester, and upgrader plant equipment operation. The facility is composed of a digester, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators, condensers, chillers, and related auxiliary equipment that needs to be maintained and cleaned on a routine basis.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Adheres to, and has full working knowledge of, the company safety program. Communicates with all personnel to stress the importance of a safe work environment. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports the plant safety, health, and environmental programs in all activities.
2. General Plant Cleanliness and Maintenance- Ensure compressor skids are well kept and hosed down on a routine basis. Assist with cleaning of oxygen skid to ensure equipment stays reliable. Cleaning strainers and wire screens as required for continuous operation. Keep chiller filters clean and routinely spray down coils to keep up with the heat during summertime.
3. Assist and support CalBio Operators and outside contractors with onsite maintenance such as media change-outs, large equipment overhauls, and vacuum removal of solids from digesters.
4. Monitor gas production of anerobic digesters with a focus on O2 and H2S concentration. Complete daily rounds of plant equipment and capture fluid temps, pressures, oil levels, gas concentrations, process flows. Check equipment for proper operation looking for excessive vibration, fluid leaks and any conditions needing further attention and report it to a plant operator.
5. Participate in plant housekeeping programs and material handling safety activities to ensure safe working conditions.
6. Participate in the planning and execution of preventative maintenance activities.
7. Write work orders on work management software to track repairs and scheduled maintenance.

PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

Performance will be assessed 90 days after initial hire, and then annually after that. Plant operations will be measured against plant operating efficiency, uptime (reliability), and cost expectations. The successful Biogas Plant Operator will be measured against adherence to company policy and ability to drive sustained efficiency through personal effort, communication, teamwork, and ability to leverage external resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Relevant maintenance and operating experience in an industrial or gas processing environment is desired.
   • Operational experience may be supplemented with military experience or training in a related field.
2. A relevant background in safety procedures/practices.
3. Able to quickly respond to rapidly changing conditions.
4. Able to read, write and understand English is required. Spanish as a second language desired.
5. Fundamental proficiency in Windows-based applications (Outlook, Word, and Excel) on a PC or tablet required.
6. Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle in California is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work locations are industrial and agricultural, primarily outdoors in the Central Valley of California. Temperatures range from 40 deg F in the Winter to 115 deg F in the Summer. Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment. Regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected. California Bioenergy® will ensure all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to.

This position will require heavy lifting (<50 lbs) and/or climbing ladder and/or stairs.