Plant Operator - Biogas

AD Energy Recruitment; Lombardia; On-site; EUR 38,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Structured development pathway

Direct exposure to innovative RNG technology

Contribution to energy transition

Job summary

A renewable energy company in Lombardy is seeking a Plant Operator for a pilot-scale RNG facility. The role involves operating anaerobic digestion and gas upgrading systems, managing performance, and conducting maintenance. Candidates should have experience in biogas operations and technical training in engineering. The position offers competitive pay and a structured development pathway toward management roles in renewable energy operations, making it an excellent opportunity for career growth.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in biogas or anaerobic digestion operations.
• Demonstrable experience within RNG or biogas operations.
• Experience working with SCADA or automated control systems.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor anaerobic digestion and gas upgrading systems.
• Collect, analyse, and report operational data.
• Adhere to EU environmental and health regulations.
• Track process parameters (temperature, pressure, methane concentration, flow rates).
• Respond to alarms, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Support data reporting to Head Office and KPI reporting.
• Coordinate with external contractors when specialist intervention is required.

Skills

Biogas / Anaerobic Digestion

Biomethane upgrading systems

Gas processing

Mechanical aptitude

Experience with SCADA

Ability to interpret operational data

Working proficiency in English

English proficiency

EU right to work

Pilot plant experience

Education

Technical diploma or degree in Engineering

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Facility – Lombardy, Italy

Employment Type: Full-Time, Site-Based

Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to work within the European Union.

Company Overview

AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a fast-growing renewable energy platform focused on developing and operating advanced Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) infrastructure across Europe. The organisation is committed to decarbonisation through the conversion of organic waste streams into biomethane and low-carbon energy solutions, supporting both industrial and grid-injection applications.

As part of continued expansion in Italy, we are seeking a technically capable and ambitious Plant Operator to join a pilot-scale RNG facility in Lombardy.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on operational role within a pilot plant environment, offering direct exposure to anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, and biomethane production processes.

The successful candidate will operate the facility on a day-to-day basis, support performance optimisation, conduct frontline maintenance activities, and provide structured operational reporting to the central technical team.

This position is ideally suited to an operator who is looking to develop their career toward Operations Management over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor anaerobic digestion and gas upgrading systems.
• Manage feedstock input, digestion performance, gas conditioning, and biomethane output.
• Monitor SCADA and control systems to ensure safe and stable plant performance.
• Track critical process parameters (temperature, pressure, methane concentration, flow rates, etc.).
• Respond to alarms, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement corrective actions.

Data Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Collect, analyse, and report operational data to Head Office.
• Support pilot plant optimisation by identifying performance improvements.
• Maintain accurate logs, compliance documentation, and KPI reporting.
• Contribute to performance benchmarking and operational reporting cycles.Conduct basic preventive maintenance and first-line mechanical inspections.
• Assist with equipment troubleshooting (pumps, compressors, valves, digesters, upgrading units).
• Coordinate with external contractors when specialist intervention is required.
• Ensure plant cleanliness and operational readiness.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to Italy and EU environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture on site.
• Participate in risk assessments and permit-to-work processes.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a technically grounded operator with prior experience in:

• Biogas / Anaerobic Digestion
• Biomethane upgrading systems
• Gas processing or related industrial energy environments
• Demonstrable experience within RNG or biogas operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic maintenance capability.
• Experience working with SCADA or automated control systems.
• Ability to interpret operational data and generate structured reports.
• Working proficiency in English.
• Full legal right to work in the EU.
• Technical diploma or degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental, or Process Engineering.
• Experience within pilot plant or early-stage facility environments.
• Exposure to gas upgrading technologies (membrane, PSA, water wash, etc.).

This role is structured for progression. The organisation is seeking an individual who:

• Wants to grow into a Site Supervisor or Operations Manager position.
• Is motivated to take ownership of plant performance.
• Demonstrates leadership potential and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Sees the long‑term future of their career in renewable energy operations.

The pilot nature of the facility provides significant exposure to technology, data, and performance optimisation—creating a strong foundation for advancement into plant leadership roles.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with local renewable energy market standards.
• Direct exposure to innovative RNG technology.
• Structured development pathway toward Operations Management.
• Opportunity to contribute to Europe’s energy transition.