Lead Operator

ZipRecruiter; Dell Rapids (SD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Lead Operator to oversee operations at a biogas facility in Dell Rapids, South Dakota. The role involves supervising staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, and optimizing plant efficiency through effective management and technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of anaerobic digestion processes and safety protocols. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring teamwork and the ability to handle various operational challenges effectively.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods for operating and maintaining biogas facilities.
• Ability to plan and direct work of subordinate employees.
• Ability to work in various weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Supervise plant personnel and oversee biogas facility operations.
• Conduct laboratory analyses for operational adjustments.
• Prepare reports and maintain CMMS software.

Skills

Knowledge of anaerobic digestion facilities

Knowledge of safety measures in biogas plants

Ability to perform laboratory tests

Knowledge of SCADA systems

Teamwork and interpersonal skills

Ability to lift heavy objects

Tools

CMMS software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

LEAD OPERATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITIES

This position serves as the operator in charge during any given shift and directly below the Operations Manager. The incumbent is guided by assignments received from the Operations Manager but exercises independent judgment in accomplishing the work. This is a safety-sensitive position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists in planning, organizing, assigning, directing, and reviewing the work of the operators and technicians engaged in the operation and maintenance of the biogas cluster and upgrade site.
• Assists in overseeing the operation and maintenance of facilities to meet all applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with design criteria. Assists in developing and implementing techniques and methods of process control which increase plant efficiency.
• Directly Supervise four plant personnel including 2 operators and 2 maintenance technicians.
• Works with plant personnel to resolve equipment and process problems.
• Coordinates equipment repair or replacement such that manure processing influent is maintained.
• Assists in overseeing the work of others contracted to work on plant components.
• Follows plant operations through a SCADA system and suggest improvements to the SCADA system
• Performs or coordinates laboratory analyses to ensure adequate process control.
• Prepares daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as assigned.
• Assists in overseeing and implementing the preventive maintenance program of the digester and upgrade sites.
• Assists in the implementation of the plant safety program.
• Responsible training of Plant personnel
• Prepares work orders and maintains CMMS software.
• Initiates requisitions for tools, materials, equipment, and services and requests approvals as established by company policies.
• Responds to emergency or abnormal facility situations outside of normal work shift.
• May be required to be “on-call”, trouble-shoot remotely by electronic means
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the operation, maintenance, inspection, repair, and installation of anaerobic digestion facilities and biomethane upgrading components.
• Knowledge of the mechanical, biological, and chemical processes involved in the operations of manure digestion.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards in biogas plants and safety measures to be implemented.
• Ability to work with raw manure and chemicals using normal protective equipment.
• Ability to plan and direct the work of subordinate employees.
• Basic knowledge of SCADA systems and basic Microsoft Office software
• Ability to perform, analyze, and interpret laboratory tests for the purpose of making operational adjustments.
• Ability to work as part of a team and deal effectively with people at all levels.
• Ability to work in a wide variety of weather conditions and exposure to the elements.
• Ability to lift and move heavy objects (50 lbs.) short distances (100 feet or less).
• Ability to work in small, cramped spaces and comply with confined space entry procedures.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.