Plant Operator

DCO Energy, LLC; Snover (MI); On-site; USD 51,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

DCO Energy, LLC in Michigan seeks a Dairy RNG Plant Operator to monitor and maintain anaerobic digesters and gas upgrading equipment, ensuring safe, efficient operation and consistent product quality.

You will perform preventative maintenance, troubleshoot PLC systems, and manage data on pressure, temperature, and gas composition while meeting on-call and weekend rotation requirements near dairy farms with a strong emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• 1–5 years in industrial operations, power generation, oil/gas, or high-pressure gas processing.
• Knowledge of gas flow, instrumentation (4-20mA), and PLC systems.
• Ability to perform preventative and corrective maintenance.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and write routine reports.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and adjust dairy-based anaerobic digesters and gas processing equipment to maintain gas flow and quality.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ensure safety compliance with environmental regulations, SOPs, and H2S hazards.
• Respond to plant alarms, troubleshoot PLC systems, and rectify malfunctions.
• Record operational data (pressure, temperature, gas composition) to optimize performance.
• Maintain site cleanliness and interact with farm staff.

Skills

Gas flow knowledge

Instrumentation 4-20mA

PLC systems

Mechanical repair

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

SALARY: $37.00- $42.00 p/h depending on experience

POSITION DESCRIPTION

SUMMARY

A Dairy RNG (Renewable Natural Gas) Plant Operator operates and maintains systems that convert dairy manure into pipeline-quality gas. Responsibilities include monitoring anaerobic digesters and gas upgrading equipment, performing preventative maintenance on compressors/pumps, conducting site safety checks, and troubleshooting PLC systems to maximize production, often requiring on-call availability.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned as needed.

• Operations: Monitor and adjust dairy-based anaerobic digesters and gas processing equipment (e.g., membranes, compressors) to maintain optimal gas flow and quality.
• Maintenance: Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure the plant complies with environmental regulations, safety protocols, and SOPs, including handling potential H2S hazards.
• Troubleshooting: Respond to plant alarms, troubleshoot PLC systems, and rectify equipment malfunctions (e.g., pumps, generators, sensors).
• Data Management: Record and analyze operational data, such as pressure, temperature, and gas composition, to optimize performance.
• Site Management: Maintain site cleanliness, including managing manure feedstock systems and interacting with farm staff.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience: 1-5 years in industrial operations, power generation, oil/gas, or high-pressure gas processing.
• Technical Skills: Knowledge of gas flow, instrumentation (4-20mA signals), PLC systems, and mechanical repair skills.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to work in varied weather conditions, climb ladders, enter confined spaces, and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Requirements: A valid driver's license, ability to work on-call rotations, and occasionally weekends or holidays.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Positions are located at industrial sites on or near dairy farms, involving proximity to manure lagoons, heavy equipment, and associated odors.
• Often involves high-pressure, hazardous gases, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• The candidate must possess knowledge of all facets of plant operations. The candidate will need to possess the ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, write routine reports, solve practical problems, make competent decisions in emergency situations, clearly communicate tasks. This individual will provide electrical and instrumentation basic skills training to the operation staff. Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to do reaching, climbing, lifting (up to 50 pounds), walking, and stooping.