Plant Operator - Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)

Energy; Maryland; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Waga Energy seeks a Plant Operator for the WAGABOX biogas to RNG plant at the SECCRA Landfill in West Grove, PA. The role oversees day‑to‑day operations and coordinates with project teams during construction, pre-commissioning, and commissioning.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in industrial operations and hands‑on maintenance experience, plus safety training (LOTO). Training will occur at Bala Cynwyd, PA, and a NY site after orientation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in industrial operations or related field.
• Experience in oil, gas, chemical industry or landfill gas.
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.
• Familiarity with safety procedures including LOTO.
• Excellent communication and ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the WAGABOX® RNG unit.
• Conduct daily maintenance rounds and complete checklists.
• Report results to operations team via daily/weekly reports.
• Diagnose unit performance issues and perform corrective maintenance.
• Participate in annual maintenance and pre/post-commissioning activities.
• Act as on-site contact for visitors and coordinate with vendors.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Electrical aptitude

Mechanical aptitude

Safety procedures

CMMS proficiency

Communication skills

Physical fitness

Education

Technical or vocational education

Tools

CMMS

Job description

About Waga Energy

Waga Energy was establishedto further our founders' commitments topreserving the common good and acting collectivelyto ensureasustainable future.

Committed to the fight against global warming and to a sustainable energy transition, Waga Energy has developed a breakthrough technology to recover landfill gas into biomethane, also called Renewable Natural Gas (RNG). Our WAGABOX® landfill gas upgrading units deliver high-quality biomethane, regardless of the quality of the raw biogas. The biomethane produced by the WAGABOX® can be injected directly into the gas grid or used as fuel for vehicles. Waga Energy builds, owns, operates, and maintains the WAGABOX® units under long-term contracts with landfill owners, and biomethane sales revenue is shared

Already in operation at dozens of landfill sites worldwide, this revolutionary landfill gas purification solution has been producing clean, local renewable energy since 2015. Waga Energy is committed to a mission ofdriving a sustainable energy transition by making RNG accessible to all.

Guided by the values of Boldness, Mastery, and Cooperation, Waga Energy employees in Europe, North America, South America, and other locations are united by a common purpose: maintaining a livable planet for future generations.

About the Position - Responsibilities & Duties

We're currently seeking candidates for the position of Plant Operator for our landfill biogas to renewable natural gas plant (i.e., WAGABOX®) located at the SECCRA Landfill in West Grove, PA (219 Street Road, West Grove, PA).

The candidate selected for this position will be required to spend 3 days at Waga Energy’s corporate office in Bala Cynwyd, PA (Philadelphia area) for new hire orientation followed by approximately 2 weeks of training at a WAGABOX® site located in New York.

The Plant Operator serves as a member of the operations and maintenance team and is responsible for the day-to-day oversight of a landfill biogas to RNG unit (i.e., a WAGABOX®).

Associated responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the project delivery team (i.e., engineering & project management) as the primary onsite company representation throughout the construction, pre-commissioning, and commissioning stages of the WAGABOX® project.

• Upon completion of commissioning and commencement of operations, oversee the operations of the WAGABOX® by conducting daily maintenance rounds and completing a daily checklist of monitoring items including measuring gas concentrations and water/oil levels, checking cooler filters, etc.

• Communicate the results of daily monitoring activities to the operations team via daily or weekly reports.

• Diagnose unit performance issues and performing corrective electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic maintenance tasks as well as other related corrective maintenance tasks as needed.

• Perform preventive maintenance activities based on established schedules provided by the operations team (ex. oil, carbon, and sensor changes, etc.).

• Participate in the annual maintenance process during the annual unit shut down.

• Serve as the on-site contact person for all site visitors (i.e., vendors, suppliers, etc.) and supporting visitors’ work activities as needed.

• Maintain a continuous focus on safety and serving as a “champion” of a safety focused work environment by ensuring the implementation of an established site safety plan including the following associated responsibilities:

  • Presenting the site safety plan to all site visitors (i.e., vendors, suppliers, etc.) and ensuring they sign and follow all aspects of the plan.

  • Ensuring the maintenance and proper use of all required personal protective equipment (PPE).

  • Immediately reporting to the operations team any breach of the site safety plan.

• Assist with the procurement of equipment, supplies, tools, etc. including coordinating with outside manufacturers, suppliers, vendors, etc.

• Effectively utilizing a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) to track work activities.

• Participate in unit pre-commissioning and commissioning activities.

• Assist the operations team with ensuring safe, compliant operations and maximum production/up time.

About You - Qualifications & Skills

• The ideal candidate is self-motivated, enjoys independent hands‑on maintenance related work (preventative & corrective), and has:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in industrial operations, plant operations, mechanical/electrical maintenance, or a related field.

• Related technical or vocational education/training. Additional years of experience will be considered in place of formal education/training.

• Experience within the oil, gas, and/or chemical industry and/or experience working in landfill gas, biogas, natural gas processing, or similar industries.

• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, with the ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment.

• Familiarity with industrial safety procedures and regulations, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and confined space entry.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential for success in this role. As Waga’s “eyes and ears” on the project site, the Operator is responsible for keeping off‑site team members informed of all unit‑related activities.

• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with the role, including lifting, carrying, and working in varied environmental conditions.

Culture

Faced with the urgent need to act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the employees of Waga Energy have committed themselves to take meaningful action to contribute to sustainable energy transition and the construction of a more environmentally friendly society. In serving as members of this committed team of professionals, Waga Energy employees are supported in meeting their professional development and career advancement goals within a fair, ethical culture focused on cooperation, humility, integrity, respect, and teamwork.

Benefits

Waga offers a competitive annual salary and benefits package including 20 days of paid time off, 11 paid holidays and paid parental leave along with health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and a 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

Waga Energy is an equal opportunity employer.