Renewable Energy Engine Plant Technician

WM (Waste Management); Orion (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WMRE is seeking a seasoned Plant Manager to oversee the Landfill Gas to Energy facility, maximize production, and ensure safe work practices. You will coordinate maintenance, environmental compliance, and contract obligations while acting as the plant owner.

You will manage vendor relations, monitor emissions, and respond to outages, with 24/7 on-call coverage. Strong problem solving, leadership, and budget awareness are essential to sustain reliable renewable energy generation.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 5 years of relevant work experience diagnosing and repairing equipment.

Responsibilities

• Plan actions based on data to optimize production and reduce operating expenses.
• Ensure safety and environmental compliance and adherence to SOPs.
• Coordinate 3rd party vendors for maintenance and outages.
• Manage relationships with power/gas buyers and ensure contracts compliance.
• Inspect and service equipment per SOPs and manuals; handle non-routine repairs.
• Enforce WM and WMRE safety policies and staff training; participate in budgeting.

Skills

Plant operations

Safety compliance

Vendor coordination

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

I. Job Summary

Manage the Landfill Gas to Energy Facility to maximize production, while ensuring safe work practices, environmental compliance, timely maintenance, compliance with contracts, and coordination with the landfill management and operations. This role acts as a plant owner, and is available whenever necessary to meet the objectives of the role and the needs of the facility.

II. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

By thorough evaluation of operational data, be responsible for planning a proper course of action and have complete ownership for managing production capacity in efforts to reduce plant operating expenses while limiting equipment downtime without impairment. Inspects ongoing activities for safety and environmental compliance, and for adherence to Standard Operating Procedures. Reports and develops recommendations for corrective actions in any instances of reoccurring shutdowns or equipment de-rating in order to notify WMRE operations managers whether further analysis is necessary.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with all operational requirements of the air permit, which may include CYCLE task tracking, documentation of compliance with standard operating procedures, performing emissions tests, and adjusting equipment to meet emissions limits. Represents WMRE during third party testing and regulatory inspections.

Secures, manages, and coordinates all 3rd party vendors for scheduled plant maintenance, unscheduled down time, compliance, and well-field issues. Regularly communicates this with the Market Area Gas Operations Manager (MAGOM) and/or WMRE Operations Manager.

Manages various relationships with power/gas purchasers as a first point of contact, with respect to facility operations and compliance with scheduling requirements. Complies with power purchase agreements, gas sales agreements, interconnect agreements, or other contracts.

Inspects plant machinery and equipment. Repairs, maintains, and services all equipment in accordance with the facility Standard Operating Procedures, equipment maintenance manuals, and WMRE policies and training. Must also be knowledgeable to handle non-routine repairs or issues that may arise and require sound, immediate judgment without direct supervision.

Implements WM and WMRE safety policies and practices for all work activities, and ensures these practices are followed by other WM staff, vendors, contractors, and visitors entering the facility.

Completes all mandatory training activities for both safety and operational training as assigned by supervisor.

Procures plant supplies and replacement equipment in an efficient manner by identifying needs in advance, managing vendors, and working within WMRE guidelines as well as being responsible for the annual budget.

Promptly responds to call-outs of plant shutdowns during non-business hours to identify the cause of the shutdown and rectify/diagnose through appropriate repairs or adjustments to return the plant to operation while consulting with WMRE operations managers (as needed). This role is given discretion to judge the situation and respond accordingly without management intervention, until needed.

Identifies backup staff in coordination with the WMRE regional manager, and assigns call-out schedules to ensure that there is at least one plant manager available 24/7/365 for plant shutdowns and emergencies. For self and backup, adjusts daily or weekly on-site presence at plant during business hours to reflect time spent for call-outs, with consideration that all other daily and monthly duties must be completed on a timely basis.

Maintains the facility spare inventory and provides a written inventory count twice annually.

Schedules and conducts plant tours as requested to support good community relations. Represent WMRE as the on-site technical expert on production of renewable energy from landfill gas. Participates actively in developing and implementing ongoing public relations between the plant and community to ensure favorable outlook of the facility from both customer and community.

Participates in public forums to support business development and community education. Ensures the potential for use of the facility as a marketing platform and supervises such activities. Maintains effective relationships with key political and community decision makers in the region.

Completes special assignments/tasks as required by WMRE Operations Manager, Market Area Gas Operations Manager, or Landfill District Manager.

III. Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory duties.

IV. Qualifications

A. Education and Experience

Education: High School Diploma or GED (accredited)

Experience: 5 years of relevant work experience diagnosing and repairin