RNG Plant Manager

AD Energy Recruitment; Indiana (PA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy management firm is seeking a Plant Manager to oversee operations at a large anaerobic digestion and Renewable Natural Gas facility in Indiana. The role demands extensive leadership experience in industrial process management, a commitment to safety compliance, and strong community engagement. Candidates should have over 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in wastewater treatment, and the ability to secure necessary regulatory licenses. This position offers a unique opportunity to impact sustainability initiatives directly.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience managing an industrial process facility or wastewater treatment plant.
• Proven leadership experience in regulated, safety-critical environments.
• Background in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, or similar process industries strongly preferred.
• Ability to obtain/hold a Class III (or higher) Indiana Wastewater Treatment Operator License.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily plant operations to meet production and performance targets.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Champion a safety-first culture across all activities.
• Manage inventory of consumables and critical equipment.
• Develop and manage staffing schedules for continuous operation.

Skills

Leadership in regulated environments

Strong troubleshooting capability

Data analysis

Excellent documentation discipline

Clear communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical or engineering education

Job description

The Opportunity

AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a privately backed waste-to-value and renewable energy platform to appoint a Plant Manager for a large-scale anaerobic digestion and Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) facility in Indiana.

This is a senior, hands-on operational leadership role with full responsibility for day-to-day plant performance, safety, compliance, people management, and operational optimisation. The Plant Manager will take ownership of a complex industrial process facility converting organic waste into renewable energy, working closely with executive leadership and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead all daily plant operations to meet production, uptime, and performance targets
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational programs and SOPs
• Own site performance across anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, wastewater systems, and balance-of-plant equipment
• Oversee the implementation and ongoing use of CMMS systems to support maintenance and reliability
• Work closely with a dedicated Maintenance Lead and external contractors
• Manage, train, and develop plant personnel across operations and maintenance
• Build a strong culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Conduct performance reviews and support workforce planning as the site scales
• Act as the senior on-site leader and escalation point for operational issues

Compliance & Regulatory Oversight

• Ensure full compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations
• Maintain compliance with wastewater discharge permits, air permits, and RNG quality standards
• Oversee all regulatory reporting related to wastewater, air emissions, RNG injection, and safety
• Maintain accurate records for OSHA, EPA, IDEM, DNR, and other governing bodies
• Support audits, inspections, and regulator engagement

Safety & Environmental Performance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all site activities
• Conduct safety audits, toolbox talks, and incident investigations
• Ensure all staff receive appropriate safety and environmental compliance training

Budget, Inventory & Resources

• Support development and management of the site operating budget
• Track operating costs and optimise resource utilisation
• Manage inventory of consumables, spare parts, and critical equipment
• Coordinate procurement with corporate and supply partners

Scheduling & Staffing

• Develop and manage staffing schedules for a 24/7 continuous operation
• Ensure adequate coverage across operations, maintenance, and emergency response
• Coordinate with HR and leadership on staffing strategy and succession planning

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the site representative within the local community
• Maintain positive relationships with local authorities, regulators, and neighbours
• Proactively address community concerns related to operations and environmental impact

Candidate Profile

Experience & Education

• 10+ years of experience managing an industrial process facility or wastewater treatment plant
• Proven leadership experience in regulated, safety-critical environments
• Background in wastewater treatment, anaerobic digestion, biogas, RNG, or similar process industries strongly preferred
• High school diploma required; technical or engineering education is advantageous

Certification

• Ability to obtain/hold a Class III (or higher) Indiana Wastewater Treatment Operator License (IDEM)

Core Competencies

• Strong people leadership and site ownership mentality
• Deep understanding of wastewater treatment processes and industrial operations
• Familiarity with biogas upgrading and RNG quality standards
• Strong troubleshooting, data analysis, and decision-making capability
• Highly organised with excellent documentation and compliance discipline
• Clear communicator with regulators, executives, and external stakeholders