Senior Plant Operator

Airswift; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Airswift seeks a Senior Plant Operator to lead the safe, efficient operation of a biogas upgrading and RNG facility in Rockford, IL. You will oversee daily operations, mentor operators, and serve as acting site leadership when needed.

The role emphasizes hands-on troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems, coordinating maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental standards while optimizing production.

Qualifications

• Experience in biogas, RNG, or similar industrial operations.
• Troubleshooting across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process systems.
• Leadership experience guiding and mentoring teams.
• Coordinating maintenance activities and managing contractors.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computerized systems, software, and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license to support site operations.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute daily operations and maintenance to ensure optimal facility performance.
• Supervise contractor activities, issue permits, and verify completion of work with safety and standards.
• Operate and maintain gas collection and processing systems to maximize biogas quality and production.
• Perform planned and emergency maintenance: calibrations, PMs, instrumentation troubleshooting, electrical work, pump and analyzer replacement/repair.
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and operational logs.
• Assist with production planning and identify opportunities to improve plant efficiency and reliability.
• Manage spare parts inventory and maintenance materials.
• Coordinate with site stakeholders and external teams to maintain strong working relationships.
• Use data trends to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Provide acting site leadership in the absence of plant management.

Job description

• A leading organization in the renewable energy sector is seeking a highly skilled Senior Plant Operator to support the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of a biogas upgrading and renewable natural gas (RNG) facility.
• This position is ideal for a hands-on technical professional with strong leadership abilities, advanced troubleshooting expertise, and experience in industrial operations. The successful candidate will serve as a key operational leader, supporting plant performance, mentoring team members, and acting as site leadership when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute daily operations and maintenance activities to ensure optimal facility performance.
• Supervise contractor activities, issue permits, and verify completion of work in accordance with safety and operational standards.
• Operate and maintain gas collection and processing systems to maximize biogas quality and production.
• Perform both planned and emergency maintenance activities, including:
• Equipment calibrations
• Preventive maintenance (PMs)
• Instrumentation troubleshooting
• Electrical maintenance and repairs
• Pump and analyzer replacement/repair
• Compressor maintenance support
• General facility repairs
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and operational logs.
• Assist with production planning and identify opportunities to improve plant efficiency and reliability.
• Manage spare parts inventory and maintenance materials.
• Support administrative activities such as procurement, expense reporting, and production forecasting.
• Partner effectively with site stakeholders and external teams to coordinate activities and maintain strong working relationships.
• Utilize operational data and performance trends to proactively identify and resolve issues.
• Install, maintain, repair, and replace control wiring and low-voltage electrical systems.
• Conduct routine inspections and basic maintenance of company vehicles and equipment.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture across all plant activities.
• Identify and implement improvements related to safety, operational efficiency, and product quality.
• Train, mentor, and support the development of new operators and technicians.
• Serve as acting site leadership in the absence of plant management.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in biogas, renewable natural gas (RNG), landfill gas, industrial gas, chemical processing, power generation, or similar industrial operations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills across mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process systems.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to guide and mentor team members.
• Experience coordinating maintenance activities and managing contractors.
• Ability to work independently and make sound operational decisions.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with computerized systems, operational software, and data analysis tools.
• Valid driver's license and ability to support site operational requirements.
• Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical degree, trade certification, or equivalent industrial training.
• Experience with PLCs, SCADA systems, process controls, and instrumentation.
• Previous experience in a lead or supervisory operations role.
• Experience supporting renewable energy or sustainability-focused operations.