Wastewater Operator

bts-bioenergy-usa-careers; Jessup (MD); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

BTS Bioenergy USA, located in Jessup, MD, is looking for a Wastewater Plant Operator. This role involves the daily operation and maintenance of the facility, which processes food waste into renewable energy. The ideal candidate will possess relevant certifications and experience in wastewater treatment.

Responsibilities include monitoring processes, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations while working in challenging environmental conditions. Strong communication skills and the ability to work both indoors and outdoors are essential.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in the operation of wastewater treatment and/or anaerobic digestion facilities.
• Possession of a MD 5A Wastewater certificate or ability to obtain one via reciprocity.
• Able to perform basic water quality or other laboratory analysis.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily activities related to the safe and efficient operation of the facility.
• Maintain tidiness and general good housekeeping throughout the plant.
• Monitor AD feeding, gas production, and and wastewater treatment processes.

Skills

Operational knowledge of wastewater treatment and anaerobic digestion systems

Certificate in Wastewater Management

Instrumentation and controls familiarity

Communication skills

Basic water quality analysis

Education

MD 5A Wastewater certificate

Tools

SCADA systems

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About BTS Bioenergy USA

BTS Bioenergy transforms commercial organic waste into renewable natural gas and soil‑enhancing compost through smart, sustainable waste solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

At BTS Bioenergy, we are not just redefining the future–we are rewriting the rules of renewable energy and waste management. Our smart solutions, innovative technology, and steadfast integrity are shaping a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

About the role

BTS Bioenergy is seeking a Wastewater Plant Operator for our Anaerobic Digestion (AD) and Wastewater (WW) plant in Jessup, MD. The Operator is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of our Maryland Bioenergy Center. This state‑of‑the‑art facility utilizes food waste to produce biomethane and organic fertilizer. It includes a wastewater treatment unit and anaerobic digestion plant, along with the associated gas cleaning equipment. This role requires an experienced Wastewater Plant Operator with hands‑on knowledge of process control, operations, and maintenance. The position reports to the supervisor on duty, Assistant Plant Manager, and Plant Manager and works on site at 7900 Oceano Avenue, Jessup, Maryland.

What you'll do

• Perform daily activities related to the safe and efficient operation of the facility
• Perform all operational and minor maintenance duties.
• Maintain tidiness and general good housekeeping throughout the plant.
• Assist with the intake and record‑keeping of organic feedstock materials as required.
• Monitor AD feeding, gas production, digestate production, and wastewater treatment processes.
• Perform all duties related to the operation of the biological processes of the AD and wastewater treatment and make minor process control adjustments as required to ensure proper operation.
• Perform regular checks of mechanical equipment, including pumps, mixers, screens, valves, boilers, gas equipment, etc., and determine the need to adjust, repair, and carry out basic service of equipment.
• Monitor chemical use, receive deliveries, and make minor dosing adjustments as required to ensure proper operation.
• Ensure the plant is operating within its parameters as related to health, safety, and environmental regulations, as well as company policies and procedures.
• Communicate with maintenance and biological support team to ensure efficient running of the plant.
• Utilize the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track and book work orders.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in the operation of WW treatment and/or AD facilities.
• Possession of a MD 5A Wastewater certificate or ability to obtain one via reciprocity.
• Knowledge and experience operating advanced wastewater treatment systems (BNR/ENR).
• Knowledge and experience operating a Membrane Bioreactor (desirable).
• Familiarity with instrumentation and controls, and SCADA systems.
• Able to perform basic water quality or other laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of the operation of solids dewatering equipment.
• Knowledge of CHP, biomethane upgrading technology, flares, and gas blowers (desired).
• Familiarity with pumps, compressors, agitators, de‑packagers, conveyors, separators, etc.
• Experience in the safe operation of rolling equipment such as forklifts, front‑end loaders, skid steers, cranes, and manlifts (a plus).
• Familiar with PPE and general safe work practices related to confined space, hot work permits, respirator, working at height, first aid, etc.
• Maintain a residence within a commutable distance of the facility to respond to emergencies within 1 hour if required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Competent with technology and the Microsoft Excel use.

Physical Requirements

Mobility and Physical Strength

• Must be able to climb ladders and stairs to access various areas of the facility.
• Must have the physical strength to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Capable of standing, walking, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and climbing as necessary throughout the shift.

Environmental Conditions

• Able to work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including exposure to high and low temperatures, humidity, rain, and wind.
• Capable of withstanding strong or unpleasant odors and common food allergens.

Work at Heights and Confined Spaces

• May need to be harnessed to reach areas of the facility for maintenance or inspection, sometimes at heights or in confined spaces.
• Must be comfortable working at elevated heights or in confined spaces as part of routine duties.

Sensory and Communication Requirements

• Must have adequate vision, hearing, and dexterity to perform duties safely and effectively, with or without assistive devices or accommodations.
• Capable of communicating effectively in an industrial setting to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Additional Physical Requirements

• Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE) as necessary, which may include respiratory protection, gloves, hard hats, and protective clothing.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.