Anaerobic Digester Operator

Washington State University • Pullman, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Science Department within the College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) is seeking an Anaerobic Digester Operator. In this role, you will provide essential support for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of facility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance. You will oversee operational processes, collaborate closely with contractors such as Regenis, and respond to operational needs through troubleshooting, analysis, and problem-solving. You will maintain accurate records, utilize operational data to identify and address issues, and help optimize system performance while ensuring product quality and reliability. You will also perform hands-on maintenance and coordinate repairs for key equipment, while maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment. Success in this role requires regular communication with team members, contractors, and leadership to report site conditions, share operational updates, and support informed decision-making. In addition, you will contribute to regulatory compliance efforts, environmental monitoring activities, and continuous improvement initiatives that support the long-term success and sustainability of the facility.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to area of specialization and three (3) years of experience directly related to the specialty area. Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted for the educational requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.
• Must be able to complete an OSHA-Accepted Fit Test.
• Must obtain fall protection training, CPR training, first aid training, and AED training, within 6 months of hire.
• Ability and willingness to serve as the primary point of contact for system alerts, including maintaining availability and responding promptly to urgent or emergency situations outside of standard business hours.
• Must be dependable, responsive, and capable of making timely decisions in high-priority situations.
• Effective communication (written and oral) and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent time management, organizational and project management skills.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of anaerobic digesters, reactors and industry best practices.
• Experience in repair and maintenance of analog and digital electronic controllers and systems.
• Experience performing professional-level work with research protocols.
• A CDL drivers license.

Responsibilities

• Provide essential support for the daily operation, monitoring, and maintenance of facility systems to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant performance.
• Oversee operational processes and collaborate closely with contractors.
• Respond to operational needs through troubleshooting, analysis, and problem-solving.
• Maintain accurate records and utilize operational data to identify and address issues.
• Optimize system performance while ensuring product quality and reliability.
• Perform hands-on maintenance and coordinate repairs for key equipment.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Communicate regularly with team members, contractors, and leadership to report site conditions and share operational updates.
• Contribute to regulatory compliance efforts and environmental monitoring activities.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives that support the long-term success and sustainability of the facility.

Benefits

• Paid sick and vacation leave
• Paid holidays
• Medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents
• Retirement
• Deferred compensation
• Optional supplemental retirement accounts
• Training and development
• Employee tuition waiver

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level