Operations Manager

California Bioenergy LLC • Estelline, SD

14d • $120,000 - $135,000

About The Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of the renewable natural gas (RNG) production facility and related assets. The role leads and oversees daily plant operations, maintenance activities, environmental compliance, personnel management, contractor coordination, and operational performance. The Operations Manager ensures compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements while driving continuous improvement to maximize plant reliability, productivity, and profitability. The position calls for strong leadership, operational excellence, technical problem-solving, and the ability to manage a diverse team in a dynamic industrial environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Technology, Environmental Science, Operations Management, or a related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• At least five years of progressive operational leadership experience in industrial manufacturing, energy production, wastewater treatment, biogas/RNG facilities, agriculture, utilities, chemical processing, or a related industry.
• At least three years of operations management experience.
• Experience managing safety programs and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making capabilities.
• Ability to interpret technical documents, engineering drawings, and operational data.
• Knowledge of industrial safety practices and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and planning abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and computerized maintenance and operational systems.
• Ability to build productive relationships across all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work in office and industrial plant environments; walk, climb stairs and ladders, navigate uneven terrain, occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds, wear required PPE, work outdoors in varying weather, and respond to operational emergencies outside normal business hours when necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Experience operating anaerobic digestion, biogas, renewable natural gas, wastewater treatment, or agricultural processing facilities.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and process control systems.
• Experience with preventive maintenance systems and asset management programs.
• Experience working with environmental permits and compliance reporting.
• Project management experience in industrial environments.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee daily operations of the RNG facility, digesters, gas upgrading systems, utility systems, feedstock handling, and associated infrastructure.
• Ensure plant operations are safe, efficient, and compliant with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement operating procedures, work instructions, and best practices.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive improvements to meet production goals, maximize uptime, and improve reliability and system efficiency.
• Lead root cause investigations into operational issues and implement corrective actions.
• Partner with maintenance personnel on preventive and predictive maintenance programs, shutdowns, major repairs, equipment performance, and reliability.
• Assist with capital improvement projects and equipment upgrades.
• Champion workplace safety and ensure compliance with company, local, state, and federal requirements, including OSHA, environmental, air quality, and operational permits.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective and preventive actions; conduct safety meetings, audits, inspections, and risk assessments.
• Supervise, coach, and develop operations personnel; set performance expectations, provide feedback and training, and manage staffing schedules.
• Foster teamwork, employee engagement, accountability, and continuous improvement; support recruiting, onboarding, and workforce development.
• Assist in developing and managing operating budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify cost-control and efficiency opportunities.
• Review vendor agreements, service contracts, and procurement activities; support the General Manager with forecasting, reporting, and operational planning.
• Ensure compliance with permits, operating requirements, environmental regulations, and reporting obligations; coordinate inspections and agency inquiries and maintain accurate records.
• Support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Build and maintain relationships with dairy partners, vendors, contractors, consultants, and regulatory agencies; coordinate third-party service providers and represent the facility professionally.
• Use operational data and performance metrics to identify and implement improvements in safety, productivity, reliability, environmental performance, and long-term asset performance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• 401(k) with match.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Annual bonus potential of 10%.

What This Job Offers

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