Plant Operator

Divert • Jessup, MD

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Plant Operator plays a pivotal role in the daily operation and maintenance of Divert’s facility, which includes a wastewater treatment unit, anaerobic digestion equipment, and gas-upgrading equipment used to inject renewable natural gas into a pipeline. The role calls for hands-on experience in wastewater treatment operations, process control, and maintenance. It is safety-sensitive and requires diligence and attention to the safety of the employee and others. The role reports to the Production Manager - Wastewater.

Day and night shifts are available on a 4-days-on, 3-days-off schedule. Day shift is 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; night shift is 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Employees must live within commuting distance of the facility so they can respond to emergencies within one hour if required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience operating wastewater treatment and/or anaerobic digestion facilities.
• Possess a Maryland 5A Wastewater certificate or be willing to obtain one through reciprocity.
• Knowledge and experience operating advanced wastewater treatment systems, including BNR/ENR.
• Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and SCADA systems.
• Ability to perform basic water-quality or other laboratory analysis.
• Knowledge of solids dewatering equipment.
• Familiarity with pumps, compressors, agitators, de-packagers, conveyors, and separators.
• Familiarity with PPE and safe work practices related to confined spaces, hot work permits, respirators, working at height, and first aid.
• Residence within commuting distance of the facility to respond to emergencies within one hour if required.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely verbally and in writing.
• Competence with technology and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to frequently lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 pounds; bend, stand, walk, sit, and kneel; and perform repetitive tasks while operating equipment.
• Ability to work in conditions involving changing temperatures, humidity, and wet work areas.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge and experience operating a Membrane Bioreactor.
• Knowledge of CHP, biomethane-upgrading technology, flares, and gas blowers.
• Experience safely operating rolling equipment such as forklifts, front-end loaders, skid steers, cranes, and manlifts.
• Experience with heavy equipment.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily activities related to the safe and efficient operation of the facility.
• Perform operational duties and minor maintenance.
• Maintain tidiness and general housekeeping throughout the plant.
• Assist with receiving and recording organic feedstock materials as required.
• Monitor anaerobic digestion feeding, gas production, digestate production, and wastewater treatment processes.
• Operate the biological processes of the anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment systems, making minor process-control adjustments as required.
• Check mechanical equipment, including pumps, mixers, screens, valves, boilers, and gas equipment; determine when adjustments or repairs are needed and perform basic servicing.
• Monitor chemical use, receive deliveries, and make minor dosing adjustments as required.
• Ensure the plant operates within health, safety, environmental, and company requirements.
• Communicate with the maintenance and biological support teams to help ensure efficient plant operations.
• Use the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to track and book work orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health, vision, and dental benefits effective the first of the month following the date of hire.
• Life insurance.
• Safe harbor 401(k) plan.
• Paid time off.
• Opportunities for advancement with a rapidly growing, mission-driven organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED