Dairy Biogas Operations Technician

Job DescriptionJob Description

Dairy Biogas Operations Technician

Keyes, CA – Overseeing projects in California’s Central Valley

Position Overview

Under the direction of the Operations and Maintenance Manager, the Biogas Operations Technician performs the work associated with the operation of a dairy-based anaerobic digester, biogas conditioning skid, and associated equipment. The facility is comprised of a dairy digester, pumps, gas blowers, chillers, and related auxiliary plant equipment. The Operations Technician is responsible for the safe operation of the digester, including inlet and outlet process monitoring (biogas quality and quantity), equipment preventative and predictive maintenance, monitoring process operation, and problem escalation.

To be successful as a Biogas Operations Technician, the candidate should be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable of basic water and gas chemistry, handheld gas and water chemistry measuring devices, and dairy operations to the extent that they can positively impact digester operations and biogas safety programs.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

· Duties will include operating oxygen generation and gas compression equipment, maintaining gas and fluid flows in the process equipment and piping, adjusting flows when required by plant operating conditions, operating gas handling equipment and cleaning strainers and wire screens as required for continuous operation, operating, and maintaining generated gas cleanup systems.

· Operating locally based computer systems for some sub-units within the biogas facility.

· Responding to after-hours emergency situations in a prescribed manner.

· Primary responsibility for plant housekeeping programs and material handling safety precautions to ensure safe working conditions in the biogas facility.

· Coordinate and participate in the planning and implementation of preventative maintenance activities.

· Perform additional duties as requested or assigned by the Operation & Maintenance Manager and/or senior management personnel.

· Demonstrate knowledge of and support for the biogas facility’s safety, health, and environmental programs in all shift-related activities at the various facilities. Recommending corrective action to eliminate potential recurrence of accidents/incidents. Actively and aggressively supporting the philosophy of maintaining an accident/incident free work environment.

Qualifications

· High school diploma or general education degree (GED).

· Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, biology, chemistry, operations management, or related degree from technical college preferred.

· Relevant maintenance and operational experience in an industrial or gas processing environment is desired. However, operational experience may be supplemented with military experience or training in a related field.

· Must possess the ability to analyze and interpret data to make sound recommendations on biogas facility components.

· Ability to follow directions and work well with little supervision.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

· Ability to read and understand mechanical and electrical drawings.

· Competency working with computers; knowledgeable of operations software.

· Ability to collaborate and work with a team.

· Safety oriented.

· Valid driver's license.

· Provide a clean MVR

· Bilingual skills are (Spanish) preferred but not required.

Working Conditions

· Anaerobic digesters and gas processing facilities are individually located outdoors on various dairy sites, with sites ranging from ranging from one to ten miles apart. The Operations Technician is required to frequently travel from site-to-site using a company issued vehicle during business hours, and on holidays and weekends for emergency purposes as needed.

· Must be able to work in conditions where hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes may be present. The Operations Technician will be exposed to areas of heat, loud noise, combustible gases, rotating equipment, and other conditions typically encountered in an industrial operating facility/gas processing plant environment.

· Must be able to lift, pull, carry, and pick-up average to heavy objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

· Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for climbing stairs and ladders (up to 15 feet), sitting, walking on paved and unpaved surfaces, and standing for prolonged periods of time; operating a computer and keyboard; visual acuity to review written documentation.

· Must wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) including, but not limited to, hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, personal gas monitor, hearing protection, face shields, ventilator, and an assortment of respiratory protective equipment.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience. Position includes a competitive benefits package.

Company DescriptionAemetis Biogas LLC stands as a leader in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector. With a strategic focus on the agricultural segment, we've established robust partnerships with local dairies.Company DescriptionAemetis Biogas LLC stands as a leader in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector. With a strategic focus on the agricultural segment, we've established robust partnerships with local dairies.]]>