Renewable Energy Plant Operator WI - DOT

Job Summary

Location: Kewaunee, WI

This position is responsible for performing maintenance and operations for a dairy farm-based biogas to renewable natural gas (RNG) processing facility. The site consists of four anaerobic digesters and a facility that strips carbon dioxide and other constituents out of the biogas stream, creating RNG. The RNG is then compressed into CNG trailers which are trucked to a DTE owned facility outside of Manitowoc, WI, where it is decompressed and injected into an interstate pipeline. Employees receive a generous compensation and benefit package including:

• Competitive wages and an annual performance bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k with top-tier company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, holidays, and parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Advancement opportunities

The employee will be required to operate and maintain a DOT regulated pipeline. Employee will be subject to random drug screening during employment per DOT PHMSA requirements. 

Key Accountabilities

• Conduct day-to-day operations and maintenance of the plant, which will involve working with mechanical and electrical equipment
• Maintenance of digesters (mixers, pumps, etc.), compressors, gas purification systems and pipelines
• Diagnosing and correcting adverse digester and plant conditions and malfunctions 
• Respond to alarm conditions, troubleshoot, and repair systems to restore operational capacity 
• Adhere to company and project specific health and safety requirements, participate in monthly safety audits and inspections
• Maintain administrative records including logbook, filing system for drawings, instruction books and manuals, spare parts inventory, and records
• Support, assist and direct the work of contractors on-site
• Routinely operate a motor vehicle and/or off-road vehicle on undeveloped terrain
• Will periodically travel to other DTE Wisconsin RNG facilities as needed
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrument control systems including equipment such as motors, blowers, controls, and pumps
• Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions and recommend sound alternatives
• Ability to work overtime including call outs outside of normal business hours, weekends, and holidays
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with MS Office applications

Other Qualifications

Preferred:

• A technical degree in an electrical or mechanical field is preferable, or equivalent work experience with electrical and mechanical systems
• Familiar with gas compression and/or gas transportation
• Previous military experience

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Physical Demands

The physical demands characterized here epitomize those that must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. To properly perform the integral functions of this job, the employee is required to:

• Sit, stand, or walk for a minimum of 8-hour shifts, including walking long distances, up and down stairs and on uneven ground
• Occasionally lift objects of up to 50 pounds in weight and carry objects of up to 50 pounds in weight
• Frequently climb or balance and stoop, kneel, or crouch
• Talk and hear in noisy environments; use hands and fingers; handle and feel; and able to reach with hands and arms
• Occasionally operate over the road vehicles, mobile equipment and/or UTV
• Wear personal protective equipment including but not limited to, personal fall arrest equipment, flame resistant clothing, arc rated apparel, etc.
• Possess the following vision requirements: close, color, distance, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Working conditions

• Frequently be exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, and extreme heat and cold
• Occasionally be exposed to protected and unprotected heights, which requires the use of a personal fall arrest system (harness/lifeline)
• Be in a work environment where the noise level may occasionally be moderate to high, requiring use of hearing protection

Additional Information

Incumbents may engage in all or some combination of the activities and accountabilities and utilize a variety of the competencies cited in this description depending upon the organization and role to which they are assigned. This description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents in this job. It is not intended as an all-inclusive list of accountabilities or responsibilities, nor is it intended to limit the rights of supervisors or management representatives to assign, direct and control the work of employees under their supervision.