Plant Operator - Renewable Power (C&C)
About OPAL Fuels
OPAL Fuels (Nasdaq: OPAL) is a leader in the capture and conversion of biogas into low carbon intensity RNG and renewable electricity. OPAL Fuels is also a leader in the marketing and distribution of RNG to heavy duty trucking and other hard to de-carbonize industrial sectors. For additional information, and to learn more about OPAL Fuels and how it is leading the effort to capture North America’s naturally occurring methane and decarbonize the economy, please visit www.opalfuels.com.
Position Summary
We are hiring for a Plant Operator to work in our Renewable Power Plant. The Plant Operator/Generator Mechanic is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of a landfill‑gas‑to‑energy facility consisting of one gas turbine and two Waukesha LFG engines. This position reports to the Area Manager and shares accountability for equipment performance, regulatory compliance, and overall site operations. The primary objectives are to maximize production, minimize downtime, and uphold the highest standards of safety, cleanliness, and environmental stewardship.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Operate, monitor, and maintain the gas turbine, Waukesha engines, gas compressors, and auxiliary equipment.
- Perform daily inspections of flow meters, gas chromatographs, pressures, temperatures, vibration indicators, alarms, and abnormal noises.
- Start, stop, and adjust plant equipment according to operational requirements and approved procedures.
- Monitor engine and turbine performance to ensure optimal output and reliability.
- Perform preventive maintenance and corrective repairs on turbines, engines, compressors, pumps, blowers, and support systems.
- Conduct oil and filter changes, coolant service, lubrication, belt and hose replacement, valve and seal changes, bearing replacements, and other mechanical repairs.
- Participate in scheduled preventive maintenance outages and major overhauls.
- Maintain accurate records of production data, run hours, maintenance activities, service schedules, and equipment outages.
- Maintain a high level of cleanliness throughout the plant.
- Prevent oil and fluid accumulation on skids, floors, and surrounding soil; clean spills immediately.
- Keep plant yards, walkways, and perimeter fencing clear of weeds, vegetation, and debris.
- Maintain a professional, organized, and safe work environment.
- Maintain onsite spare parts, tools, and consumables in an organized inventory system.
- Monitor inventory levels and communicate material needs to ensure uninterrupted operations.
- Report low‑stock or critical‑stock conditions to support procurement planning.
- Operate the facility with continuous focus on safety and environmental stewardship.
- Ensure lighting, walkways, and safety systems are functional and free of hazards.
- Identify, report, and correct electrical, mechanical, or environmental hazards promptly.
- Ensure visitors, contractors, and maintenance personnel follow safe work practices.
- Adhere to all company policies, operating procedures, and regulatory requirements.
- Communicate equipment status, operational issues, material needs, and personnel concerns promptly to the Area Manager.
- Document operational changes, maintenance activities, and call‑out responses.
- Coordinate with contractors, mechanics, and landfill personnel as needed.
- Assist in equipment failure investigations and root cause analysis.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability, efficiency, and safety.
- Contribute to the development, review, and revision of SOPs and maintenance procedures.
- Monitor landfill gas quality (BTU content, pressure, moisture, contaminants).
- Report deviations affecting turbine or engine performance.
- Coordinate with landfill personnel to resolve gas supply or quality issues.
- Assist with onboarding and training of new Plant Operators.
- Maintain required qualifications, certifications, and safety/environmental training.
- Support knowledge sharing and skill development within the operations team.
- Participate in an on‑call rotation providing off‑hours, weekend, and holiday coverage.
- Respond promptly to alarms, call‑outs, and emergency notifications.
- Diagnose and correct operational or equipment issues when possible.
- Escalate unresolved or complex issues to the Area Manager or additional support resources.
- Document call‑out responses, corrective actions, and follow‑up requirements.
Qualifications and Skills
- High school diploma/ GED equivalent
- Minimum three years of heavy equipment operations experience (gas turbine, reciprocating engines, or gas compressors preferred).
- Strong mechanical aptitude; basic electrical knowledge preferred.
- General troubleshooting abilities.
- Skilled in recordkeeping and logging.
- Ability to read and write effectively.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
- Self‑motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Working knowledge of pressure, vacuum, and flow systems.
- Experience with pumps, blowers, or air compressors.
- Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
Work Hours and Arrangements
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Moderate lifting (10–50 lbs.), occasional walking on irregular surfaces, stooping, kneeling, climbing, or crouching. Use of hands and arms required for operating or examining gas meters, flow meters, hand tools, power tools, cranes, and diagnostic equipment. Position also requires driving motorized vehicles, operating an ATV, and computer work.
Job Type
Full-time
Pay
The range for this role is anticipated to be $35.00 - $38.00 hourly with bonus for eligible positions. Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short & Long Term Disability
- 401(k) plus Matching Contributions
- Tuition Assistance
- Referral Bonus
- Generous Paid Time Off
- Ten Paid Holidays per year
OPAL Fuels LLC is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
OPAL Fuels does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters or agencies without a current signed agreement and written confirmation specifying the roles for which submissions are authorized. Any resumes submitted without an agreement and authorization will be considered the property of OPAL Fuels.