Landfill Gas Plant Operator

Waste Connections is looking for a Landfill Gas Plant Opertor to join our team at our Loess Hills Landfill located in Malvern, Iowa.

The Landfill Gas Plant Operator is responsible for operating, monitoring, maintaining, and troubleshooting landfill gas collection and processing systems. This position plays a key role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of gas-to-energy equipment, flare systems, compressors, blowers, condensate systems, and related environmental control equipment. The operator will perform inspections, preventative maintenance, data collection, and repairs while maintaining compliance with company safety standards and environmental regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor landfill gas collection and control systems, including wells, piping, blowers, compressors, flares, and gas processing equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections of plant equipment and landfill gas infrastructure.
• Collect, analyze, and record operational data such as gas flow rates, methane concentrations, temperatures, pressures, and flare performance.
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance on engines, compressors, pumps, valves, electrical systems, and monitoring equipment.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and operational issues to minimize downtime.
• Monitor SCADA and control systems to ensure optimal plant performance.
• Respond to alarms, equipment failures, and emergency situations as required.
• Maintain compliance with federal, state, local, and company environmental regulations.
• Complete required documentation, inspection reports, maintenance logs, and regulatory records accurately and timely.
• Coordinate with contractors, vendors, environmental staff, and landfill personnel.
• Assist with gas wellfield balancing and condensate management activities.
• Maintain housekeeping standards within the plant and surrounding work areas.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Availability for on call days and weekends.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Technical training in electrical, mechanical, industrial maintenance, power generation, or a related field preferred.
• Previous experience in landfill gas operations, power generation, industrial plants, wastewater treatment, oil and gas, or heavy industrial environments preferred.
• Knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
• Basic computer skills and experience using maintenance management software preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, electrical schematics, and operational procedures.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Must live with 45 minutes of the plant and within 1 hours of the plant on the days you are on call.
• Availability to respond remotely within 30 minutes when on call.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain.
• Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and elevated platforms.
• Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment, noise, dust, and landfill-related environments.
• Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).

Work Environment

• Industrial landfill and gas-to-energy facility environment.
• Exposure to moving machinery, confined spaces, elevated work areas, and outdoor weather conditions.
• May require overtime, on-call availability, weekends, evenings, and holiday work as needed.

Preferred Certifications

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
• HAZWOPER Certification
• Electrical or Industrial Maintenance Certification
• EPA Method 21 Monitoring Experience
• First Aid/CPR Certification

Success Factors

The ideal candidate is safety-focused, mechanically inclined, dependable, and comfortable working independently in a hands-on industrial environment. They demonstrate strong attention to detail, take pride in maintaining environmental compliance, and possess the ability to troubleshoot and resolve equipment issues efficiently while supporting landfill gas recovery and renewable energy production.

Waste Connections is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability or protected veteran status.