Job Description

Overview

LF Bioenergy (“LF”) is a privately held company that develops, constructs, and operates renewable natural gas (“RNG”) production facilities across the USA. LF’s RNG facilities help agricultural, industrial, and food processing companies reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the production of RNG from organic waste streams. LF was founded in 2021 by a management team with deep experience in the oil, gas, renewable energy, animal agriculture, and food sectors. LF’s combination of prior experience in energy and agriculture is unique to the RNG industry and has provided LF with a large pipeline of growth opportunities.

LF is backed by equity provided by Cresta Fund Management, a value-add middle market private equity fund that invests in sustainable and conventional infrastructure that transports, stores, processes, refines, and sequesters basic materials.

General Summary

LF is looking to hire a Plant Operator to oversee, operate, maintain, and optimize its dairy manure anaerobic digestion RNG plant, LF21, between Garden City and Lakin, Kansas. This role reports to LF’s Regional Operations Manager.

The Plant Operator will have overall responsibility for operating performance, safety and environmental compliance of the facility, including daily interfacing with SCADA control, making operating changes, executing preventative maintenance, performing lab work, and submitting environmental compliance reports while maintaining a safe work culture.

The plant is currently under construction and is expected to be commissioned in late 2025. During the construction period, the Plant Operator will assist in the oversight of construction activities, help set up the shop and warehouse, support the development of operating manuals and standard operating practices and train in the operations, maintenance and control of the specific equipment that is being installed.

The LF21 site generates gas seasonally in a Covered Lagoon. Site activity from late spring through late fall will require the Plant Operator to work at least a standard 40-hour work week with overtime as needed. In the winter and early spring, the site will cease generating gas, and the required site operations activity will be reduced to a minimum. Anticipated site-specific activities during this period are around 8 hours per week. During this timeframe, the Plant Operator will be assigned additional duties to assist other LF operating sites while still maintaining the LF21 site. The position will pay a full-time salary year-round.

Working Conditions

• Daily use of computers and electronic control systems for process equipment
• Daily use of gas sampling equipment, mobile process analyzers, and laboratory equipment
• Regular use of industrial vehicles and the operation of heavy machinery
• Periodic lifting or moving of heavy materials up to 60 lbs.
• Regular use of a variety of power and manual tools
• Ability to walk over uneven terrain or climb up equipment ladders
• Standing on feet for extended periods of time
• Personal protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, gas monitors, high vis vests, etc.).
• Work with hazardous materials may be required
• Position may require extended working hours contingent on "On call" status

Primary Duties

• Responsible for ensuring all personnel, visitors, and contractors on site comply with safety, environmental, and social regulations
• With the assistance of Management, the Plant Operator will work to continuously improve plant operations via research on technology, process methods, and reactions to plant performance
• Act as primary liaison for LF Bioenergy with Farmer partner, contractors, and other third-party entities
• Monitor, maintain, and operate dairy manure anaerobic digester, manure feedstock preparation, RNG upgrader, and all supporting equipment and systems by performing operational adjustments, preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, analyzing charts, and submitting reports
• Report to the Regional Operations Manager with production, availability, operational trends, etc.
• Ensure the overall facility is kept safe, clean, and presentable at all times
• Perform lab work, record data, and draw conclusions that informs process control
• Coordinate with, manage, and oversee all vendor and contractor work and deliveries, assisting where possible
• Manage budget while ensuring compliance with accounting practices
• Maintain the inventory and proper storage of all spare parts and operating supplies
• Travel, as needed, for training purposes

Expanded Duties

• During the seasonal period when the site is idle (approx. November through April). The Plant Operator will have expanded duties that include;
• ~50% Travel to and support operations at other sites (New York, Wisconsin)
• Rebuild and bench maintenance of rotating equipment from other sites.
• Note that travel costs will be covered under the company travel policy
• The ideal candidate will have existing experience in rebuilding and maintaining pumps, mixers, and other rotating equipment. Further training will be provided as required.

Experience/Minimum Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience and knowledge of mechanical and electrical fundamentals
• Ability to think critically with a sense of ownership and pride in one’s work
• High School Diploma or GED
• Knowledge of PLC/SCADA controls
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Ability to work cohesively in a highly effective team environment
• Flexibility for 'on call' support or varied schedule needs
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license
• No felony convictions or open arrest warrants
• Pass a physical exam and aptitude test
• Provide reference checks related to previous employment

Desired Skills/Abilities

• Anaerobic Digester, energy facility, or similar process plant operations experience
• Electricians, Mechanics, and other tradesmen are encouraged to apply.
• Technical training and/or certification
• College education/degree

Compensation and Benefits

• Fixed salary, commensurate with experience
• Up to 20% bonus potential
• Overtime pay or time off in lieu of, for call-outs
• Statutory holidays in the State of Kansas
• 2 weeks of additional paid time off
• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Flexible spending account or Health Spending Account available
• Long-term disability and life insurance are vailable
• Retirement plan, with matching contribution up to 6%

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

LF Bioenergy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be afforded equal opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental handicap unrelated to ability, or an unfavorable discharge from military service.

Disclaimer

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

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