Posted 01/13/2026
Job Number: 15258
Plant Operator
Rochelle, IL • Onsite
Industry: Utilities
Job Category: Technical
Job Type: Direct Hire
Salary: $52,000 - $56,160/Annually
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Job Description
One of the nation’s fastest-growing renewable natural gas producers is hiring a Plant Operator to run, maintain, and protect a landfill-gas power plant that turns methane into electricity for the grid. You will be hands-on with $1.6M Cat 3520 generator engines, perform electrical and mechanical troubleshooting, monitor live plant data, and keep a 24/7 operation running safely and efficiently. This is a true industrial role with autonomy, responsibility, and long-term growth inside a renewable energy leader backed by BP. They are looking for a mechanically sharp, safety-driven technician who wants to work with real industrial equipment and isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty.
Salary Range: $25.00 – $27.00 / Hour + built-in overtime
Plant Operator Responsibilities:
- Maintain and repair Cat 3520 engines that generate power from landfill methane
- Troubleshoot mechanical and electrical issues on generators, controls, and wiring
- Perform daily plant inspections, readings, and system checks
- Respond to alarms and execute safe plant shutdowns and restarts when needed
- Complete operating, maintenance, and compliance logs through SCADA and plant tablets
- Support compliance with state and federal environmental and safety regulations
- Assist with facility upkeep, including painting, plumbing, snow removal, and site repairs
- Participate in a rotating on-call schedule every other week for plant emergencies
- Travel occasionally to other Archaea sites for major maintenance projects
- Represent the plant’s safety-first culture at all times
Plant Operator Requirements:
- Mechanical and electrical aptitude on engines, generators, or industrial equipment
- 1-5 years of hands-on experience with engine, power generation, or heavy equipment preferred
- Ability to troubleshoot using multimeters, wiring diagrams, and mechanical diagnostics
- Comfort working independently with minimal supervision
- Willingness to work on-call every other week and perform weekend check-ins
- Ability to lift to 60 lbs. and work in loud, hot, and outdoor industrial environments
- High school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver’s license
- Ability to pass a hair-follicle drug test and background check
- Willingness to work around methane gas and industrial conditions
Benefits:
- Automatic $1/hour raises for skill certifications
- Quarterly Momentum Bonus up to 3.5% of pay
- 401(k) with 7% company contribution
- Low-cost medical plans + up to $1,000/year HSA wellness incentives
- 120+ hours PTO + 11 paid holidays + 2 personal days
- Paid travel and training, including advanced electrical training in Louisiana
- Uniforms, steel-toe boots, and PPE provided
- Long-term growth into higher-pay operator levels or transfers to other Archaea plants
This role is for someone who wants more than a shop job. If you want stable pay, real benefits, and the chance to work on industrial-scale engines that power the grid, this is where you build a serious career. Apply now! #LI-CG1
Job ID: a0CUm00003dnINLMA2
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