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

Share This Job

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

Apply For This Position

Related Jobs

About Us

At Boutique Recruiting, we specialize in personalized, connection-driven placements, empowering candidates to achieve their goals. Committed to bold, impactful solutions, we fill roles of all types—full-time, part-time, and more—ensuring success for clients, candidates, and employees alike.

Job Details About Us Image

5-Star Reviews From Our Candidates