Plant Operator - Biogas

Plant Operator - Biogas

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) Facility – Lombardy, Italy

Location: Lombardy Region, Italy

Employment Type: Full-Time, Site-Based

Eligibility: Applicants must have the legal right to work within the European Union.

Company Overview

AD Energy Recruitment is partnering with a fast-growing renewable energy platform focused on developing and operating advanced Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) infrastructure across Europe. The organisation is committed to decarbonisation through the conversion of organic waste streams into biomethane and low-carbon energy solutions, supporting both industrial and grid-injection applications.

As part of continued expansion in Italy, we are seeking a technically capable and ambitious Plant Operator to join a pilot-scale RNG facility in Lombardy.

The Opportunity

This is a hands-on operational role within a pilot plant environment, offering direct exposure to anaerobic digestion, biogas upgrading, and biomethane production processes.

The successful candidate will operate the facility on a day-to-day basis, support performance optimisation, conduct frontline maintenance activities, and provide structured operational reporting to the central technical team.

This position is ideally suited to an operator who is looking to develop their career toward Operations Management over time.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operations

• Operate and monitor anaerobic digestion and gas upgrading systems.
• Manage feedstock input, digestion performance, gas conditioning, and biomethane output.
• Monitor SCADA and control systems to ensure safe and stable plant performance.
• Track critical process parameters (temperature, pressure, methane concentration, flow rates, etc.).
• Respond to alarms, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement corrective actions.

Data Reporting & Performance Analysis

• Collect, analyse, and report operational data to Head Office.
• Support pilot plant optimisation by identifying performance improvements.
• Maintain accurate logs, compliance documentation, and KPI reporting.
• Contribute to performance benchmarking and operational reporting cycles.

Frontline Maintenance

• Conduct basic preventive maintenance and first-line mechanical inspections.
• Assist with equipment troubleshooting (pumps, compressors, valves, digesters, upgrading units).
• Coordinate with external contractors when specialist intervention is required.
• Ensure plant cleanliness and operational readiness.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to Italy and EU environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Promote a strong safety culture on site.
• Participate in risk assessments and permit-to-work processes.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a technically grounded operator with prior experience in:

• Renewable Natural Gas (RNG)
• Biogas / Anaerobic Digestion
• Biomethane upgrading systems
• Gas processing or related industrial energy environments

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience within RNG or biogas operations.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic maintenance capability.
• Experience working with SCADA or automated control systems.
• Ability to interpret operational data and generate structured reports.
• Working proficiency in English.
• Full legal right to work in the EU.

Desirable

• Technical diploma or degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental, or Process Engineering.
• Experience within pilot plant or early-stage facility environments.
• Exposure to gas upgrading technologies (membrane, PSA, water wash, etc.).

Career Development Path

This role is structured for progression. The organisation is seeking an individual who:

• Wants to grow into a Site Supervisor or Operations Manager position.
• Is motivated to take ownership of plant performance.
• Demonstrates leadership potential and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Sees the long-term future of their career in renewable energy operations.

The pilot nature of the facility provides significant exposure to technology, data, and performance optimisation—creating a strong foundation for advancement into plant leadership roles.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary aligned with local renewable energy market standards.
• Direct exposure to innovative RNG technology.
• Structured development pathway toward Operations Management.
• Opportunity to contribute to Europe’s energy transition.