The work of a landfill gas plant operator involves correctly using and handling power plants, such as those that are built around reciprocating engines that are used for converting methane gas (also called landfill gas) into renewable energy.

The career outlook for a landfill gas plant operator is excellent. They make on average $15-$20 an hour.

Because of the built-in opportunity to participate in active renewable energy effort, the job easily meets an important criterion for a green career.

The responsibilities of the job includes: ensuring uninterrupted daily operations; coordination with maintenance personnel and subcontractors; writing and preserving daily operational logs; status reporting; providing assistance to health and safety inspectors and plant overhaul crew; collaboration with the landfill operator to help ascertain that methane gas is extracted efficiently, reliably, properly, and safely; helping ensure prompt service and reliable delivery of the product by complying with plant specifications.

The individual who can be considered best fit for this position should have at least a high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) credential. Preferably, one should have a certificate from a recognized technical training school and can show proof as an Associate degree graduate. This person must have the ability to finish position training completely and must successfully pass required testing. He has a distinct advantage if he possesses knowledge of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) and power generation equipment, and has experience in natural gas or landfill gas plant operations. He is required to have basic computer skills, particularly in handling e-mail and in entering data using all 3 Microsoft Office software: Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Aside from his skills, the person who is likely to be considered for the job of landfill gas plant operator should meet other requirements: a valid driver's license with few or zero violation points; proof of passing alcohol and controlled substance testing; and a certificate showing satisfactory result of security clearance investigation.

Landfill Gas Plant Operator Resources

*21st Century Essential Guide to Methane and Biogas: Landfill Methane and Manure for Energy, AgStar Program, Recovery and Mitigation, Greenhouse Gas Emissions ... Biofuels, Bioenergy, and Biobased Products
*Numerical model to predict settlements coupled with landfill gas pressure in bioreactor landfills [An article from: Journal of Hazardous Materials]
*Solid Waste Landfill Engineering and Design
*Geoenvironmental Engineering: Site Remediation, Waste Containment, and Emerging Waste Management Techonolgies

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