Biogas Compressor Technician

Biogas Compressor Technician

Reporting to the Director of Maintenance, the Biogas Compressor Technician is responsible for performing skilled technical work to ensure that all anaerobic digester conditioning skids and upgrader compressor systems operate reliably and at peak performance. This position supports a facility that includes digesters, pumps, gas blowers, compressors, oxygen generators, condensers, chillers, and other related auxiliary equipment.

The Biogas Compressor Technician specializes in the operation, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of gas compression systems used to transfer, compress, and recover biogas and associated gases. This role ensures all compressor units and supporting components remain in "like-new" condition through preventative maintenance practices, timely diagnostics, and safe, efficient operation.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

• Perform routine and preventive maintenance, inspections, and repairs on rotary screw and reciprocating compressors, as well as all ancillary equipment critical to biogas upgrading and compression operations.
• Ensure all preventive maintenance tasks for compressors and support systems are accurately documented and scheduled within the CMMS to maintain consistent service intervals.
• Provide operator training to ensure on-site personnel are capable of performing basic maintenance, repairs, and reconditioning of industrial compressors, biogas compression systems, and inline dryers.
• Assist with installation, piping, commissioning, and startup of new compressors and air/gas drying systems.
• Serve as the primary troubleshooting technician for both high-pressure and low-pressure compressor systems, diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control-related faults.
• Function as a field technician responsible for the complete maintenance, repair, and operational reliability of all company-owned compressor units.
• Install, service, and maintain industrial-scale gas and air compressors used in anaerobic digestion and biogas upgrading processes.
• Generate detailed repair work orders identifying equipment deficiencies, failure causes, and corrective actions required to restore compressors to optimal condition.
• Collaborate closely with the Maintenance Planner to ensure appropriate levels of critical spare parts and consumables are stocked, reducing equipment downtime and improving operational readiness.

Performance Measurement:

Performance will be assessed 90 days after initial hire, and then annually after that. Plant Operations will be measured against plant operating efficiency, uptime (reliability), and cost expectations. The successful operator will be measured against adherence to company policy and ability to drive sustained efficiency through personal effort, communication, teamwork, and ability to leverage external resources.

Qualifications:

• Experience in industrial maintenance, biogas processing, or related gas-handling operations is preferred.
• Relevant technical or operational experience may be supplemented with military training in mechanical, electrical, or equipment maintenance fields.
• Strong working knowledge of safety protocols, lockout/tagout procedures, and safe work practices in industrial environments.
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing operating conditions, system alarms, and equipment performance issues.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English is required.
• Capable of reading and interpreting mechanical, electrical, and piping schematics for troubleshooting and repair activities.
• Skilled in analyzing equipment data, operating trends, and performance metrics to make sound recommendations on system conditions.
• Fundamental proficiency with Windows-based software, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, using either a PC or tablet.

Working Conditions:

Work locations are industrial and agricultural, primarily outdoors in the central valley of California. Temperatures range from 40 deg F in the winter to 115 deg F in the summer. Limited exposure to hazardous materials and/or toxic fumes will require the use of approved personal protective equipment. Regular exposure to heat, noise, flammable materials, rotating equipment, and other conditions normally encountered in an industrial environment should be expected. California Bioenergy will ensure all applicable work rules and safety requirements are closely adhered to. This position will require heavy lifting (<50 lbs.) and/or climbing ladder and/or stairs.