Sr. Renewable Energy Plant Operator -DOT

DTE Energy seeks a Sr. Renewable Energy Plant Operator for its facility in Sun Prairie, WI. The role involves daily operations, maintenance, troubleshooting, and production reporting of a renewable natural gas plant. Responsibilities include acting as a backup to the Plant Manager, diagnosing issues, responding to alarms, and ensuring safety compliance. The position emphasizes teamwork, safety, and environmental responsibility in renewable energy production.
DTE is one of the nation’s largest diversified energy companies. Our electric and gas companies have fueled our customer’s homes and Michigan’s progress for more than a century. And as Michigan’s largest source of renewable energy, we’re creating a cleaner, healthier environment to power our future. We’re also serving communities beyond Michigan, where our affiliated businesses offer renewable energy, emission control technologies, and energy services to industries in 19 states. But we’re more than a leading energy company... and working at DTE is more than just a job. At DTE, we take great care of each other and our customers, and we use our energy to be a force for growth and prosperity in our communities. When you join us, you’ll be part of a team that welcomes, recognizes, and celebrates differences, and values everyone’s health, safety, and wellbeing. Are you ready to make that kind of difference? Bring your energy to DTE. Together, we can achieve great things.

DTE Biomass Energy (DTEBE) develops, owns and operates renewable energy projects throughout the United States. Our company converts biogas generated at landfills and at dairy farms into clean, renewable electricity or renewable natural gas (RNG). As a leader in this industry, with more than 20 operating facilities stretching from North Carolina to California, we have the proven capabilities to help provide communities with safe, environmentally sound renewable energy. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, DTE Biomass Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of DTE Energy. DTEBE has an immediate opening at our facility below.

Dane Renewable Energy, LLC is a renewable natural gas facility in Sun Prairie, WI. The plant produces RNG from two dairy digesters producing biogas, cleaning the gas by removing H2S, CO2 and water and compressing the gas for injection into a pipeline. Maintenance of equipment includes blowers, screw and reciprocating compressors, membrane upgrading system, natural gas dryer, flare, thermal oxidizers, chromatographs and flow meters. The pay range for this position is $35.67 - $45.34.

Job Summary

Location: Sun Prairie, WI

• This position is responsible for daily operations, routine maintenance, system troubleshooting, production reporting, responding to alarm conditions and making repairs.
• Work is performed under indirect supervision with results evaluated against achievement of set production and spending goals while adhering to policies, procedures and professional conduct always using safe practices in an environmentally responsible matter.

Key Accountabilities

• As Senior Operator, act as backup to the Plant Manager in all facets of department administration and plant management
• Conduct day-to-day operations and maintenance of the plant, which will involve working with mechanical and electrical equipment
• Diagnosing and correcting digester issues, plant conditions and malfunctions
• Respond to alarm conditions, troubleshoot and repair systems to restore operational capacity
• Adhere to company and project specific health and safety requirements, participate in monthly safety audits and inspections
• Maintain administrative records including: logbook, filing system for drawings, instruction books and manuals, spare parts inventory and records
• Support, assist and direct the work of contractors on-site
• Routinely operate all motorized equipment and ensure training is current
• Develop knowledge to become an expert in flow meters and instrumentation
• Travel to other plant locations to learn and assist with day-to-day operations and maintenance

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• A technical degree or equivalent work experience with electrical and mechanical systems
• Advanced knowledge of gas compression and/or gas transportation
• Possess a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record
• Previous military experience preferred
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical, electrical and instrument control systems including equipment such as motors, blowers, controls and pumps
• Ability to analyze problems, develop solutions and recommend sound alternatives
• Ability to work overtime including call outs outside of normal business hours, weekends and holidays
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with MS Office applications

Other Qualifications

Employees receive a generous compensation and benefit package including:
• Competitive wages and an annual performance bonus
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401k with company match
• Paid time off including vacation, sick time, holidays and parental leave
• Tuition assistance

Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The following physical demands must be met by an employee to properly perform the integral functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Successfully complete pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls due to regular exposure to moving mechanical parts and/or machinery
• Must be able to reach with hands and arms, and to hold objects
• Must be able to sit, stand or walk for 8-12 hour shifts, including walking long distances, up and down stairs and on uneven ground
• Must be able to work in or outdoors during all seasons including wet and/or humid conditions, and extreme cold and/or heat
• Must be able to hear conversations (in person or via 2-way radio) in noisy environments
• Must be able to frequently lift objects of up to 25 pounds in weight and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Vision requirements for this position include close, distance and peripheral vision, along with depth perception
• Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
• Most work is within the vicinity of a municipal solid waste disposal facility

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

Additional Information

The employee will be required to operate and maintain a DOT regulated pipeline. Employee will be subject to random drug screening during employment per DOT PHMSA requirements.

DTE Energy is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law.

PRIVACY NOTICE TO CALIFORNIA JOB APPLICANTS

At DTE Energy, we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome and a sense of belonging. We seek individuals with a heart for service, a passion to help our communities prosper, and ideas to help shape the future of energy. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer that considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, disability, national origin, citizenship, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status or any other status protected by law.