Plant Manager – Biogas

Plant Manager – Marathon

Location: Ringle, WI (Viridi Marathon, LLC)

Viridi Energy LLC, who we are

Viridi is a full-service renewable natural gas (RNG) platform, founded by a veteran management team with unparalleled expertise in end-to-end RNG value creation. 

Viridi’s mission is to maximize the value of our partners’ biogas-generating assets by creating RNG that replaces higher-emission fuel in a cost-friendly, environmentally effective way. 

Through capture and conversion of naturally occurring biogas, we reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and fossil-fuel use, while improving local air quality and increasing availability of cleaner transportation fuels.

On our journey to realize our mission, we are seeking a Plant Manager for our Marathon site located in Ringle, Wisconsin.

Viridi Marathon Operations Description

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) upgrading facility using Landfill Gas as the source of biogas.  Co-located at the landfill, the upgrading facility will produce pipeline quality natural gas around the clock.  The standard working hours will be Monday through Friday day shift, with a rotating on-call schedule to respond to outages or issues on nights and weekends, and overtime as required.

Equipment utilized at the site include gas compression, VOC removal, H2S removal, CO2 removal, N2 removal, and thermal destruction devices (flares).  RNG upgrading is expected to commence in Q1 of 2025.  Construction, equipment installation, and commissioning work will be part of the role of the Plant Manager under guidance of the Executive Vice President of Operations and Viridi Execution team.

Scope of Role

This is a working plant manager position.  This role requires the plant manager to be a fully qualified plant operator that will be part of the on-call rotation and fully capable of running the plant and will be the primary trainer for all operators.

This role is being filled during construction, prior to mechanical completion of the plant.  The successful candidate will be involved in and support construction, commissioning, and start up of the plant then be fully responsible for successful operation of the plant.  

Direct reports: 2 or more direct reports (plant operators)

Duties and Responsibilities 

Construction

• Site clean-up, identifying and removing items remaining from previous site operations in preparation for new construction, and repurpose of existing structures
• Support the Viridi Execution team in plant construction as the onsite representative of the Viridi Operations Team with focus on safety, reliability, and operability
• Champion Viridi safety culture by monitoring onsite safety; ensuring all best safety practices are followed, PPE is appropriate, and performing work permit audits
• Perform receiving inspection for consumables, equipment, instrumentation, and any components for use in construction and operation of the facility, ensuring all items received are correct and operable prior to installation or use
• Validate installations of equipment, piping, wiring, and controls are in alignment with approved P&ID’s, drawings, documentation, and operability best practices as appropriate

Commissioning

• Participate in PSSR (pre-startup safety review) for each system component in the facility supporting the Project Director to confirm proper operation and performance of each system
• Support the Viridi Execution team in field verifications and confirmation of proper installation (e.g. motor rotation, terminal blocks tight, nut and bolt torque checks, etc.)
• Participate in RFSR (ready for startup review) of the process from start to finish supporting the Project Director in preparation to perform plant start up

Start Up

• Act as primary board operator of the site during start up with support from Execution Team with the goal to be the most knowledgeable plant operator by the Commercial Operations Date
• Support the Execution Team in identifying and developing documentation required for Operations; including Standard Operating Procedures, Maintenance Procedures, Emergency Action Plan, Spare Parts List, etc)

Operations

• Represent Viridi at the site and in the community at the highest levels ethically and professionally
• Safely and reliably optimize plant flow, recovery, and uptime
• Flow – partner with landfill to benefit both parties in producing maximum flow meeting and exceeding incoming gas quality requirements for plant operations and sales gas pipeline requirements
• Recovery – ensure optimal performance of biogas upgrading unit to minimize methane loss
• Uptime – promote reliability and efficiency in all activities, focusing on predictive and preventive maintenance and scheduling to minimize both planned and unplanned plant shut downs
• Execute daily activity as the chief operating expert of your profit center
• Set clear direction for the site staff, visitors, and contractors for safety, quality, reliability, and productivity
• Effectively lead your team with clear expectations, positively reinforce desired behaviors,  and tactfully redirect undesired behaviors
• Responsible for training and qualification of site operators
• Maintain 24×7 plant operations with effective on-call schedule and support planning
• Drive plant operations to meet business expectations utilizing effective leading indicator KPI’s and metrics.  Report results regularly, address exceptions with a plan to resolve.
• Work with Operations Engineering team to identify, drive, and execute continuous improvement activities across the plant 
• Manage all contractual relationships for the site with landfill partners
• Manage all regulatory compliance requirements with appropriate agency

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Candidate Qualifications

Required

• 2 or more years of relevant Biogas industry experience or 6 or more years experience in operations at chemical plant or production manufacturing roles with increasing scope of responsibility
• 6 or more years experience in professional role
• Process operations (batch or continuous) experience involving motors, compressors, engines, filtration, separation, mixing, or similar industrial processes
• Strong, hands-on, proven mechanical aptitude
• Able to learn quickly and teach effectively
• Leadership experience within a team or direct reports
• Ability to analyze complex problems to resolve issues, determine root causes and solutions
• Attention to detail for data collection, analysis, reporting, and regulatory compliance documentation
• Strong command of English language, both verbal and written
• A valid driver’s license in good standing
• Must be flexible as this role is a working manager position, you will be in an on-call rotation and must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required

Preferred

• Bachelor of science in Chemical Engineering or other related technical  degree
• Instrumentation and controls experience
• Experience or exposure to business processes including planning, scheduling, budgeting, supply chain, and related activities

Physical Requirements

• Various working conditions including office work, work at a computer, outside work in all weather conditions, and inside plant work in both heat and cold, may be loud equipment operating (hearing protection required)
• Work in tight spaces, overhead, low to the ground, and on uneven surfaces.
• Capable of lifting 50 pounds safely, climbing ladders and scaffolding, standing for long periods.
• Respond quickly to alerts, alarms, and changes in plant conditions or status. 
• Ability to work safely with a range of chemicals and materials utilizing appropriate PPE.