Digester/Compost Facilities Asst Manager / Farm Assistant Manager

at  Michigan State University

This position will assist with oversight of the anaerobic digester and compost facilities on MSU’s south campus. Included in the operations is the anaerobic digester, associated material holding tanks, transfer pumps, biogas handling equipment, solid-liquid separation system, combined heat and power (CHP) system, solid manure storage, and compost operation. This position requires work on some weekends, holidays, and standby time. Work is performed indoors and outdoors and is subject to all weather conditions and can be in noisy or dusty areas. Work involves regular contact with livestock manure, food waste, and restaurant grease.
Anaerobic digestion is a biological process that converts organic materials (called feedstocks) in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic conditions) into biogas. The South Campus Anaerobic Digester (SCAD) facility is a vital manure management tool for SCAF in that it eliminates open air storage of gutter manure, reduces odors of land applied liquid, and provides additional value to manure and food waste.
South Campus Compost Facility (SCCF) handles a wide variety of manures and feedstocks from the South Campus Animal Farms including the solids out of the anaerobic digester, beef cattle manure, waste feed, horse shavings, and bedding from the livestock pavilion. SCCF operators blend this material into windrows based upon an ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio and then treat the material using accepted best practices.

UNIT SPECIFIC EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Animal Science, Crop and Soil Science, Engineering or agricultural field related to the area of employment; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in all areas of farm work/production related to the area of employment; experience in computer usage; and knowledge of farm equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Frequent lifting of over 75 pounds, bending, and climbing. Possession of a valid Michigan vehicle operator license is required. Completion of Anaerobic Digester Operators Training and Compost Operators Training within first year of employment.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in a field related to renewable and sustainable energy and an interest in learning more about anaerobic digesters and composting processes. The ideal candidate will possess a high level of professional judgment, independent decision making, excellent communication skills and customer service, strong organizational abilities and time management skills, and a positive attitude. Familiarity and ability to use common hand tools. Basic knowledge of animal agriculture.

SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Lifting and carrying of up to 75 pounds; bending; climbing.

SUMMARY OF HEALTH RISKS

Drive university vehicle; wear a respirator; work may be in noisy or dusty environment. Work involves regular contact with livestock manure, food waste, and restaurant grease.

• Oversees and assists in managing the daily operations of the MSU anaerobic digester and compost facilities.
• Performs duties and maintenance needed in order to facilitate smooth operations of the facilities.
• Inspects equipment and facilities and recommends needed service or repair.
• Fabricates special equipment when necessary.
• Forecasts needs and maintains supply inventories for both facilities.
• Manage the collection of delivery manifests, as well as organization, tracking, and cataloging data for invoicing purposes.
• Identify problems in operations and resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Assist with the coordination and scheduling of imported feedstocks and exported finished products.
• Assist with compiling, organizing and evaluating data to provide reports on operational status.
• Evaluates current operational performance and offers input to strategic plans for improvements.
• Ensures compliance with MSU Environmental Health and Safety standards, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Serves as liaison with clients, customers, vendors, and university departments in order to provide expertise in the area of anaerobic digester and compost topics.
• Work with researchers and graduate students to implement projects to ensure coordination and compatibility with digester daily operations.
• Provide occasional tours and overview of general plant operational activities.
• Maintains health and safety standards in order to ensure compliance with university, state, and federal rules and regulations.
• Train, oversee and instruct students as necessary.
• Other miscellaneous duties and special projects as assigned.