Lead Operations & Maintenance Specialist

Position:

Lead Operations & Maintenance Specialist Location:

Chicago, Illinois Reports to:

Plant Manager Shift Time :

Day Shift About Green Era At Green Era , we are transforming food waste into energy, jobs, food, and healthy neighborhoods , and our work has received numerous awards and accolades for our contributions to sustainability and community development. We are looking for candidates who embrace and appreciate this mission and are eager to be part of an organization driving meaningful environmental and economic change. The Role This is not a desk job. You'll be the go-to O&M Specialist on the floor - installing, aligning, troubleshooting, and improving equipment. If you love solving tough problems with your hands (and a multimeter), you'll thrive here. What You'll Do Install, align, and maintain pumps, tanks, screens, conveyors, filtration, gearboxes, motors, and utilities. Diagnose & repair mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical (24V-480V) systems; coordinate with licensed electricians as needed.

Work with industrial controls:

PLCs (e.g., Allen-Bradley), VFDs, HMI/SCADA, instrumentation, sensors, and control logic. Perform preventive/predictive maintenance using a CMMS; keep accurate work logs and parts usage. Weld, fabricate, and rig (mild/stainless); safely operate hoists/cranes/forklifts to move heavy equipment. Drive root-cause analysis and continuous improvement to reduce downtime and boost throughput. Enforce LOTO, Confined Space, Hot Work, NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910 and site PPE requirements. What You Bring 5-10 years hands-on experience in industrial maintenance, millwrighting, or mechanical engineering (manufacturing, waste processing, food/beverage, chemicals, or similar). Strong mechanical fundamentals plus working knowledge of 24V-480V equipment and VFDs/controls. Proficiency in welding/fabrication/rigging, reading prints/schematics/P&IDs, and using precision tools. Experience with CMMS, parts kitting, and maintenance planning.

Proven people leadership:

setting priorities, training, and holding a team to high standards. OSHA compliance and LOTO experience a must. Valid driver's license; ability to lift 50+ lbs and work at heights/in confined spaces (with permits).

Degree paths:

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering (preferred); technical/vocational training strongly valued. Nice to Have Experience with anaerobic digestion, pumps/centrifuges, depackaging systems, or process plant. Allen-Bradley programming, basic ladder logic edits, instrumentation calibration. Forklift/crane/signalperson certifications; CWI or pressure vessel welding experience. Schedule & Working Conditions On-call rotation for emergencies; occasional OT/weekends/holidays during turnarounds or breakdowns.

Industrial environment:

noise, odors, heat, dust, chemicals; rigorous adherence to safety protocols. On-call rotation for urgent equipment issues. Equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute their fullest potential each day. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$50.00 - $55.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 - 60 per week

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply Ability to

Commute:

Chicago, IL 60620 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Chicago, IL 60620: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person