Employers

Methane/landfill gas collection system operators work for municipal waste companies that operate landfills. They are hired to direct the methane/landfill gas collection operations and monitor the systems and machinery to make sure everything runs correctly and in compliance with industry regulations. Landfill gas collection operators have tasks and responsibilities that overlap with those of industrial production managers. According to the Department of Labor, there are about 186,500 industrial production managers employed in the United States

Starting Out

Many get started in this career by first working as methane/landfill gas collection technicians. After several years of on-the-job training, technicians may become methane/landfill gas collection operators. Entry-level jobs and apprenticeships with landfill gas collection facilities are the first step in this field. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding job and apprenticeship listings. Another way to search for job openings is through professional associations and employment Web sites such as Indeed, SimplyHired, and Monster.

Methane/landfill gas collection system operators with several years of experience may advance to become senior operators. They may take on more responsibitlities, including hiring and managing other operators and technicians. They also advance by honing their skills and knowledge through certification. Some become teachers in colleges and vocational schools. Operators also grow in their careers by participating in professional associations and teaching workshops and speaking at industry events and conferences.

Learn more about landfill gas energy projects and find useful resources by visiting the Landfill Methane Outreach Program's Web site, https://www.epa.gov/lmop.

Get a part-time job with a company that offers methane/landfill gas collection services. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding job listings.

Attend industry events to meet others in the field and learn about career opportunities. Find event listings on professional associations' Web sites, such as the Solid Waste Association of North America, https://swana.org/Events.aspx.

Find helpful information about municipal solid waste generation, recycling, landfill, and energy recovery at the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site, https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/advancing-sustainable-materials-management-0.