Employers

Methane/landfill gas generation system technicians work for energy companies and municipal waste companies that operate landfills. They are hired to monitor and maintain the methane/landfill gas generation equipment and systems, ensuring efficient power generation that complies with regulations. Technicians have tasks and responsibilities that overlap with those of plant and system operators, all other. According to the Department of Labor, there are about 13,000 plant and system operators employed in the United States

Starting Out

Many technicians get their start while working as apprentices while in school. They may receive job offers upon graduation. They also get a foot in the door through entry-level positions. Ask your school's career services office for help with finding apprenticeship and entry-level job listings. Another way to find job listings is through professional associations, employment Web sites such as Indeed, SimplyHired, and Monster, as well as through your state's department of labor.

Methane/landfill gas generation system technicians with four or more years of experience may advance to become senior technicians or operators. They may take on more responsibilities, such as hiring and managing other technicians and handling more complex aspects of landfill gas generation systems and facilities. They may expand in their careers by going back to school for an advanced degree and by getting certification. Other ways to advance include teaching in vocational schools and colleges and by teaching and speaking at professional associations' workshops and conferences. 

Visit the Environmental Protection Agency's Web site to learn more about landfill and methane gas collection projects, such as the Landfill Methane Outreach Program, https://www.epa.gov/lmop. 

Get a part-time job at a company that has landfill gas energy projects. Ask your school's career services office for help with locating job openings.

Attend industry events to meet people working in the landfill gas generation 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.

Gain a better understanding of renewable gas and find case studies and other information on the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center Web site, https://afdc.energy.gov/fuels/natural_gas_renewable.html.