Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) projects across the U.S. are playing a critical role in advancing the transition to clean energy by harnessing agricultural waste and converting it into sustainable energy. These projects primarily focus on the conversion of organic waste, such as manure, into RNG, a cleaner alternative to conventional fossil fuels. By capturing methane emissions that would otherwise escape into the atmosphere, RNG projects help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture.
Opportunity Summary
Reporting to the Vice President of Plant Operations, the Area Manager RNG leads a team of site personnel and contractors across assigned facilities, ensuring safe, compliant, and high-performance operations that meet NAES standards. This role oversees all aspects of operational execution, budget management, regulatory compliance, safety programs, and workforce development, while leveraging performance data to drive continuous improvement. The Area Manager collaborates cross-functionally with NAES departments, subsidiaries, and business development teams to optimize project outcomes, resolve issues, and pursue new growth opportunities. Frequent travel is required to support operational oversight, client engagement, emergency preparedness, and alignment with strategic initiatives across the RNG portfolio.
Your scope of responsibility as Area Manager RNG includes the following primary functions:
- Manage and provide direction to all assigned plant personnel supporting O&M, Support, or Third-Party projects, as applicable.
- Coordinate with departments across NAES Corporate Headquarters and subsidiaries to maximize financial outcomes, improve project and division performance, resolve issues involving RNG site personnel and Owners/Asset Managers, and support company growth by developing new project proposals.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Business Development teams to identify and pursue growth opportunities, supporting the creation of integrated proposals and strategies.
- Direct the execution of projects and allocate resources effectively to achieve optimal client outcomes.
- Travel frequently to assigned facilities, client locations, and offsite meetings to support operational oversight, project execution, and business development activities.
- Provide oversight and guidance to RNG site personnel to ensure compliance with NAES policies, procedures, contractual obligations, and performance standards. Identify skill gaps and coordinate training programs to enhance technical, safety, and compliance competencies.
- Oversee the maintenance of plant programs aligned with NAES performance standards, ensuring full access to NAES Energy Services resources for RNG site personnel.
- Monitor plant and project performance using key performance indicators (e.g., gas output, uptime, flaring, BTU quality, environmental compliance, and revenue generation). Identify underperformance trends and implement or recommend corrective actions to ensure operational excellence.
- Administer NAES assessment and evaluation programs, utilizing Energy Services resources and disseminating findings to relevant departments to support continuous improvement.
- In collaboration with NAES subsidiaries, develop and implement “Lessons Learned” and “Best Practices” to promote high performance across all operations.
- Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including air, water, and waste permits specific to RNG operations. Interface with regulatory agencies during inspections or audits.
- Champion a safety culture across RNG sites by overseeing implementation of safety programs, training, incident investigations, and corrective actions to promote a zero-incident workplace.
- Lead emergency preparedness planning, ensuring site teams are trained and response procedures are current for fires, gas leaks, or natural disasters.
- Develop and manage operating budgets for assigned RNG sites. Monitor expenses, track variances, and ensure financial targets are met or exceeded. Deliver periodic evaluations of operational and financial performance to leadership.
- Provide technical input on process optimization, equipment reliability, and upgrades. Collaborate with Engineering to plan capital improvements or troubleshoot recurring issues.
- Manage third-party contractors, vendors, and service providers to ensure quality, cost-effective support for site maintenance, construction, or specialty services.
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry into CMMS, SCADA, and other monitoring systems. Promote use of digital tools for tracking operations, maintenance, and compliance.
- Serve as a liaison with local communities, municipal agencies, and site landowners to maintain strong relationships and address concerns related to RNG operations.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value at NAES, and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to remain mentally alert and work safely at all times. Employees must also adhere to all safety warnings and posted signs while on company property. Additionally, they are required to follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Adherence to these safety responsibilities is one of the key factors in the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The Area Manager RNG reports to the Vice President of Plant Operations and oversees plant personnel at assigned project locations.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
This role is primarily office-based and involves extended periods of desk work at a computer workstation, including frequent screen time and typing. However, the position also requires regular travel to RNG sites, where you may be exposed to high heat near equipment, varying outdoor weather conditions, confined spaces, tight areas that require crawling, and hazardous materials. Additional environmental factors may include exposure to fumes, extreme temperatures, and elevated noise levels.
Physical demands include standing for extended periods, climbing stairs and ladders, working from elevated platforms and walkways at various heights, and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds.
Some duties may require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), which may include hard hats, safety glasses, eye protection, air masks or respirators, ear protection, chemical suits, flame-resistant clothing (FRC), hot gloves, high-voltage protective gear, and fall protection. Respirator fit testing may be required. Strict no-smoking policies apply in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes successful completion of a post-offer/pre-employment drug screen.
Work Schedule
The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday. However, due to oversight responsibilities across multiple operating facilities, this position requires extensive travel and may occasionally involve extended hours, including weekends and holidays, depending on plant conditions and client needs. Frequent travel is required to support operational oversight, client engagement, emergency preparedness, and alignment with strategic initiatives across the RNG portfolio; additional travel will also be necessary to participate in Manager, Owner, User Group, or other offsite meetings.
Compensation
This position offers an annual base salary ranging from $178,900 to $205,700 and includes eligibility for an annual performance bonus.
Professional Expertise & Qualifications
This position requires fundamental technical knowledge of power plant systems, operations, and maintenance. We are seeking a candidate with exceptional levels of organizational, communication, operational and financial management, assessment, and scheduling skills with proven management skills in an equivalent-level management position.
- A Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or equivalent is desired, providing a strong foundation for understanding the technical aspects of power plant operations and management. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education on a year-for-year basis.
- A minimum of five years of experience in an industrial or power plant environment, including operations, maintenance, regulatory accountability, and plant profit/loss responsibility, is required.
- At least three years of management experience overseeing operations across multiple power or industrial plants is preferred.
- Proven experience in leading diverse teams and managing cross-functional tasks, including human resources, commercial/contract administration, and financial oversight.
- Experience with Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) operations, technology, and industry-specific regulations, along with familiarity with other renewable energy technologies (e.g., solar, wind, energy storage), is highly desirable to support NAES's diverse portfolio and growth strategies.
- Demonstrated expertise in regulatory compliance, environmental standards, and industry best practices, particularly in relation to power plant operations and renewable energy facilities.
- Strong financial acumen with experience in financial reporting, budgeting, cost control, and maximizing plant profitability and operational efficiency.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot complex problems, manage high-pressure situations, and minimize disruption to operations while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.
- Experience collaborating with multiple departments (e.g., legal, finance, HR) to align organizational goals and drive improvements in plant operations.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and writing skills are required, with the ability to interpret complex data, present clear reports, and communicate technical information effectively to various stakeholders.
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver’s license, and ensure it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is a leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have built a reputation as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across the power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Our growing family of companies allows us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We prioritize selecting employees based on merit and competence, seeking individuals of the highest quality, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other form of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state, and federal law.
