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Cogeneration Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Archer Daniels Midland

$42.20/hr

CoGeneration Power Plant Operator - Cedar Rapids, IA $1,500 Sign-on Bonus!* Starting Pay Rate: $28.36 * Qualified Utility I Pay Rate: $34.70 ($32.15 + $2.55 Shift Differential) * Qualified Boiler ...

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Cogeneration Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$27

$76

How much do cogeneration operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cogeneration operator in Iowa is $27.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.00 and $34.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a cogeneration operator?

A Cogeneration Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining cogeneration (or combined heat and power) systems that produce both electricity and thermal energy from a single fuel source. They monitor equipment performance, conduct inspections, perform routine maintenance, and troubleshoot issues to ensure efficient and safe operation. Operators also track energy output, follow safety protocols, and may adjust system settings to optimize performance. Their role is essential in industries and facilities that rely on continuous and cost-effective energy production.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a cogeneration operator?

A Cogeneration Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling power generation and heat recovery systems, conducting routine inspections, and adjusting equipment to ensure optimal efficiency and safety. Daily duties often include checking readings on control panels, performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting system malfunctions, and recording operational data. Operators also collaborate closely with maintenance teams and other plant staff to coordinate repairs and meet energy production targets. This role requires quick decision-making and attention to operational details to maintain consistent and reliable plant performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cogeneration operator?

Cogeneration Operators need strong mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of electrical and thermal systems, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in power or process plant operations. Familiarity with control systems like SCADA, boiler operation certifications, and experience with industrial safety procedures are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for ensuring efficient, safe plant operation and rapid response to system issues.

Is it hard to become a cogeneration operator?

Becoming a cogeneration operator typically requires technical training, such as a high school diploma or equivalent, and often an apprenticeship or on-the-job experience. Certifications in power plant operations or related fields can also improve job prospects, but the role generally involves understanding complex machinery and safety protocols, making it a challenging but attainable career for those with technical aptitude.

What are popular job titles related to Cogeneration Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Cogeneration Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cogeneration Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cogeneration Operator jobs in Iowa are:

Cogeneration Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cogeneration Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,927 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

CoGeneration Power Plant Operator - Cedar Rapids, IA

On-site

Archer Daniels Midland
Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 186 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 366 rated logistics

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Archer Daniels Midlandexternal

$42.20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

CoGeneration Power Plant Operator - Cedar Rapids, IA
$1,500 Sign-on Bonus!*
Starting Pay Rate: $28.36
  • Qualified Utility I Pay Rate: $34.70 ($32.15 + $2.55 Shift Differential)
  • Qualified Boiler Tech II Operator: $38.71 ($35.86 + $2.55 Shift Differential)
  • Qualified Boiler Tech I Operator: $42.20 ($39.65 + $2.55 Shift Differential)
Shift: 8-Hour Day Shift & 12-Hour rotating days/ nights (DuPont Schedule)
ADM is a part of the production of 30% of the food supply globally, on average you touch at least 7 items per day made with ADM ingredients. Everyone who works here is a big part of feeding the world. Learn more about ADM here: https://www.adm.com/.
Why Join?
  • Weekly Pay
  • Benefits Start Day 1
  • Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Personal Days (Vacation & Sick Time Effective Day 1)
  • 9 Company Paid Holidays
  • 401k with up to 5% Company Match
  • Cash Balance Plan (Pension)
  • Annual Raises
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Prescription Drug Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account
  • Company Paid Short-Term & Long-Term Disability Plan
  • Company Paid Life Insurance & Voluntary Life Insurance for Employees, Spouse, & Children
  • Parental Leave Program
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Company provided work boots, uniforms, and other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The CoGeneration Power Plant Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of material handling systems, including Coal, Ash Silo, and Limestone Silo Systems. This role involves general maintenance, troubleshooting, and ensuring the desired safety, production, quality, and environmental standards are met.
Responsibilities:
  • Supports the unloading of coal and lime material by truck and rail and loading of ash trucks
  • Enters and verifies truck weights and data into computerized ADM Weigh Systems.
  • Operates motorized heavy equipment, including but not limited to rail locomotives, skid steer loader, and boom lifts.
  • Collects in-process samples at appropriate collection times, conducts laboratory testing, enters results to database, and analyzes results.
  • Follows and understands Equipment Specific Lockout Procedure (ESLP) to ensure safe and successful Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) of process equipment.
  • Executes daily Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure and maintain cleanliness throughout the plant and department.
  • Conducts routine maintenance checks, cleanings, troubleshooting, and basic preventive maintenance on process equipment.
  • Adheres to all safety regulations and partners with team members and plant leadership to foster a culture of safety for all individuals.
On the Job Requirements:
  • Ability to work independently with a high level of autonomy.
  • Possesses high degree of punctuality, work ethic, and reliability.
  • Able to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving.
  • Able to communicate effectively with department operators and leadership.
  • Possesses strong attention to detail and high levels of quality of work.
  • Mechanical inclination and aptitude with ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues.
  • Proficiency in Windows computer operating system & related software.
Education & Experience Requirements:
  • High School Diploma/GED, required.
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States without Visa sponsorship.
  • Ability to understand and effectively communication in English (verbal & written).
  • Strong fundamental skills (math, reading, writing, & verbal communication).
  • Experience in industrial or mechanical manufacturing environment.
  • Experience operating heavy machinery and equipment.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
  • Ability to move about on a work site by ascending/descending stairs, extensive walking, climbing steps or ladders, prolonged periods of standing and sitting, stooping, bending, kneeling, or squatting frequently 
  • Ability to operate equipment or machinery that may be located at different heights with open view grating from multiple elevations or in confined spaces 
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds overhead 
  • Ability to traverse 2 miles or more during the course of a workday 
  • Ambient conditions - Work area is, typically, a non-air-conditioned production environment. Working in extreme heat and cold in all seasonal elements, both indoors and outside on a regular basis.
  • Atmosphere: may come in contact with dust (Peanut - known allergen), corn, cotton, canola seed, chemicals, and odor 
  • Must be able to work around vibrating equipment and noise levels that may reach or exceed 85 decibels and will require use of hearing protection for most of the work shift 
  • Employees are required to wear all company provided PPE (i.e., hard-hats, safety glasses, earplugs, uniforms, and steel-toed boots) in addition to job specific PPE requirements (i.e., fall protection equipment and respirators)
*Sign On Bonus Eligibility: Eligibility for this bonus is subject to company policy. Former employees rehired within 12 months of their separation date are not eligible. The company reserves the right to modify or discontinue this bonus program at any time. 
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:111715BR

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