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Ethanol Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Industries, Inc.

Production Operator

Lexington, NE · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Operate, control and trouble-shoot process areas of ethanol production facility while maintaining quality and efficiency goals. Operator may work in different areas or positions including relief ...

Plymouth Energy

Operator

Merrill, IA · On-site

$16.50 - $20/hr

Production Operator - Ethanol Plant Operations Merrill, Iowa Join a Team Where Your Work Actually Matters Plymouth Energy is seeking a Full-Time Production Operator for our ethanol facility in ...

Verbio North America

Field Operator

Nevada, IA

Biorefinery Process Operator Nevada, IA Competitive Hourly Rates based on experience. The ... About Verbio This location is the site of the former DuPont cellulosic ethanol facility. At this ...

Eco-Energy

Terminal Operator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$23/hr

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the ... Responsibilities: • Facilitate the transfer of ethanol/bio-fuels from railcar into terminal tank ...

Eco Energy LLC

Terminal Operator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$23/hr

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the ... Responsibilities: · Facilitate the transfer of ethanol/bio-fuels from railcar into terminal tank ...

Crysalis Biosciences

Chemical Operator II/III

Sauget, IL · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Experience with dry-mill ethanol plants and coproduct operations (DDGS, corn oil extraction) • 5-7 years of experience as a chemical operator in an ethanol production facility or similar process ...

Verbio North America LLC

Field Operator

Nevada, IA · On-site

Biorefinery Process Operator Nevada, IA Competitive Hourly Rates based on experience. The ... About Verbio This location is the site of the former DuPont cellulosic ethanol facility. At this ...

Eco Energy

Terminal Operator

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$23/hr

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the ... Responsibilities: • Facilitate the transfer of ethanol/bio-fuels from railcar into terminal tank ...

Crysalis Biosciences

Chemical Operator II/III

Sauget, IL · On-site

$22 - $40/hr

Experience with dry-mill ethanol plants and coproduct operations (DDGS, corn oil extraction) • 5-7 years of experience as a chemical operator in an ethanol production facility or similar process ...

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All JobsEthanol Operator Jobs

Ethanol Operator information

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$12

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$29

How much do ethanol operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for ethanol operator in the United States is $20.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Ethanol Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Ethanol Operator, you need a solid understanding of chemical processing, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training often preferred. Familiarity with Distributed Control Systems (DCS), industrial safety protocols, and possibly certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and teamwork are crucial soft skills that help operators maintain efficient and safe plant operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure consistent ethanol production, prevent accidents, and support overall plant productivity.

What is the difference between Ethanol Operator vs Ethanol Technician?

AspectEthanol OperatorEthanol Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentProduction plants, industrial facilitiesProduction plants, maintenance areas
Job FocusOperating equipment, monitoring processesMaintaining equipment, troubleshooting issues

Both roles are essential in ethanol production, with the Ethanol Operator focusing on running the process and the Ethanol Technician handling maintenance and repairs. They often work together in the same industrial environment, sharing similar certifications and safety protocols.

What are some common challenges faced by Ethanol Operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Ethanol Operators often work in 24/7 production environments, which can involve rotating shifts and long hours. A common challenge is maintaining focus and safety during extended or overnight shifts, as fatigue can impact performance. To manage this, operators should prioritize rest, adhere to safety protocols, and communicate proactively with team members during shift handovers. Additionally, adapting to frequent changes in process conditions and troubleshooting equipment issues requires strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

What does an ethanol operator do?

An ethanol operator is responsible for overseeing the production process of ethanol, including operating and monitoring equipment such as distillation columns and reactors. They ensure safety protocols are followed, maintain quality standards, and may perform routine inspections and adjustments to optimize efficiency in a manufacturing environment. Certification in safety procedures and technical skills with process control systems are often required.

What are Ethanol Operators?

Ethanol Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the production process of ethanol, a type of biofuel, in manufacturing facilities. Their duties include monitoring equipment, controlling chemical processes, conducting quality checks, and ensuring safety and environmental regulations are followed. They often work with complex machinery and collaborate with engineers and technicians to optimize production efficiency. Ethanol Operators play a key role in helping facilities meet production goals while maintaining operational safety and compliance.

What is the highest paying machine operator job?

The highest paying machine operator jobs are often in specialized industries such as oil and gas, aerospace, or chemical manufacturing, where operators may earn six-figure salaries. Roles requiring advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience with complex machinery tend to offer higher compensation.

What jobs pay $250 an hour?

Ethanol operators typically do not earn $250 an hour; such high wages are more common in specialized roles like senior executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced consultants. Some highly skilled technical or managerial positions in the energy or chemical industries may approach this level with extensive experience and certifications. Most ethanol operator roles offer salaries significantly below this rate, often in the range of $20 to $50 per hour.
More about Ethanol Operator jobs
What states have the most Ethanol Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Ethanol Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ethanol Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ethanol Operator jobs are:
Ethanol Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ethanol Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 12% Full Time, 86% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 44% Physical, 55% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Process Operator - Nights (United Ethanol)

Process Operator - Nights (United Ethanol)

United Cooperative

Milton, WI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Responsible for the operation of the plant, to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, while following the policies, goals, and objectives of the company.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Monitors and controls plant operations
  • Constantly reviews the operation of the plant to monitor production and quality, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Participates in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
  • Maintains adequate records of key production variables such as production volume, yield, plant uptime, utility consumption, etc., on a daily, weekly, and/or monthly basis, as required.

Participates in quality assurance program
  • Communicates directly with QA laboratory to ensure effective participation in the implementation of QA policies and procedures.
  • Samples and tests process streams as required by the QA program and procedures.
  • Maintains QA records.
  • Understands and interprets QA results and takes appropriate action when required.

Participates in plant maintenance program
  • Communicates directly with the maintenance department to coordinate maintenance and repair work in process areas.
  • Performs preventative maintenance activities as required.
  • Assists maintenance technicians in performing maintenance and repairs.
  • Assists with diagnosing and trouble-shooting maintenance related issues.

Participates in safety, health and environmental programs
  • Knows and understands city, county, state, and federal regulations relating to process operations and works in a manner to ensure that these regulations are met at all times.
  • Works in a safe manner at all times.

Other Duties
  • Participates in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.
  • Monitors use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.

Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma.
  • Post-secondary education and/or a technical trade certificate is desired.
  • Candidates with experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant are preferred.
  • Computer skills are necessary.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
  • Shift is 6pm-6am, 3-2-2 shift
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts.
  • The employee is regularly exposed to dusty conditions, high noise environments and chemicals.
  • The employee must have the ability to lift up to 50 lbs., climb ladders and work at elevations up to 175 ft., and work in all outside working conditions.

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