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Ethanol Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Heartland Corn Products

Process Operator

Winthrop, MN · On-site

$25/hr

Responsible for producing ethanol, distiller's grain, corn oil and other co-products. Those ... Approximately 50% of the operator's time will be spent monitoring the production process from the ...

Plainview Bio Energy LLC

Yard Operator

Hereford, TX · On-site

Load ethanol trucks to amount specified on the bill of lading or car specifications sheet * Assist Yard Manager/Lead in staging of loaded and empty cars on site while keeping cars organized * Assist ...

The Andersons, Inc.

Renewables Process Operator

Albion, MI · On-site

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Position Summary The Renewables/Ethanol Production Worker role supports key areas of ethanol ... The position also involves maintaining accurate production records, operating mobile equipment, and ...

The Andersons, Inc.

Renewables Process Operator

Albion, MI

$17.25 - $21.75/hr

Position Summary The Renewables/Ethanol Production Worker role supports key areas of ethanol ... The position also involves maintaining accurate production records, operating mobile equipment, and ...

Big River Resources

Process Operator

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$25/hr

Process Operators create American made, high quality ethanol and animal feed. Big River United Energy provides employees with excellent benefits, growth opportunities and a family oriented atmosphere

Big River Resources

Process Operator

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$25/hr

Process Operators create American made, high quality ethanol and animal feed. Big River United Energy provides employees with excellent benefits, growth opportunities and a family oriented atmosphere

Big River Resources

Process Operator

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Process Operators create American made, high quality ethanol and animal feed. Big River United Energy provides employees with excellent benefits, growth opportunities and a family oriented atmosphere

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Ensures orderly shift change by communicating issues and/or ongoing tasks with incoming operators ... Experience in the ethanol industry Additional Information HOURS: This is a rotating swing shift ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Ensures orderly shift change by communicating issues and/or ongoing tasks with incoming operators ... Experience in the ethanol industry Additional Information HOURS: This is a rotating swing shift ...

Louis Dreyfus Company

Operator

Grand Junction, IA

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

Ensures orderly shift change by communicating issues and/or ongoing tasks with incoming operators ... Experience in the ethanol industry Additional Information HOURS: This is a rotating swing shift ...

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Ethanol Operator information

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How much do ethanol operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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.
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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 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,306 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Terminal Operator

Eco-Energy Distribution- Philadelphia LLC

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$23/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

Basic Function:

The basic function of the rail terminal operator is to facilitate the day to day operation of the EEDS facility. These duties include, but are not limited to, preparing rail cars for unload, monitoring the offload of railcars into pipeline and/or storage tanks, preparing railcars for outbound movement, performing routine maintenance at facility, inventory management, ensure site security, and other duties as required by Terminal Superintendent to ensure safe, efficient and profitable terminal operations at EEDS facility.


The terminal operator will be trained in a number of subjects and will be provided certifications for operations involving the safe transfer of Ethanol from railcars to storage tanks/fuel trucks. Over time, the operator will be trained as person in charge of barge loading operations on the Delaware River.

Responsibilities:

Facilitate the transfer of ethanol/bio-fuels from railcar into terminal tank storage, pipeline and/or outbound tank truck. Specifically, preforming equipment inspections, making coupler/hose connections, climbing rail cars ensure proper venting, coordinating w/ applicable customers, railroad and regulatory agencies;

Coordinate with corporate employees on inventory management, operational costs, maintenance, etc;

Provide routine maintenance and oversee contractor repairs of terminal equipment;

Preform general terminal upkeep to include, but not limited to, mowing, painting, cleaning;

Perform daily facility inspections (equipment, infrastructure, security, etc);

Work with local first responders in ongoing effort to comply with facility FRP, SPCC, and SOP adherence;

Ongoing safety, operational and regulatory training;

Perform other duties as prescribed by Terminal Superintendent;

Travel to EEDS terminals, as necessary, to cover labor shortages for product offload.

Requirements

Skills:


This is a starting position for someone who has the will and dedication to succeed.

Hard worker

Oral Communication Skills

Computer literacy - Specifically MS Excel

Interpersonal Skills

Professionalism

Organization

Planning

Time Management

Attention to Details



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