ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ethanol Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Chief Industries, Inc.

Production Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Develop a personal knowledge of all aspects of ethanol plant, ethanol and co-product loadout and chemical unloading operations. * Provide direction, leadership and instruction to production operators ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA This is an exempt level position Position Summary The ... Mentor plant engineers and operators on process optimization and best practices. * Establish and ...

Zinpro

Plant Operator

North Branch, MN · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

... paper, ethanol, or dairy manufacturing * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform ... The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. This is a ...

KAAPA Ethanol Holdings, LLC

Rover Operator

Aurora, NE · On-site

$31.75/hr

We invite you to join our KAAPA team as a Rover Operator at our Aurora location. Job ... of ethanol plant operations Self- motivated Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to ...

Chief Industries, Inc.

Control Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

Communicate with field operators to coordinate equipment inspections, manual adjustments, and ... Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to ...

Chief Industries, Inc.

Production Operator

Lexington, NE · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Operator may work in different areas or positions including relief support for Shift Lead Operator ... Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to ...

Valero

QA/QC Lab Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Implement plant QA/QC program based on best practice in the ethanol industry by sampling various ... Experience operating and troubleshooting automated laboratory equipment (such as HPLC or GC ...

Valero Energy

QA/QC Lab Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

Implement plant QA/QC program based on best practice in the ethanol industry by sampling various ... Experience operating and troubleshooting automated laboratory equipment (such as HPLC or GC ...

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 ...

Zinpro

3rd Shift Plant Operator

North Branch, MN · On-site

$23 - $36/hr

The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime. This is a third ... paper, ethanol, or dairy manufacturing * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform ...

Alto Ingredients, Inc

CO2 Plant Operator

Boardman, OR · On-site

At times engage in communication with the ethanol facility when CO2 plant is experiencing ... operating a computer and keyboard; visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsEthanol Plant Operator Jobs

Ethanol Plant Operator information

See salary details

$13

$22

$39

How much do ethanol plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for ethanol plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ethanol plant operator do?

As an Ethanol Plant Operator, you can expect to monitor and control various stages of the ethanol production process, including the handling of raw materials, operation of equipment, and adjustment of process controls to maintain optimal output and quality. Daily tasks often include conducting equipment inspections, performing routine maintenance, collecting process samples, and tracking production data. You may also be responsible for troubleshooting mechanical issues and working closely with maintenance staff and other operators to ensure smooth operations. The role is hands-on and requires a focus on safety and efficiency throughout every shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ethanol plant operator?

To excel as an Ethanol Plant Operator, you need a strong understanding of industrial processes, mechanical aptitude, and attention to safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, safety regulations, and sometimes possession of boiler operator or forklift certifications are essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills in this environment. These competencies are vital to ensure efficient and safe plant operations and to quickly address any operational issues.

What is an ethanol plant operator?

An Ethanol Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling equipment that produces ethanol from raw materials like corn or sugarcane. They oversee fermentation, distillation, and other processes to ensure efficient and safe production. Operators conduct quality checks, troubleshoot issues, and perform routine maintenance on machinery. Their role is essential in optimizing production while following safety and environmental regulations.

More about Ethanol Plant Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Ethanol Plant Operator jobs? The most popular types of Ethanol Plant Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Ethanol Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Ethanol Plant Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Ethanol Plant Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ethanol Plant Operator jobs are:
Ethanol Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ethanol Plant Operator job openings in the United States 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 $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Production Operator

Chief Industries, Inc.

Hastings, NE • On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Chief Industries rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

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 support for Shift Lead Operator and special assignment as set by the Shift Lead Operator and/or the Production Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Develop a personal knowledge of all aspects of ethanol plant, ethanol and co-product loadout and chemical unloading operations.
  • Provide direction, leadership and instruction to production operators to allow efficient plant operations.
  • Assist Shift Lead Operator as requested including issuing work permits and maintenance work orders.
  • Learn and operate production equipment and processes
  • Follow procedures for plant start-up, shutdown, cleaning and routine operations
  • Sample and analyze process streams as required during shift
  • Keep accurate and timely logs
  • Respond to collected data and make adjustments to optimize plant operations
  • Keep plant facility clean and well maintained
  • Perform quality control tests on product streams as needed
  • Follow safety procedures and maintain a safe work environment
  • Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education:
  • High School Diploma, or GED, preferred.

The Company:
Putting the needs of customers first has taken Chief Industries, Inc. from a small construction company in 1954, to a highly diverse company with a reputation for manufacturing quality products and offering unparalleled customer service. Through its many divisions and subsidiaries, Chief Industries employs over 1,400 skilled and dedicated employees who produce a wide variety of products, many of which are used around the world.
A Brand of Chief Industries, Chief Ethanol is committed to producing quality renewable fuel and produces approximately 140 million gallons of ethanol annually. Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to producing renewable fuel and high-quality feed today. The plant is a continuous flow Vogelbusch process.
Our Benefits:
This full-time position is eligible for full company benefits, including
  • Paid vacation/time off
  • 401(k) retirement plan plus company match
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Company-paid short-term disability benefits
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Financial wellness coaching
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid holidays (8)
  • Employee discounts
  • Education assistance
  • And much more.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Chief Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply