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Ethanol Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shift: 2nd Shift Plant Operator. 2:00pm - 10:30pm - Sunday - Thursday. The plant operator is ... paper, ethanol, or dairy manufacturing * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform ...

2nd Shift Plant Operator

Garner, IA · On-site

$23 - $34/hr

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

Future growth will include an expansion of the biomethane process and retrofitting of the ethanol facilities. Position Purpose The Plant Operator is responsible for the operation of the Biorefinery ...

Future growth will include an expansion of the biomethane process and retrofitting of the ethanol facilities. Position Purpose The Plant Operator is responsible for the operation of the Biorefinery ...

We are hiring a Miller to support our ethanol plant operations, where safety, reliability, and ... Cross train with other operators to assure adequate coverage during unexpected interruptions in the ...

Miller

Johnson Creek, WI · On-site

$27 - $33/hr

We are hiring a Miller to support our ethanol plant operations, where safety, reliability, and ... Cross train with other operators to assure adequate coverage during unexpected interruptions in the ...

Maintenance Mechanic

Lexington, NE · On-site

$23.50 - $30.25/hr

Fill out equipment operating time sheets daily. * Perform preventive maintenance and repairs on all ... Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to ...

Operator

Grand Junction, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $20.75/hr

... ethanol plant. Primary functions are to operate machines and the computer control system for the ... Ensures orderly shift change by communicating issues and/or ongoing tasks with incoming operators

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Ethanol Plant Operator information

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$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:
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.

2nd Shift Plant Operator

Zinpro

Shell Rock, IA • On-site

$23 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Job description

Shift: 2nd Shift Plant Operator. 2:00pm - 10:30pm - Sunday - Thursday. The plant operator is expected to work a 40-hour work week and occasional overtime.

Compensation: $2/hr Shift Premium including $4,000 Sign-on bonus

The base salary listed is a range. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others). In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for a bonus, providing the opportunity to earn additional compensation.

Benefits: Our Total Rewards programs continue to lead, innovate and embody our core values – caring for the health and wellbeing of all.  Zinpro offers a competitive salary and a premium benefits package, including 100% employer-paid healthcare and generous paid time off.  We provide a wide range of benefits and resources designed to support you at every stage of life: education assistance, retirement planning, 401(k), disability and long-term care insurance, travel assistance, fitness reimbursement, gift matching, and more.

Our Culture of Care – Zinpro®

Position Details

Reporting to the Operations Supervisor, the Plant Operator is a key contributor to Zinpro’s success by manufacturing the organization's products according to established production specifications and schedules; volume, cost, and wastage targets; and quality standards.

  • Controls, operates, and maintains the automated production machinery that blends, mixes, processes, dries, fills, and packages Zinpro products
  • Operates a variety of equipment, including reactor, dryer, blending, bagging equipment, and material handling equipment
  • Performs preventative maintenance and troubleshooting activities on production equipment
  • Performs shipping, receiving, and other warehousing tasks
  • Perform sampling, data collection, and process operation according to production, regulatory, and feed safety requirements
  • Ensures nonconforming raw materials, in-process, and finished products are properly identified, segregated, and dispositioned
  • Proactively identifies and participates in implementing measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product
  • Receives work direction/work orders from management and satisfactorily completes job assignments

Qualifications

Minimum Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Minimum 1 year of experience in a production environment
  • Mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform basic troubleshooting
  • Basic computer skills (PC) and basic working knowledge of MS Word and Excel
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
  • Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and management

Preferred:

  • Post-secondary education
  • 3 plus years’ experience in a related production environment or industry such as chemical, feed, paper, ethanol, or dairy manufacturing
  • Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and perform maintenance-related tasks
  • Boiler operation experience
  • Experience using Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or inventory management systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
  • Experience supporting ISO 9000 Quality Systems, GMP’s, or Lean Manufacturing methods

About Zinpro

At Zinpro, advancing health and wellbeing for animals and people is at the heart of everything we do. A pioneer in performance trace minerals and innovative nutritional solutions, Zinpro partners with customers worldwide to unlock better animal performance through smarter, science‑led nutrition.

Family‑owned and privately held, our steady growth is fueled by a world‑class team who manufactures high‑quality products marketed in more than 70 countries. As a global leader in animal nutrition, we're committed to developing more sustainable practices.

Working at Zinpro means making a positive difference alongside bright, passionate people in a culture recognized as a Great Place to Work®. Employees gain broad experience in a growing organization known for its commitment to people, customers and our communities. Here, we value diverse perspectives as we build equitable and inclusive teams.

Zinpro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.