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Ethanol Production Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You'll collaborate with your team to maintain the continuous operation of our ethanol plant, completing accurate work and keeping the production area clean. This role uses lab equipment and a ...

Today, the Nebraska Ethanol Board continues its mission to support ethanol production and use in Nebraska, serving as a primary resource for ethanol producers, developers, media, regulators and ...

Grain Purchaser

Sauget, IL · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Procure corn and other feedstocks required for ethanol production at competitive prices * Develop and maintain relationships with local farmers, grain elevators, and suppliers * Negotiate purchase ...

Today, the Nebraska Ethanol Board continues its mission to support ethanol production and use in Nebraska, serving as a primary resource for ethanol producers, developers, media, regulators and ...

Growth and advancement opportunities If you're ready for a rewarding new production opportunity, keep reading to learn more! WHAT THE JOB LOOKS LIKE: Our Ethanol Protein Operators work 12-hour ...

Ethanol Support Engineer - Decatur, IL ADM Research & Development This is an exempt level position ... scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex ...

Material Handler NCP

Cambridge, NE · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

In-depth knowledge of the ethanol production process and technology is preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Working knowledge of plant equipment and safety. * Possess competent knowledge of ...

Manage terminal productivity, operating costs, maintenance, and performance * Ensure compliance ... Ethanol experience is required * Rail experience is required * Trucking/transportation experience ...

New

... ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep ... scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex ...

... ethanol fermentation processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical expert with deep ... scale production success. This role will drive process improvements, troubleshoot complex ...

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Ethanol Production information

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$11

$18

$23

How much do ethanol production jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for ethanol production in the United States is $18.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ethanol production worker do?

An ethanol production worker is responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to convert biomass, such as corn or sugarcane, into ethanol fuel. Their duties include monitoring production processes, collecting samples for quality testing, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety and environmental compliance. They also troubleshoot equipment issues and help optimize production efficiency to meet plant targets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in ethanol production?

To thrive in Ethanol Production, you need a strong understanding of chemical engineering principles, process operations, and safety protocols, often supported by a degree in chemical engineering, biochemistry, or a related field. Familiarity with process control systems (such as DCS/SCADA), laboratory analysis tools, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and compliant ethanol production, maximizing output while minimizing risks and downtime.

What are some typical teamwork dynamics in an ethanol production facility, and how do different roles collaborate to ensure efficient operations?

In an ethanol production facility, collaboration is key to maintaining smooth and safe operations. Production technicians, maintenance staff, lab analysts, and management work closely together: technicians monitor and adjust equipment, maintenance teams address mechanical issues, and lab analysts test product quality. Regular communication and shift handovers help identify and resolve issues quickly, while cross-functional meetings foster problem-solving and continuous improvement. This collaborative environment allows team members to learn from each other and can open pathways for career advancement within production, quality, or supervisory roles.

What is the difference between Ethanol Production vs Ethanol Plant Operator?

AspectEthanol ProductionEthanol Plant Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical or vocational training often required
Work EnvironmentFactories, chemical plants, industrial settingsIndustrial plants, processing facilities, manufacturing environments
Industry UsageInvolved in the overall process of ethanol manufacturingOperates and monitors equipment within ethanol production facilities

In summary, Ethanol Production refers to the broader process of manufacturing ethanol, including planning and overseeing production. Ethanol Plant Operators focus on operating and maintaining equipment within ethanol plants. Both roles require technical skills and work in industrial settings, but their responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

More about Ethanol Production jobs

What states have the most Ethanol Production jobs?

States with the most job openings for Ethanol Production jobs include:

Infographic showing various Ethanol Production job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,856 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Production/Process Operator

Johnson Creek, WI

$27 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor the operation of the plant to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

  • Troubleshoot, anticipate, and correct problems related to plant operations and communicate with relevant departments to resolve issues.

  • Document process variables, sample data, and routine tasks to maintain plant operations within specified parameters.


Job description

Description

Join a team that helps produce renewable fuel for the future. We are hiring a Production Operator to support our ethanol plant operations, where safety, reliability, and continuous improvement are at the core of everything we do. This position works a 2-2-3 rotating schedule with 12-hour shifts, alternating between day and night shifts every six weeks, and plays a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable plant operations. We offer competitive pay of $27 - $33/hr and a strong benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; additional ancillary plans; a 401(k) with company match; paid time off; and sick time.


 What We Offer:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Sick Time
  • Monthly Bonuses
  • Additional voluntary benefits
  • Many more employee perks

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Monitor the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
  • Troubleshoot, anticipate and correct problems associated with plant operations. May need to inspect different areas of the plant to locate problems.
  • Review the slurry and fermentation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of product. (Slurry Operator)
  • Review the distillation and evaporation process to ensure accuracy and the highest quality of the product. Certification of the ethanol before it can be transported. (D&E Operator)
  • Document and monitor process variables, sample data and routine tasks as required for position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters.
  • Monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.
  • Communicate with the lab to anticipate or remedy any problems to ensure the highest quality and optimize the facility's efficiency.
  • Communicate with the maintenance department to anticipate or fix problems in a timely manner. Prepare equipment to ensure it is safe for maintenance/contractors to perform scheduled work.
  • Handle chemicals according to the MSDS safety sheets.
  • Cross train with other operators to assure adequate coverage during unexpected interruptions in the plant. May need to watch the boards when a supervisor has to step away.
  • Participate in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
  • Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management.
  • Participate in safety, health, and environmental programs (LOTO-lock out tag out, Safe Work Permit, FSMA-Food Safety Modernization Act). Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure safe work practices and plant cleanliness.
  • Perform other duties as assigned to maintain a safe, reliable, and consistent operation.

Who is Aztalan Bio?

Located outside Jefferson, WI - Aztalan Bio is a biorefinery that utilizes a dry front-end fractionation system which separates corn components (starch, protein, germ) before the distillation process, leading to a wider range of products and potentially higher efficiency - producing corn oil, ethanol, corn germ, bran, and distillers' grains. These outputs support a wide range of markets, including food production, animal nutrition, and renewable energy.


The plant has been in operation since 1898, first as a malting company and then, in 2006, was converted to ethanol production, becoming Wisconsin's largest ethanol operation. Over the coming years, Aztalan Bio will undergo a similar transformation to its sister facility, Pannonia Bio in Hungary, to create a next-generation biorefinery tailored to Wisconsin's agricultural strengths and diversity.


Building on more than a century of history, this next chapter is about investing in people, progress, and community. With the revitalization of this historic plant and the hiring of a new workforce, we are creating opportunities for local employees while reinforcing generations of partnership with farmers.


Aztalan Bio is owned by ClonBio Group who is family-owned and invests in their people for long-term success.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma or GED required.
  • 0-2 Years' relevant experience.
  • Associate degree in Process Technology or equivalent is preferred.
  • Experience in an Ethanol Processing plant preferred.
  • Able to read, understand and follow standard operating procedures for operation of plant and associated equipment.
  • Basic computer operation and data entry skills.
  • Excellent communication, time management, multi-tasking, and problem skills.
  • Strong attention to detail.


Work Environment & Physical Demands:

  • Noise level in the work environment is moderate. Occasional exposure to high noise levels.
  • Employee may be exposed to work near moving mechanical parts.
  • Occasional exposure to chemicals used in the process.
  • Humid conditions and outdoor weather conditions including extreme heat and cold.
  • Personal Protective Equipment such as safety glasses, steel-toed boots, flame-resistant clothing, and hearing protection will regularly be required (or may be required).
  • Regularly required to walk, sit, talk, and hear.
  • The employee is occasionally required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and may occasionally be required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • The employee will be required to do some walking/climbing stairs and occasional use of ladders.
  • Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Aztalan Bio LLC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.