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Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Chief Industries, Inc.

Control Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to ... This full-time position is eligible for full company benefits, including * Paid vacation/time off ...

Chief Industries, Inc.

Production Operator

Lexington, NE · On-site

$15.75 - $19/hr

Chief Ethanol Fuels, Inc. was Nebraska's first dry-mill ethanol plant and remains committed to ... Our Benefits: This full-time position is eligible for full company benefits, including * Paid ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator information

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How much do full time ethanol plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 is a full time ethanol plant operator?

Full Time Ethanol Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of ethanol production facilities. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting processes to ensure safety and efficiency, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting any technical issues that arise. They play a crucial role in producing ethanol by ensuring that the plant runs smoothly, meets production targets, and complies with environmental and safety regulations. The position typically requires knowledge of mechanical systems and process controls, as well as strong problem-solving skills.

What is the difference between Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator vs Ethanol Plant Technician?

AspectFull Time Ethanol Plant OperatorEthanol Plant Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require technical certificationsSimilar credentials; technical certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPlant floors, control rooms, and maintenance areasSimilar; often working alongside operators in plant settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed by ethanol production facilitiesEmployed in similar facilities, focusing on equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

Both roles involve working in ethanol production plants with overlapping credentials and work environments. The main difference is that Full Time Ethanol Plant Operators primarily oversee daily plant operations, while Ethanol Plant Technicians focus more on equipment maintenance and technical troubleshooting. Both positions are essential for efficient ethanol production and often require similar certifications and work settings.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a full time ethanol plant operator?

A Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the various systems involved in ethanol production, such as fermentation, distillation, and grain handling. Daily tasks include conducting equipment inspections, recording operational data, troubleshooting process issues, and performing routine maintenance to ensure smooth plant operations. Operators also collaborate closely with laboratory staff to maintain product quality and with maintenance teams to address mechanical issues promptly. Their vigilance and proactive approach are vital for maximizing plant efficiency, minimizing downtime, and ensuring safety standards are upheld.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time ethanol plant operator?

To thrive as a Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of industrial safety standards. Familiarity with process control systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and safety certifications like OSHA are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are soft skills that set top operators apart. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient plant operations and maintaining consistent product quality.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator job openings:
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 Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator jobs include:
Full Time Ethanol Plant Operator jobs near you

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA

Archer Daniels Midland

On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

ADM rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 185 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 360 rated logistics

Job description

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA
This is an exempt level position
Position Summary
The Ethanol Technology Manager supports plant process areas related to the production and optimization of ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil, and co-products within dry and wet mill operations.
Primary process areas include:
  • Grain handling and preparation
  • Liquefaction and saccharification
  • Fermentation
  • Distillation and dehydration
  • Evaporation and drying systems (DDGS/Fiber/HSW/etc..)
These products and systems are produced through core unit operations such as:
  • Enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation
  • Distillation and molecular sieve dehydration
  • Evaporation and thermal drying
  • Centrifugation and separation
  • Heat integration and energy systems
  • CIP and chemical treatment systems
This role focuses on continuous improvement, optimization, and reliability of ethanol plants, while collaborating across multiple facilities to standardize best practices and drive performance.
The technology manager will act as a resource for all plant operations leader and organizational engineers in the application of engineering principles to process design, troubleshooting, and deployment of new technologies, ensuring plant systems operate at safe, optimal, and cost-effective conditions.
This position plays a key role in achieving production targets, yield maximization, energy reduction, and carbon intensity improvements.
Essential Job Functions
  • Demonstrate technology leadership and promote a strong process safety culture.
  • Benchmark ethanol plant performance (yield, energy, uptime) against internal and external best-in-class operations and drive improvements.
  • Standardize and replicate best practices across ethanol sites, including fermentation efficiency, dryer performance, and energy usage.
  • Manage and prioritize a portfolio of process improvement and capital projects across site operations.
  • Collaborate with corporate and plant teams to align on technology deployment, modernization, and automation opportunities.
  • Evaluate and implement new process technologies (e.g., enzyme systems, fermentation controls, heat integration, CO capture).
  • Provide hands-on support in troubleshooting process bottlenecks (fermentation upsets, distillation inefficiencies, dryer constraints).
  • Establish and track KPIs: ethanol yield, DDGS quality, energy usage (BTU/gal), uptime, and chemical usage.
  • Work closely with operations, maintenance, and engineering teams to implement reliability and efficiency improvements.
  • Mentor plant engineers and operators on process optimization and best practices.
  • Establish and maintain regular contact and communications with the managers and superintendents at the target support facilities
Required Skills
  • Strong commitment to process safety and operational excellence.
  • Deep understanding of ethanol-related unit operations:
    • Fermentation kinetics
    • Distillation & molecular sieve systems
    • Evaporation and drying
    • Centrifugation and separation
    • Heat exchangers, utilities, and energy systems
  • Experience in process optimization and yield improvement using data analytics and plant KPIs.
  • Ability to work effectively across operations, engineering, and leadership teams.
  • Working knowledge of PFDs, P&IDs, mass & energy balances, and control strategies.
  • Willingness to work in plant environments and travel to support multiple sites.
  • Results-driven with strong problem-solving capability.
Required Education
Bachelor's degree in:
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Agricultural Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • or related technical field
Required Experience
  • Minimum 10 years of experience in ethanol and or bioprocessing operations
  • Strong background in process engineering, operations support, or plant leadership
Desired Experience
  • Experience in ethanol plant operations leadership or advanced process technology roles
  • Exposure to:
    • Advanced process control (APC)
    • Fermentation optimization / enzyme technology
    • Energy reduction initiatives
    • Carbon intensity / CO capture strategies
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check. 
REF:110487

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