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Process Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Big River Resources

Process Operator

West Burlington, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

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

Big River Resources

Process Operator

West Burlington, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

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

Iff

Process Operator

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.50/hr

Operate, monitor, and adjust production equipment and processes in the production of food ingredients. * Follow all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and complete required quality documentation.

Cargill

Process Operator

Modale, IA

$21/hr

... Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which may include mixers, batching, mills, grinders, packing, weighing, palletizers, etc. • Collecting product samples and ...

Cargill

Process Operator

Mondamin, IA

$21/hr

... Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which may include mixers, batching, mills, grinders, packing, weighing, palletizers, etc. • Collecting product samples and ...

Cargill

Process Operator

Little Sioux, IA

$21/hr

... Operating equipment and technology tools throughout the facility which may include mixers, batching, mills, grinders, packing, weighing, palletizers, etc. • Collecting product samples and ...

Aerotek

Process Operator $25/hr

Sioux City, IA

$25/hr

***Process Operator - Weekly Pay*** Location: Sioux City, IA Pay: $25/hour Hours : 6:00pm-6:00am (2-2-3 schedule) Key Responsibilities: * Prepare outbound orders; sign off on remote orders ensuring ...

Valero

Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

As a Process Operator you will oversee the daily operation of an assigned area of the production process within the plant. Working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule while maintaining a safe work ...

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Process Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator in Iowa is $19.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Process Operator vs Maintenance Technician?

AspectProcess OperatorMaintenance Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications often preferredHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or trade licenses often required
Work EnvironmentFactories, plants, or industrial facilities operating machinery and equipmentIndustrial or manufacturing settings focusing on equipment repair and maintenance
Job FocusMonitoring, controlling, and optimizing production processesMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting machinery and equipment

While both roles work in industrial environments, Process Operators focus on running and controlling production processes, whereas Maintenance Technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining equipment. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in manufacturing and industrial sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Operator, you need a solid understanding of industrial processes, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with control systems like DCS/SCADA, equipment maintenance, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient, safe, and reliable operation of machinery, minimizing risks and maximizing productivity in industrial settings.

What Does a Process Operator Do?

A process operator is a skilled industrial professional who works as part of a team, or individually, to manage a safe and effective production process within a manufacturing plant, facility, or refinery. Process operators are charged with monitoring the equipment, machinery, and instruments within the facility and troubleshooting when issues arise. As a process operator, it is important to inspect equipment and maintain records of all updates, repairs, and replacements.

What are Process Operators?

Process Operators are professionals responsible for managing and overseeing the machinery and systems that produce goods in industries such as manufacturing, chemical processing, and oil and gas. Their duties include monitoring equipment, adjusting controls to maintain quality and safety, and troubleshooting any issues that arise during production. They play a critical role in ensuring production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely, often working as part of a larger operations team. Process Operators must adhere to strict safety protocols and may be required to document production data or perform routine maintenance.

What are some common challenges faced by Process Operators during shift work, and how can they be managed?

Process Operators often work in rotating shifts to ensure continuous plant operation, which can present challenges such as adjusting to changing sleep schedules and managing fatigue. To address these issues, operators are encouraged to maintain healthy sleep habits, communicate openly with team members about workload distribution, and utilize scheduled breaks effectively. Many facilities also offer training on shift work management and provide support resources to help employees adapt, ensuring both safety and productivity are maintained.
More about Process Operator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Process Operator jobs in Iowa? For Process Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Operator jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Process Operator jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Process Operator jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Process Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Process Operator jobs in IA? For Process Operator jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Process Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Operator job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,313 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Process Operator

Process Operator

Shell Rock Soy Processing LLC

Shell Rock, IA • On-site

$27/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description:


The Process Operator will be responsible for operating all equipment that is associated with solvent extraction of oil form soybeans in the facility. The Process Operator will be responsible for monitoring equipment, operating control systems, processing samples, testing samples, and utilizing computers for data entry daily. The Process Operator will also be required to follow all safety policies and perform their duty in a safe manner.


Requirements:


Below is a listing of the job functions this position performs:

  • Operate & monitor equipment in the facility, which will include equipment in both the preparation and extraction buildings
  • Process samples & test samples.
  • Operating control systems
  • Utilizing computer systems for data entry
  • Inspect facility, & troubleshoot any issues as they arise
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment
  • Understand and adhere to all safety policies and procedures
  • Perform all other duties assigned by supervisor


REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

  • Good communication & written skills
  • Basic computer skills
  • Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor conditions
  • Ability to work in loud noise environments
  • Ability to work in dusty environments
  • Ability to work in elevated areas above 4 feet when necessary and in confined spaces
  • Ability to perform physical job duties which may include bending, lifting of up to 50lbs, kneeling, climbing, crawling, and twisting safely.
  • Ability to adhere to all PPE policies


REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • High School Diploma/GED required
  • 2-year associates degree preferred
  • 2 or more years of work experience preferred


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Normal Office

xHeavy work (lift 30-50 lbs.)

Light work (lift 10 lbs.)

Very heavy work (lift over 50 lbs.)

Medium work (lift 11-30 lbs.)


Other physical requirements (note):

  • Ability to work in varied indoor and outdoor environments
  • Ability to work in loud environments
  • Ability to work in dusty environments
  • Ability to perform duties such as bending, lifting, kneeling, climbing, crawling, and twisting safely
  • Ability to drive company owned or personal vehicle
  • Ability to work 12hr rotating shifts


EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Shell Rock Soy Processing to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Shell Rock Soy Processing will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.