ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Process Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Big River Resources

Process Operator

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

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

Big River Resources

Process Operator

Dyersville, IA · On-site

$25/hr

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

Bunge

Process Operator

Council Bluffs, IA

$27.73/hr

The Process Operator is assigned to a rotating shift. Position Details: This position works a 12 hour shift, on a rotating basis days and nights, 4 on 4 off. Pay starts at $27.73 per hour What You'll ...

Cargill

Process Operator

Iowa Falls, IA

$19.75 - $25/hr

Executing processes and operating all equipment of a designated area; departments may include preparation, refinery, extraction, steam generation, biodiesel, and grain drying * Monitoring equipment ...

Bunge

Process Operator

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$27.73/hr

The Process Operator is assigned to a rotating shift. Position Details: This position works a 12 hour shift, on a rotating basis days and nights, 4 on 4 off. Pay starts at $27.73 per hour What You'll ...

Cargill

Process Operator

Iowa Falls, IA

$19.75 - $25/hr

Executing processes and operating all equipment of a designated area; departments may include preparation, refinery, extraction, steam generation, biodiesel, and grain drying * Monitoring equipment ...

Bunge

Process Operator

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

$27.73/hr

The Process Operator is assigned to a rotating shift. Position Details: This position works a 12 hour shift, on a rotating basis days and nights, 4 on 4 off. Pay starts at $27.73 per hour What You'll ...

Cargill

Process Operator

Iowa Falls, IA · On-site

$19.75 - $25/hr

Executing processes and operating all equipment of a designated area; departments may include preparation, refinery, extraction, steam generation, biodiesel, and grain drying * Monitoring equipment ...

Bunge North America

Process Operator

Council Bluffs, IA

$27.73/hr

The Process Operator is assigned to a rotating shift.Position Details:This position works a 12 hour shift, on a rotating basis days and nights, 4 on 4 off. Pay starts at $27.73 per hourWhat You?ll Be ...

Aerotek

Process Operator $25/hr

Sioux City, IA

$25/hr

***Process Operator - $25/hr*** Pay: $25/hour Location: Sioux City, IA OR South Sioux City, NE Hours: 10:30pm - 6:30am or 6pm - 6am _____ Key Responsibilities: * Prepare outbound orders; sign off on ...

Valero

Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA

$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 ...

Valero

Process Operator - Hartley Ethanol Plant

Hartley, IA

$17.50 - $22.25/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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProcess Operator JobsProcess Operator Jobs in Iowa

Process Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$29

How much do process operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 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.

How much do process operators make in the US?

Process operators in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with certifications can earn higher wages, especially in manufacturing, chemical, or energy sectors where technical skills are valued.

Is it hard to be a process operator?

Being a process operator involves monitoring and controlling industrial equipment, which requires attention to detail, technical skills, and adherence to safety protocols. The job can be physically demanding and often involves shift work, but with proper training and certifications, it is manageable for many individuals.

What is a process operator?

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 July 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

Big River Resources

Dyersville, IA • On-site

$18.25 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Big River United Energy is looking to add a Process Operator to the team. Process Operators create American made, high quality ethanol and animal feed. Big River United Energy provides employees with excellent benefits, growth opportunities and a family oriented atmosphere. If you want to work on a great team, have a positive outlook and are eager to learn, keep reading!

Big River United Energy offers a clean, safe and competitive employment opportunity. Big River also offers a competitive benefit package that includes low deductible and low premium health insurance, PTO available on day 1, discretionary annual cash incentives and profit sharing, company paid family dental coverage, and much more!

The Process Operator is part of the team that is involved in nearly every aspect of production. You will maintain essential equipment by collecting and testing samples, analyzing samples and digitally recording results. Process Operators will utilize facility machinery and lab instrumentation. Great news - Big River United Energy will train you, no experience necessary!

This position will be challenging and gratifying, while working alongside an excellent team. If this sounds like a team you would like to join, make sure to apply today using our quick application!

Drive into the future with Big River United Energy creating a cleaner burning fuel!

Apply