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Senior Ethanol Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Monitor and analyze day‑to‑day operations of the dry‑mill ethanol facility to identify ... Evaluate process performance, chemical usage, and operating practices; recommend and implement ...

Production Operator

Hastings, NE · On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Develop a personal knowledge of all aspects of ethanol plant, ethanol and co-product loadout and chemical unloading operations. * Provide direction, leadership and instruction to production operators ...

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 ...

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 ...

Rover Operator

Aurora, NE · On-site

$31.75/hr

Understanding of ethanol plant operations * Self- motivated * Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to others and work well as a team * Knowledge of Microsoft Office and other basic computer ...

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 ...

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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Senior Ethanol Plant Operator information

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$39

How much do senior ethanol plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior ethanol plant operator in the United States is $24.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectSenior Ethanol Plant OperatorEthanol Plant Operator
CertificationsOften requires advanced certifications or specialized trainingBasic plant operation certifications
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple processes, supervises staff, and handles complex systemsOperates equipment, monitors processes, and performs routine tasks
ResponsibilitiesLeadership, troubleshooting, and process optimizationMaintaining equipment, monitoring production, and safety compliance

The main difference between a Senior Ethanol Plant Operator and an Ethanol Plant Operator lies in experience, responsibilities, and leadership roles. Senior operators typically oversee complex processes and supervise staff, while plant operators focus on routine operations and equipment monitoring. Both roles require relevant certifications and industry knowledge, but senior roles demand more experience and technical expertise.

How much does a senior ethanol plant operator make?

A senior ethanol plant operator typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the facility. They often require technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of plant operations and safety protocols.

Is being a senior ethanol plant operator a good job?

A senior ethanol plant operator is responsible for overseeing the production process, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety standards. The role typically offers competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, and requires technical skills and certifications, making it a stable career choice in the manufacturing industry.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Ethanol Plant Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Senior 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 Senior Ethanol Plant Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Senior Ethanol Plant Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Senior Ethanol Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 60% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,559 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Shipping & Receiving Operator - Ethanol Plant

Valero Energy

Albion, NE • On-site

$18 - $21.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago


Valero rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 87 rated oil and gas companies


Job description

Description
Valero is the best-in-class producer of essential fuels and products that are foundational to modern life. We invite you to join our ~10,000 employees to drive exceptional results for our company, the energy industry and our community.
As a Shipping & Receiving Operator you will be responsible for loading ethanol and distiller's grain, work 12-hour rotating day shifts, as well as the movement of trucks and rails cars on the plant site. Ensure maximum production quantity and quality while supporting the policies, goals and objectives of the company.
At Valero, we are committed to advancing the future of energy through innovation, ingenuity and unmatched execution. You can help achieve this goal if you can:
  • Operate and maintain all processes associated with product storage and loading.
  • Load ethanol into trucks and railcars.
  • Load distiller's grains into trucks, railcars, and containers.
  • Take samples of ethanol and distiller's grains for testing.
  • Operate meters, bulk weighers, and scales to facilitate product loading.
  • Create tickets and issue paperwork to drivers.
  • Operate locomotive or rail mover to move railcars on plant site to facilitate loading of product.
  • Operate large machinery and equipment such as front end loaders and lifts.
  • Participate in safety, health, and environmental programs. (LOTO-lock out tag out, Safe Work Permit, FSMA-Food Safety Modernization Act).
  • Perform preventive maintenance tasks as required.
  • Perform routine housekeeping duties to maintain a clean work environment.
  • Monitor area equipment and assist with maintenance as required.
  • Communicate regularly with local rail service to facilitate rail movement activities.

This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.
Please click on the following link to view what the Shipping & Receiving Operator job involves on a day to day basis: Realistic Job Preview
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Able and willing to work on-site and in-person, required.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience with the movement and loading of rail cars preferred.
  • Experience working with heavy equipment in an industrial environment or grain elevator preferred.
  • Experience with the operation of front-end loaders, forklift trucks, rail movers, man lifts, and related material handling equipment preferred.
  • Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred.
  • Experience with standard computer software programs, i.e. Microsoft Outlook and SAP, preferred.

Need more reasons to work for a company that is both professionally challenging and culturally rewarding? Take a look at some of our best-in-class benefits:
  • Competitive Pay and Annual Bonus Program
  • 100% match on 401(K) up to 7%, plus additional discretionary 3% annual company contribution
  • Comprehensive Healthcare and Wellness Programs

Benefits described above are highlights only, subject to an employee's eligibility and work location.
Discover more about Albion and how we're making a difference there.
Valero's pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen.
Valero's employees and team-focused culture drive our success. We're invested in our dedicated workforce through a comprehensive, customizable benefits package, while supporting a caring culture that delivers a rewarding work environment built on teamwork, excellence and career growth. To explore the ways we build a stronger team, visit Valero.com/Careers.
Valero is an EEO Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Please be advised, if you are viewing this position on a website that lists an estimated salary rate/range, it was not provided by Valero. Valero's market specific salary rate/range will be provided during the recruiting process and tends to be higher than what is estimated by such websites.
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