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Spray Dryer Operator Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Production Operator III

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clean dryer spray nozzles and tips * Monitor gauges, take solids readings and clean outside of all ... Recording Data - Frequent Operating Office Equipment - N/A Operating Computer - N/A Simple Grasping ...

Production Operator III

Arion, IA · On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Clean dryer spray nozzles and tips * Monitor gauges, take solids readings and clean outside of all ... Recording Data - Frequent Operating Office Equipment - N/A Operating Computer - N/A Simple Grasping ...

Spray Dryer Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do spray dryer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for spray dryer operator in Iowa is $19.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $23.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a spray dryer operator do?

A Spray Dryer Operator is responsible for operating and monitoring spray drying equipment used to convert liquid materials into dry powders. Their duties typically include preparing equipment, adjusting controls to achieve desired drying results, monitoring product quality, and ensuring safety and cleanliness standards are met. They may also troubleshoot equipment issues and maintain accurate production records. Spray Dryer Operators often work in industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a spray dryer operator and how do they contribute to overall production efficiency?

As a Spray Dryer Operator, your daily responsibilities include setting up, monitoring, and maintaining spray drying equipment, ensuring that production runs smoothly and products meet quality standards. You'll regularly check instrument readings, adjust settings as needed, and document production data. Collaboration with quality assurance and maintenance teams is common, especially when troubleshooting equipment or addressing process deviations. Your attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols are essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring efficient, high-quality output.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a spray dryer operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spray Dryer Operator, you need a solid understanding of process operations, equipment maintenance, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industrial spray drying machines, automated control systems, and quality assurance practices is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help operators respond quickly to process changes and maintain consistent product quality. These skills ensure efficient production, minimize downtime, and uphold safety and quality standards in a manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Spray Dryer Operator vs Powder Coater?

AspectSpray Dryer OperatorPowder Coater
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on spray drying equipmentHigh school diploma; training on coating machinery
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plant, handling drying equipmentCoating line, applying finishes to products
Industry UsageFood, pharmaceuticals, chemicalsAutomotive, appliances, metal products

Both roles are common in manufacturing settings, requiring technical training and familiarity with processing equipment. While Spray Dryer Operators focus on drying processes in industries like food and pharmaceuticals, Powder Coaters specialize in applying finishes to products in automotive and metal industries. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Spray Dryer Operator jobs in Iowa?

For Spray Dryer Operator jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Spray Dryer Operator jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Spray Dryer Operator jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Spray Dryer Operator job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,945 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Packaging Operator - Days (Biospringer)

Lesaffre Group

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$16.75 - $20.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 23 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage and monitor up to 2 packaging equipment to ensure dried product meets all specifications.

  • Perform sanitation, monitor quality assurance controls, and operate packaging line safely and efficiently.

  • Inspect dryer infrastructure, troubleshoot equipment issues, and communicate equipment or process problems to management.


Job description

Who we are
Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.
Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition.
This role is within our Biospringer team. Biospringer offers our customers a range of yeast extracts and fermentation-based products designed to improve the taste and organoleptic properties of food. Our natural ingredients make food tastier and healthier.
Our Core Values: Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility
What we offer
  • The opportunity to represent a passionate organization focused on innovation and sustainability
  • A competitive 401K plan, affordable benefits starting on day 1 of employment, and12 paid holidays
  • The ability to utilize your experience and knowledge to make a real impact
  • Opportunities for continuous growth within your role and across business units

What you bring to the table
The Packaging Operator ensures that dried product coming out of the spray dryers are meeting all specifications set on the finished product, and following all Safety, Quality and Food Safety procedures of the company. The Operator is in charge of managing and monitoring up to 2 packaging equipment. The position reports directly to the Supervisor, but may also receive direction from the Superintendent or other management personnel as required.
What you'll do as a Packaging Operator
The packaging of food products requires flexibility on the part of all personnel as operations change depending upon the needs of the customer. This will require a Packaging Operator to train and work in other departments on a periodic basis in order to ensure customer requirements are met in a timely manner. 6 AM - 6 PM rotational schedule.
  • Understand and follow safety, GMP, food safety, and other rules or policies
  • Perform sanitation on equipment, infrastructure, grounds, and other assigned areas.
  • Monitor quality assurance controls during the production process. For example, product analysis, and code date verifications are performed on a routine basis to ensure the customer receives a quality product. Record and maintain accurate written and electronic information.
  • Operate packing line safely and efficiently.
  • Inspect dryer infrastructure, monitor dryer equipment and notify management when maintenance is required.
  • Assist in trouble-shooting of equipment and process problems.
  • Notify Lead or Supervisor of equipment failures and when major process problems or variations in the process are detected.
  • Communicate and interact with other employees in a teamwork environment and work together in a respectful and manner.
  • Communicate with management personnel in a constructive manner about team members' performance.
  • Learn all equipment in Packaging. Cover shifts as scheduled and give breaks when needed.
  • Train and work in other departments in the facility as needed. This may include, cleaning and filling in for various absences throughout the facility, and assigned tasks depending upon operational needs.
  • Drive a stand-up, sit-down, or walkie stacker forklift on a regular basis.
  • Other duties as assigned based upon operational needs.

Required qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • High school diploma or 3 years minimum or experience in similar position.
  • Ability to follow instructions, learn and ask questions.
  • Mechanical aptitude and trouble-shooting skills.
  • Good people skills.
  • Ability to manage time and plan ahead.
  • Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
  • Read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Write simple correspondence. Effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
  • Add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Perform simple mathematical analysis using the units of money, weight, volume, and distance.
  • Apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one- or two-step instructions. Solve standardized problems with few or no variables. Use learned experience to solve more detailed and complex problems.
  • Ability to be forklift certified required.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms; occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Knowledge of manufacturing and packaging processes preferred.

Lesaffre 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.