1

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 ...

Spray Dryer Operator information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$25

How much do spray dryer operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 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 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 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 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 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 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 88% Full Time, and 12% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,945 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

Production Operator III

APC Worldwide

Arion, IA • On-site

$16 - $19.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Promote safety, maintain a sanitary food environment, and ensure that only the highest quality product is made. Work day or nights, 8-hour shifts schedules including weekends and holidays, and overtime as needed.JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: High School Diploma or GED certificate preferred.

Experience: Previous work experience in agriculture, production, or manufacturing preferred.

JOB DUTIES:
  • Operate production equipment under the supervision of the shift supervisor as follows:
  • Nano-filtration, UV or dryer operation (Job dependent)
  • Monitor and document product volume, temperatures, times, and pressure readings
  • Connect pipes and hoses
  • Adjust valves and operate pumps
  • Clean dryer spray nozzles and tips
  • Monitor gauges, take solids readings and clean outside of all equipment using chemicals (caustics, acids, and hot water)
  • Monitor equipment to ensure proper function and operation
  • Must know type of product, source, and all handling procedures involved in each processing procedure
  • Full understanding of product flow
  • Process plasma in nano-filtration room, connect pipes, operate electrical pumps and clean equipment
  • Assist with the change out of membranes as needed
  • Maintain a safe, clean, organized work area throughout the facility
  • Maintain general housekeeping of production areas
  • Ensure all charts are charts are properly documented according to company and regulatory regulations
  • Ensure all paperwork is done correctly and completely
  • Operate pallet jack and forklift
  • Proficient computer skills
  • CIP silos and equipment
  • Complies with and follows company food safety and quality policies.
  • Sample product in according and adherence to all SOPs, procedures and quality requirements, document, and report raw material that is out of specification.
  • Performs elementary mechanical and carpentry repairs throughout plant as instructed by supervision.
  • Engage in continuous improvement and process improvement
  • Anticipate problems and implement solutions
  • Demonstrate good judgement in safeguarding customer, company, vendor and employee information.
  • Assume responsibility for the attainment of plant goals and objectives.
  • Maintain cooperative working relationships and communications with employees from all other departments and peers
  • Assists maintenance with repairing/replacing motors and pumps throughout the plant
JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to prepare and operate all machinery associated with job tasks
  • General knowledge of production/manufacturing methods
  • Ability to read gauges and record data in a legible manner and in accordance with established procedures
  • Ability to learn to handle inedible protein materials in accordance with established sanitary procedures and practices.
  • Ability to understand and follow established work procedures, including mandated sanitary and safety guidelines.
  • Must be able to read, write and speak in English to prepare and comprehend logs, schedules, and communicate with fellow employees.
  • Must have good communication skills, both verbal and written.
  • Ability to operate forklift/pallet jack.
  • Ability to perform basic math skills.
  • Ability to move freely throughout plant with sustained physical/mental effort to climb, sample and clean equipment and work areas.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional during peak periods.
  • Ability to troubleshoot malfunctions and situations as they arise, notifying appropriate staff of problems beyond scope of normality.
  • Ability to cooperate with all staff.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Ability to work daily and overtime as necessary.
  • Ability to assist in all work areas.
  • Takes on additional responsibility when both big and small tasks need to be done.
  • Firmly adheres to the values and ethics of APC
  • Willing to work with others, collaborating and compromising when necessary, promptly share relevant information with others
  • Is open to changing situations and is willing to perform all tasks when and where assigned
  • Able and willing to perform task and duties independently
  • Maintains a positive and professional attitude and work ethic
  • Follow all GMPs and work in a manner consistent with all corporate, regulatory, food, safety, quality and sanitation requirements.
BASIC PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Approximate: 8 Hour Day (may be longer during peak season)

Key:

Occasional = 0% - 33%

Frequent = 34% - 66%

Continuous = 67% - 100%

N/A = Not Applicable

Standing - Continuous

Sitting - Occasional

Walking - Frequent

Bending/Kneeling/Crouching/Stooping - Frequent

Reaching Above Shoulder - Frequent

Climbing (stairs, ladders, etc.) - Frequent

Confined Spaces - Occasional

Working on Heights:

Unprotected Heights - Occasional

Protected Heights - Occasional

Lifting weights from 1 to 80 lbs. at waist level - Frequent

Lifting weights from 1 to 60 lbs. at floor level - Frequent

Lifting weights from 1 to 50 lbs. at shoulder level - Frequent

Push/Pull/Maneuver Equipment/Products/Materials

Weighing with up to 80 lbs. of force - Frequent

Working with/or Operating Moving Machinery/Equipment - Continuous

Operating a Motor Vehicle (as a part of your job) - N/A

Read/Monitor Gauges on Various Equipment/Machinery - Occasional

Hand Movements:

Recording Data - Frequent

Operating Office Equipment - N/A

Operating Computer - N/A

Simple Grasping (right and left) - Frequent

Firm Grasping (right and left) up to 80 lbs of force - Frequent

Fine Manipulating (right and left) - Occasional

Foot Movements to Operate Foot Controls - Occasional

Good Vision, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Access

Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes

Color Definition - N/A

Good Hearing, Corrected to Normal; or Ability to Communicate

and/or Understand Required Information and to Perform Job Duties - Yes

Ability to be Mobile throughout Required Work Areas - Yes

Office - Occasional

Multiple Locations - Occasional

Plant - Continuous

Equipment/Maintenance or Repair Area - Continuous

Rough Terrain - Occasional

Other - N/A

APC Participates in E-Verify

#SAPC