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Valero Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

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 ...

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 ...

QA/QC Lab Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

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 ...

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 ...

Maintenance Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

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 ...

QA/QC Lab Technician - Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$19.25 - $24.25/hr

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 ...

Valero information

What is a Valero?

A Valero job typically refers to a position at Valero Energy Corporation, a Fortune 500 company specializing in petroleum refining and marketing. Valero offers a range of jobs in areas such as refining operations, corporate management, engineering, and logistics. Employees at Valero work in roles that support the production and distribution of fuels and petrochemical products. The company is known for competitive pay, benefits, and career growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Valero vs Gas Station Attendant?

AspectValeroGas Station Attendant
Required CertificationsNone specific, may require safety trainingBasic customer service and safety training
Work EnvironmentRefinery, retail stations, corporate officesGas station retail environment
Employer & Industry UsageRefining, distribution, retailRetail fuel stations, convenience stores
Common Search & ComparisonValero vs Gas Station AttendantCustomer service, retail fuel jobs

Valero is a large energy company involved in refining and retail, while a Gas Station Attendant typically works at a retail fuel station, focusing on customer service and basic safety. The roles differ mainly in scope and responsibilities, with Valero offering broader opportunities within the energy industry.

What are common challenges when starting a career at Valero and how can new employees navigate them?

New employees at Valero often encounter a fast-paced environment that emphasizes safety, teamwork, and adherence to strict operational protocols. Adjusting to the company’s safety culture and learning complex refinery processes can be challenging at first. Building strong relationships with colleagues, actively participating in training programs, and seeking mentorship from experienced team members are effective ways to overcome these initial hurdles. Valero also encourages open communication and continuous learning, which helps new hires integrate smoothly and develop professionally.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a Valero employee?

To thrive as an employee at Valero, strong analytical abilities, industry-specific knowledge (such as refining or logistics), and relevant educational qualifications are essential. Familiarity with safety management systems, process control software, and certifications like OSHA or HAZWOPER are often required, especially for technical or operational roles. Strong teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail help employees excel in a collaborative and safety-driven environment. These skills and qualities ensure operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and a safe workplace, all critical in the energy and refining industry.

What does Valero do?

Valero is a multinational energy company primarily engaged in the refining and marketing of petroleum products. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Valero operates refineries, ethanol plants, and a large network of retail fuel stations across the United States, Canada, and other countries. The company produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemical products, supplying both wholesale and retail markets. Valero is recognized as one of the world's largest independent refiners and is committed to safety, environmental responsibility, and community involvement.
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Valero jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Valero job openings:
Infographic showing various Valero job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 61% Full Time, 37% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Hybrid job distribution.

Maintenance Technician - Ethanol Plant

Valero

Lakota, IA • On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


Valero rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 86 rated oil and gas companies


Job 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 Maintenance Technician you will be responsible for the repair and maintenance of the plant equipment, to 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:

  • Participate in plant maintenance program.
  • Repair or replace plant equipment or systems on a scheduled or emergency basis.
  • Perform preventative maintenance activities as required.
  • Communicate directly with production and shipping/receiving department to coordinate maintenance and repair work.
  • Work with engineering department, external contractors and vendors to implement installation of new equipment or systems.
  • Assist with diagnosing and trouble-shooting maintenance related issues.
  • Assist with new installations and other projects, as requested by supervisor.
  • Know and understand city, county, state, and federal regulations relating to maintenance and plant equipment, and work in a safe manner to ensure that these regulations are met at all times.
  • Work a schedule that occasionally requires overtime or call-in as required.
  • Participate in plant turn-arounds.
  • Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.
  • Participate in Health, Safety and Environmental programs.
  • Complete work orders as assigned.

This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Minimum Requirements:

  • High school diploma or GED required.   
  • Two years experience in the maintenance or repair of industrial equipment (pumps, valves, compressors, conveying equipment, etc.) required. 
  • Able and willing to work on-site and in-person, required.  

Preferred Requirements: 

  • Welding experience on carbon/stainless steel preferred.
  • Experience in the maintenance functions of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred.
  • Experience in the use of hand and power tools 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 Lakota 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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