Plant Operator - Aberdeen, SD

Glacial Lakes Energy; Mercier Township (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Flexible spending accounts

Paid holidays

Vacation

Sick leave

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

Glacial Lakes Energy in Aberdeen, SD is hiring Plant Operators to join our state-of-the-art ethanol facility. You will operate, monitor, and maintain equipment, sample products, and help ensure product quality while supporting a fast-paced production environment.

We offer a competitive starting wage of $22 per hour, a $3 per hour night shift premium, and a certification bonus of $2.50 per hour after completing the program, plus strong benefits and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Experience in plant operations is a plus; training provided.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and shut down equipment.
• Sample and test products to ensure quality.
• Perform light maintenance and maintain plant cleanliness.

Skills

12-hour rotating shifts

Physical endurance

Willing to be trained

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Join the Glacial Lakes Energy Team as a Plant Operator!

Are you ready to fuel your career with purpose? At Glacial Lakes Energy (GLE) — a leader in the corn ethanol industry—we’re seeking Plant Operators to join our growing team in Aberdeen, SD.

If you're looking for a stable, rewarding career with a company that supports agriculture, values innovation, and invests in its people, GLE is the place for you!

What We Offer

Competitive Starting Wage:$22/hr

Shift Premium: Additional $3/hr for night shifts

Certification Bonus: Earn an extra $2.50/hr after completing our certification program

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development

As a Plant Operator, you’ll play a key part in the daily operations of our state-of-the-art ethanol production facility. Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating, monitoring, and shutting down equipment
• Sampling and testing products to ensure quality
• Performing light maintenance and maintaining plant cleanliness

You’ll gain valuable hands‑on experience and have opportunities to grow your skills in a fast‑paced, high‑tech environment.

What You Bring

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Ability to work 12‑hour rotating shifts
• Physically able to climb ladders and steps, manage confined space entry, and lift at least 50 lbs
• Previous experience in plant operations is a plus—but we’ll train you!

Founded in 2001, Glacial Lakes Energy is one of South Dakota’s premier renewable fuels producers, with locations in Mina, Watertown, Huron, and Aberdeen. We employ over 200 team members and are proud to support the ag economy across our region.

At GLE, we believe in your growth. From our structured certification program to tuition reimbursement and career advancement opportunities, we’re committed to helping you build a long‑term, fulfilling career.

At GLE, you're not just filling a position—you're joining a team that values integrity, accountability, professionalism, respect, and teamwork. We invest in our people and our future.

Glacial Lakes Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of employment to all applicants and employees, regardless of age, color, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected status.