Process Operator

Green Plains Inc.; Wood River (NE); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company matching

Paid holidays

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Job summary

Green Plains Inc. is hiring for an entry-level plant operator to support fermentation and distillation operations at our Wood River, Nebraska facility. You will learn all facets of the ethanol process, operate the DCS system, and follow SOPs for start-up, shut-down, cleaning and batching.

The role emphasizes accuracy, safety, and teamwork, with opportunities to grow into more advanced production duties. Ideal candidates have a strong work ethic, reliable attendance, and good communication

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Able to operate a utility vehicle.
• Hard working, self-motivated and detail-oriented with a team focus.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• No prior experience required; experience in industrial plants is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Learn all facets of ethanol process and plant systems.
• Operate DCS and monitor production within set parameters.
• Follow SOPs for start-up, shut-down, cleaning and batching.
• Keep logs accurate and timely; notify management of issues.
• Collaborate with maintenance and laboratory for testing and repairs.
• Participate in safety programs and training; perform duties safely.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Communication

Team player

Hardworking

Self-motivated

Vehicle operation

Industrial production

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

DCS operation

Job description

Summary

This position requires accurate and accountable performance of all necessary duties to ensure safe and efficient operations in the fermentation and distillation areas of the facility. This position works under the immediate supervision of the Operations Manager and functionally reports to the Team Leader at the location.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Learn all facets of the ethanol process including: cook, distillation, evaporation, dryers, thermo oxidizer, centrifuges, grain system, and water treatment.
• Learn and operate DCS (computer control system) for the plant.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures for plant start-up, shut down, cleaning and batching.
• Stay within operating parameters set by Plant/Production Manager and notify management of any production problems.
• Keep accurate and timely logs.
• Collect samples and do the necessary tests to ensure consistent and quality product and record results.
• Monitor and make adjustments on the (DCS) computer according to the results of the samples and to keep within parameters and record changes.
• Keep facility, control room, and break room clean including mopping and hosing down plant floors – tour ready conditions.
• Keep operators, coming on shift, briefed on what has happened and what is supposed to be done during the next shift.
• Work closely with maintenance and inform them of any mechanical problems.
• Communicate with the Laboratory and learn testing procedures including but not limited to yeast counts, microwave analyzer, HPLC, and the GC.
• Responsible for notifying Production/ Plant Manager of any production problems.
• Complete any and all tasks assigned by the Plant Manager/Production Manager.
• Help out in other areas as needed.
• Available occasionally for call in work and overtime.
• Participate in safety programs and ongoing training sessions.
• Required to follow all safety procedures.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Requires a valid driver’s license.
• Be able to operate utility vehicle.
• Must be hard working and self-motivated.
• Detail-oriented; proficiency for accuracy; dependable; positive attitude; team player.
• Ability to multi-task and take ownership of assigned projects.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• No experience necessary.
• Experience in industrial production plants helpful.
• Maintaining a thorough understanding of applicable regulatory requirements of FRA, TTB and state regulations.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Must be able to manage confined space entry, climb ladders and steps, lift up to 60 lbs, and work at heights.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to work near moving mechanical parts.
• The employee is regularly exposed to dusty conditions.
• The employee is regularly exposed to high noise environments.The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather in all conditions.
• The employee will regularly be exposed to chemicals used in the process.

Green Plains Inc. offers competitive pay: a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k) retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for plant-based roles to comply with applicable child labor laws.

Green Plains does not provide immigration-related employment sponsorship for new hires (for example, H‑1B, F‑1 OPT, TN, or other work visas). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and be able to maintain ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed 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. Other duties may be assigned.

Company Description

Green Plains Inc. (NASDAQ:GPRE) is a leading biorefining company focused on disciplined execution and leadership in low‑carbon biofuels and high‑value ingredients. The company operates a performance‑driven platform focused on maximizing yield, lowering carbon intensity, and delivering long‑term value through responsible capital deployment.

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