Process Operator

Green Plains Inc.; Wood River (NE); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Green Plains Inc. is seeking a plant operator to support fermentation and distillation operations. The role requires accurate execution of duties to maintain safe, efficient plant performance under supervision of the Operations Manager and Team Leader.

You will learn all facets of the ethanol production line, operate the DCS system, follow established procedures, collect samples, and maintain thorough logs to ensure product quality and regulatory compliance. Training and safety are emphasized.

Qualifications

• Requires good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Able to multi-task and manage several priorities with accuracy.
• Detail-oriented and dependable with a positive attitude.
• Team player who can contribute to a safe and efficient work environment.

Responsibilities

• Learn all facets of the ethanol process including cook, distillation, drying, and water treatment.
• Operate the DCS computer control system for the plant.
• Follow SOPs for start-up, shut down, cleaning and batching.
• Maintain logs and monitor production parameters and notify management of issues.
• Collect samples and perform tests to ensure product quality and record results.
• Communicate with maintenance for mechanical problems and coordinate with lab procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

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.

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.