Process Operator - Fort Dodge Ethanol Plant

Valero; Fort Dodge (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

401K Match

Healthcare & Wellness

Job summary

Valero Fort Dodge Ethanol Plant in Iowa is hiring a Process Operator to oversee daily operations within a 12-hour rotating shift, maintaining safety and quality while supporting plant goals.

You will monitor and control plant operations, document process variables, participate in QA/QC, and coordinate with departments to ensure safe, efficient daily activities; prior experience in a dry-mill ethanol environment is preferred, with on-site availability required.

Qualifications

• HS diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree in Process Technology preferred.
• Experience with dry-mill ethanol plant operations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and control plant operations to ensure safe, efficient production.
• Review plant operation to maintain quality and identify improvement opportunities.
• Participate in projects to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
• Document process variables, samples, and routine tasks per requirements.
• Participate in QA/QC programs and take action when needed.
• Communicate with departments to coordinate daily plant activities.
• Troubleshoot process issues and equipment as needed.
• Perform scheduled operations work requests as directed.
• Prepare equipment for safe maintenance by contractors.

Skills

On-site readiness

Safety consciousness

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree in Process Technology

Tools

Dry-mill ethanol plant ops

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 Process Operator you will oversee the daily operation of an assigned area of the production process within the plant. Working a 12-hour rotating shift schedule while maintaining a safe work environment. Monitors and maintains production quality and equipment, 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

• Monitor and control plant operations.
• Review the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Participate in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
• Document and monitor process variables, sample data and routine tasks as required for position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters.
• Participate in Quality Assurance/Quality Control program, interpret results, and take appropriate action when required.
• Communicate with all departments within the facility to ensure safe and efficient execution of daily plant activities.
• Monitor and troubleshoot process issues and equipment.
• Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management.
• Prepare equipment to ensure it is safe for maintenance/contractors to perform scheduled work.
• Utilize company safe work practices to ensure all work is performed safely.
• Participate in safety, health, and environmental programs (LOTO-lock out tag out, Safe Work Permit, FSMA-Food Safety Modernization Act).
• Participate in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.
• Monitor use and inventory of process chemicals and supplies.
• Perform other duties as assigned to maintain a safe, reliable, and consistent operation.
• This position is hourly nonexempt status, which means you are eligible for overtime pay.

Job

Operations/Skilled Crafts & Trades/Maintenance

Primary Location

US-IA-Fort Dodge

Job Posting

Aug 1, 2026, 12:52:09 AM

Unposting Date

Ongoing

Minimum Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Fort Dodge Ethanol Plant required.

Preferred Requirements

• Associate Degree in Process Technology or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred.

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 Fort Dodge 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.