Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant

Valero; Lakota (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in chemical manufacturing is hiring a Process Operator for their Lakota Ethanol Plant. The candidate will oversee daily operations, ensure production quality, and maintain safety standards in a 12-hour rotating shift. Candidates should have a high school diploma and relevant operational experience. Competitive hourly wage of $27.75 with additional night shift pay.

Qualifications

• Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred.
• Able to work on-site.
• Understanding of safety and quality control procedures.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the production process.
• Monitor and troubleshoot process issues.
• Participate in safety and environmental programs.

Skills

Problem Solving

Safety Awareness

Quality Control

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree in Process Technology

Job description

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Oversees 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.

• Monitors and controls plant operations.
• Reviews the operation of the plant constantly to monitor production and quality, anticipating and solving problems in a timely manner, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Participates in projects that improve efficiency and/or reduce operating costs.
• Documents and monitors process variables, sample data and routine tasks as required for position, to ensure plant operations are maintained within operating parameters.
• Participates in Quality Assurance/Quality Control program, interprets results, and takes appropriate action when required.
• Communicates with all departments within the facility to ensure safe and efficient execution of daily plant activities.
• Monitors and troubleshoots process issues and equipment.
• Performs scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management.
• Prepares equipment to ensure it is safe for maintenance/contractors to perform scheduled work.
• Utilizes company safe work practices to ensure all work is performed safely.
• Participates in safety, health, and environmental programs (LOTO-lock out tag out, Safe Work Permit, FSMA-Food Safety Modernization Act).
• Participates in programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.
• Monitors use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies.
• Performs 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.

Starting wage $27.75/hour

$2/hour Night Shift Differential

Please click on the following link to view what the Process Operator job involves on a day to day basis: Realistic Job Preview

Job

Operations/Skilled Crafts & Trades/Maintenance

Primary Location:

US-IA-Lakota

Job Posting

May 28, 2025, 3:27:05 PM

Unposting Date

Ongoing

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate Degree in Process Technology or equivalent preferred.
• Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred.
• Able and willing to work on-site, in-person at the Valero Lakota Ethanol Plant required.
  
  

Valero’s pre-employment process includes successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screen.

About Valero Renewables – Lakota

Valero's Lakota ethanol plant is located in Lakota, Iowa, about 30 miles southeast of Fairmont, Minnesota. The bio-refinery sits on 78 acres and started ethanol production in November 2002. The facility uses a dry-grind production method and state-of-the-art technology to maintain industry-leading standards in production, safety, product quality and environmental stewardship. The Lakota plant annually processes nearly 38 million bushels of corn into 110 million gallons of denatured ethanol and 289,000 tons of distillers grains co-products. The bio-refinery has a nameplate capacity of 85 million gallons of ethanol per year and employs approximately 70 employees.

Valero's employees are the heart of its success, and there is a reason why the company is an employer of choice in the fuels manufacturing and marketing industry. It’s not just the excellent benefits package, or the opportunities for personal growth, it’s also the caring and committed culture of the organization that makes everyone feel like they’re truly part of a team. For more information, visit Valero.com.

Valero is an EEO/AA Employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected status, including race/ethnicity, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), 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.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Management and Manufacturing

• Industries

  Chemical Manufacturing and Oil and Gas

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